How We Test Health Products

Our testing methodology is designed to provide the most accurate and trustworthy assessment of health products available. Here’s exactly how we evaluate every product we review.

Step 1: Product Selection

We identify products based on market presence, ingredient claims, and reader requests. We then independently purchase products at retail prices — never accepting free samples from brands.

Step 2: Label & Ingredient Analysis

Our pharmacist and nutrition team analyze:

• Full ingredient list and doses vs. clinical research standards
• Proprietary blends (we flag these as transparency concerns)
• Certifications (NSF, USP, Informed Sport)
• Manufacturing facility compliance (GMP certification)

Step 3: Third-Party Lab Testing

For products making significant claims, we submit samples to ISO 17025-accredited laboratories for independent verification of:

• Active ingredient identity and potency
• Contaminant screening (heavy metals, pesticides, microbial)
• Label accuracy vs. actual contents

Step 4: Literature Review

Our medical team reviews peer-reviewed research on key ingredients, assessing clinical evidence quality, study methodologies, and real-world applicability.

Step 5: Real-World Testing

Products are used by our testing panel for a minimum of 30 days. Testers document effects, side effects, and overall experience in a standardized format.

Step 6: Scoring

Products are scored on a 10-point scale across categories including: ingredient quality, dosing accuracy, value, transparency, and evidence quality. Our final score reflects the weighted average across all categories.

Step 7: Medical Review

All completed reviews are reviewed by a board-certified physician before publication to ensure medical accuracy and compliance with FDA guidelines on health claims.