What Does NRV Mean on Vitamins? A Label Guide

NRV means Nutrient Reference Value. On a vitamin or mineral label, the percentage NRV compares an amount with a standard reference figure. It gives you a common point for comparing labels, rather than a personalised assessment of what your body needs.

How to calculate a percentage NRV

Divide the amount of the nutrient by its reference value, then multiply by 100. Make sure both amounts use the same units.

Worked example: the labelling NRV for vitamin C is 80mg. A hypothetical serving containing 40mg provides 50% NRV; one containing 80mg provides 100%; one containing 160mg provides 200%. These examples explain the calculation and are not a recommendation to take a particular dose.

First check what “one serving” means

Before comparing two products, check whether the figures are per capsule or per recommended daily portion. A pack of 60 capsules could provide 60, 30 or another number of daily portions, depending on the directions.

For a day and night product, read both tables. If the same nutrient appears in both, check whether the listed amount already covers the whole routine before adding figures together. Ask the manufacturer when the presentation is unclear.

What 100% NRV does not mean

  • It is not a personalised prescription.
  • It is not the maximum safe intake.
  • It does not show how much you already get from food.
  • A higher percentage is not, by itself, proof of a better product.
  • An ingredient without an established NRV cannot be compared using this percentage.

NRV and UK advice can use different figures

Vitamin D is a useful example. Its labelling NRV is 5µg, while UK advice for adults uses 10µg a day. A 10µg amount therefore corresponds to 200% of the labelling NRV. The percentage and the public-health advice answer different questions.

For the seasonal supplement advice and how to check an existing multivitamin, read the NHS vitamin D guide.

A quick label-reading routine

  1. Find the recommended daily portion.
  2. Read each nutrient’s amount and unit.
  3. Use the NRV column as a comparison reference.
  4. Check overlap with other supplements.
  5. Read the full ingredients, allergens and suitability advice.

For your next step, use our UK multivitamin buyer’s guide, or explore the labels for VITTOMEN, VITTOWOMEN and VITTOSKIN.

Sources: Annex XIII: labelling nutrient reference values; UK food supplements guidance.

Published 24 September 2026 by Vitto Vitamins. General information for adults. Follow your pack directions and seek professional advice about individual needs. Supplements do not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

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