Which factor is NOT considered when evaluating dietary supplements?

When evaluating dietary supplements, the focus is typically on substantial and scientifically-backed factors that contribute to their safety, efficacy, and compliance with regulations. The ingredients listed on the label are essential since they dictate what the consumer is actually taking and form the basis for evaluating their potential health benefits or risks. Nutrition guidelines provide a framework for understanding how a supplement fits into overall dietary needs and can help in assessing its necessity and benefit in a person's diet.

The FDA approval status is critical, as it indicates whether a product has been thoroughly reviewed for safety and efficacy. While supplements are not subject to the same rigorous approval process as pharmaceuticals, understanding their regulatory status is crucial for consumer safety.

Manufacturer's marketing claims, however, can often include promotional language intended to persuade consumers but are not necessarily based on empirical evidence. These claims can be misleading and are not systematically evaluated in the same manner as the other factors. Hence, they do not constitute a reliable basis for evaluating the supplement's value or safety. This makes it clear why marketing claims do not hold the same weight in the evaluation process compared to the other options listed.