The Letterman Standard Parent Guide
Review the label before it enters the routine.
A practical guide for parents and guardians reviewing supplement labels, ingredient amounts, claims, allergens, and quality information before adding anything to a student-athlete routine.
The L is our trust mark
Start with the label
Find the Supplement Facts panel, serving size, active ingredients, and amounts before reviewing claims.
No mystery math
Avoid decisions based on vague blend names or hidden active-ingredient amounts.
Review the routine
Supplements should not replace food, hydration, sleep, recovery, training, coaching, or medical guidance.
Check eligibility
Athletes should follow the rules of their school, team, league, athletic department, or governing body.
Parent review checklist
Nine checks before use.
Can I find the full Supplement Facts panel?
Can I see every active ingredient and the amount per serving?
Are active-ingredient amounts clear instead of hidden inside a blend?
Do I understand why each active ingredient is included?
Have I checked allergens, warnings, caffeine or stimulant information, and serving directions?
Have I considered age, health history, medications, allergies, and routine?
Have I reviewed manufacturing, testing, and certification details?
Have I checked school, team, league, athletic department, or governing-body rules?
Do I know who to contact with product, quality, or adverse-reaction concerns?
How to read the label
Start with what is measurable.
A responsible supplement review starts with the label, not the marketing claim. Parents should be able to find what is in the product, how much is included, how it should be used, and who should be cautious.
Supplement Facts
Shows serving size, active ingredients, and amounts per serving.
Other ingredients
May support flavor, texture, mixability, stability, or manufacturing.
Suggested use
Review the serving size and directions. Do not exceed the suggested serving unless directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Warnings and allergens
Check age, pregnancy or nursing, medication, health-condition, caffeine, allergy, and stimulant cautions.
Questions to ask before use
A better decision starts with better questions.
- What is every active ingredient and how much is included?
- Why is each ingredient in the formula?
- Are allergens, warnings, and suggested use easy to find?
- Does the product contain caffeine, stimulants, herbs, high-dose vitamins or minerals, or overlapping ingredients?
- What manufacturing, testing, and certification standards apply?
- Is this appropriate for my athlete's age, health history, medications, allergies, and routine?
- Does this product fit the rules of my athlete's school, team, league, or governing body?
Red flags
Slow down when the information is hidden, hyped, or unclear.
When to ask for guidance
Some decisions should include a qualified professional.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use when the athlete is under 18, takes medication, has allergies, has a medical condition, has had previous adverse reactions, is pregnant or nursing, or may be combining supplements with overlapping ingredients.
Review before use
Use this guide with the rest of the standard.
Responsible use
Always review the Supplement Facts panel and consult a qualified healthcare professional before use, especially for athletes under 18, anyone who is pregnant or nursing, anyone with a medical condition, anyone with allergies, or anyone taking medication. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.