People around the globe use supplements for various reasons. Some use them to boost their energy, improve sleep, and others to strengthen their immune system. This is in addition to other healthy habits such as exercise and eating balanced meals, of course.
If you have ever tried to read the labels on the back of the supplement bottle, you might read a phrase that says ‘third-party tested’ and wonder what it means. This article will focus on what ‘third-party tested’ really means and why it is important so that you make safe and smart choices for yourself and your family.
Table of Contents
- Why Is Third-Party Testing Important?
- What’s Actually Tested?
- Who Does the Testing?
- Why Third-Party Testing Matters?
- Common Misconceptions About Third-Party Testing
- Common Questions People Ask About Third-Party Testing
Why Is Third-Party Testing Important?
While medications are tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other government bodies, supplements are not. It is expected to take years of research for a medication to be available on the market; supplements, on the other hand, don’t face those same requirements.
For instance, in the United States, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 declared that supplement companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their own products; they don’t have to prove their effectiveness before going to the market; the FDA’s responsibility only begins if a problem is reported.
This means a supplement could be poorly made or inaccurately labeled. A study published in Food Science and Nutrition found that among 41 dietary supplements, 79% of them have cadmium, lead, or mercury, which are known for their health risks.
That’s why third-party testing is important. The supplement company will hire an independent organization with no ties to the manufacturer to evaluate the product. This independent organization shouldn’t have any benefit whether the supplement sells or not. Their job is to analyze the product, assess its content, and confirm whether it meets the standard quality and safety requirements.
If a product has a ‘third-party tested’ mark, you can be reassured that the specific product has the correct ingredients according to the label and doesn’t contain anything harmful.
What’s Actually Tested?
Depending on the certifying bodies, different qualities of the product are tested by a third party. For instance, most third-party programs cover these key areas:
Purity
Checking the purity of the product means checking if the supplement contains unwanted contaminants such as heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and arsenic), pesticides or herbicides, harmful microbes such as bacteria, fungi, mold, or toxins, excessive or undeclared fillers and additives, or undeclared drugs such as steroids, stimulants, or weight loss medications that can be added to make the product work faster.
If the product is declared free, it means it meets strict safety thresholds for contaminants or that the product is clean and uncontaminated.
Accuracy of Labeling
The ingredients and amounts listed on the product label should be exactly what is inside the bottle. For example, if a multivitamin claims to have 500 mg of vitamin C, it should have exactly or close to that.
Problems with labeling include wrong or hidden ingredients and too little or too much dose. That is why checking the accuracy of labeling is important and has become one of the main components of third-party checking.
Potency
Potency refers to the strength or concentration of the active ingredient in a supplement; dosage is the amount needed to have its intended effect. In other words, potency answers the question, ‘Does the pill contain enough ingredients to actually do what it’s supposed to do?’
For instance, a label might list “1,000 IU vitamin D per capsule.” The testing ensures that this quantity is effective for its intended use.
Stability and Shelf Life
Some programs check whether the supplement remains stable and effective until its expiration date.
Stability means how well the supplement maintains its quality, potency, and purity while it is stored. Stable products don’t degrade or get contaminated under the required storage conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure.
Shelf life is the period of time a supplement can be stored and still be safe and effective to use. Checking a product’s stability and shelf life is important to ensure the quality and safety don’t decline over time.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are rules and standards that manufacturers must follow to ensure supplements are made consistently, safely, and with quality control at every step. Certain third-party seals also verify that. They cover everything from the raw ingredients to the finished bottle in the store.
GMP assessment includes the quality of raw materials, the cleanness of the facilities, whether equipment is maintained, whether staff are well trained, assessing the production process, testing, and quality. GMP also helps to easily track and remove a bad batch if something goes wrong.
Who Does the Testing?
Not all third-party seals are created equal. Some are more rigorous and trustworthy than others. Here are some of the most respected third-party organizations out there:
1. U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
USP is one of the most recognized names in supplement testing. It is a nonprofit, independent organization founded in 1820. They follow science-based standards for the quality, purity, strength, and consistency of various medicines, supplements, and food ingredients. Their seal means the supplement has been tested for purity, potency, and accurate labeling. They also check for contaminants.
2. NSF International
NSF International is an independent, global organization founded in 1944. They do tests, inspect, and certify products to ensure they meet public health and safety standards. They’re especially well-known in the world of sports nutrition because they certify products as free of banned substances.
3. ConsumerLab.com
ConsumerLab is an independent company that buys supplements directly from stores, tests them in its own labs, and publishes results online. Unlike the others, they don’t certify with a seal on the bottle, but they provide detailed reports on which brands passed or failed testing.
4. Informed-Choice / Informed-Sport
These programs focus on supplements for athletes. They test for banned substances, ensuring athletes don’t accidentally consume something that could cause a positive drug test.
Why Third-Party Testing Matters?
You might think, isn’t it enough to just buy from a ‘trusted’ brand? The truth is, even ‘big-name’ brands might have issues sometimes. Without third-party testing, you can’t be sure if the quality is as it is claimed.
Here are a few real-world examples that highlight the importance of independent testing:
A study published in JAMA found that
- Nearly 80% of herbal supplements tested contained ingredients not listed on the label.
- Weight loss and sexual enhancement supplements are some of the most likely to be spiked with illegal prescription drugs.
- Some protein powders and meal replacement shakes have been found to contain dangerously high levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium.
By choosing supplements that carry a third-party testing seal, you greatly reduce your risk of consuming something harmful or ineffective.
In addition to quality assurance, if you’re an athlete, certain third-party companies, such as NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport, ensure products are free of certain substances so that you are cleared from any banned substances in your body that might get you disqualified, even if they were consumed unintentionally.
Common Misconceptions About Third-Party Testing
While third-party testing is valuable in ensuring safety, it’s important to clear up a few misconceptions people may have:
Third-party Testing Doesn’t Guarantee Safety for Everyone
Some supplements are safe for most people, especially after third-party testing, but they may still cause side effects or interactions. For instance, third-party testing won’t warn you if a supplement is unsafe with your medication.
Not Every Good Supplement Has a Seal
Some companies may not go through third-party testing for different reasons. Testing costs money, and some smaller but reputable companies may not pay for certification. This doesn’t always mean the product is bad.
Common Questions People Ask About Third-Party Testing
Does the testing check every batch or just a sample?
It depends on the company. Some of them test every batch, while others only test occasionally. Batch-specific testing is more reliable because contamination or mislabeling can vary.
How long is the certification valid?
A supplement’s quality can change over time. For that reason, good programs require regular retesting and audits, not just a one-time approval.
Can the results be seen by the public?
Some certifiers (like ConsumerLab) publish detailed reports, while others just give a seal. Asking for full test reports helps confirm transparency and trust.
What supplements should a breastfeeding mother have?
A breastfeeding mom should be supplied with iron and vitamin D, which are essential for the baby.
How can I tell if a supplement is really third-party tested?
While searching for a supplement to buy, here is your guide to finding credible third-party-tested articles. If you see: USP Verified – A round, gold-and-black seal or NSF Certified—A round blue-and-white seal, or NSF Certified for Sport with a sports-specific label or Informed-Sport / Informed-Choice – Green and black check mark logos.
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