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Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the way drugs are, so how do you know the product that you’re buying contains the ingredients on the label and that it has been manufactured properly and doesn’t contain contaminants?
Look for verification from a third party, such as the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International, and ConsumerLab.com, says John Travis, senior research scientist at NSF International in Ann Arbor. You can also look up potential negative interactions through the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Read on to learn some of the vitamins and supplements experts tell us they trust.
What To Look For In A Vitamin Brand
We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Not all supplements are created equal. One of the safeguards to ensure purity, strength, and identity of supplements are independent, third-party testing companies such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia.
This seal ensures that you are purchasing a high-quality, potent, and safely manufactured product. Certifications:
Certifications—such as USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified—provide reassurance that the brand produces high quality, potent vitamins. Consider your individual needs when choosing a vitamin brand.
Testing:
Look for a brand that independently tests all of their raw ingredients and finished products. If you’re unable to find this information, look at third-party supplement testing information published on websites such as ConsumerLab.com and Labdoor.com. Price:
Fortunately, a high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better quality.
There are many great wallet-friendly vitamin brands on the market.
How We Choose
As a result, your best bet is to pick products that have been quality tested by an independent group (products will note this on the label). We’ve selected the best vitamin brands based on their CGMPs compliance and verification from one (or more) of the following independent quality control groups:
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National Science Foundation (NSF): tests and reviews supplements and vitamins for safety and effectiveness.
United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP): tests supplements to see if they contain what is on the label in the stated potencies, check for harmful contaminants and make sure the supplement breaks down so it can be properly absorbed by the body.
Multivitamin: Klaire Labs Multi Vitaprime
Look for verification from a third party, such as the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International, and ConsumerLab.com, says John Travis, senior research scientist at NSF International in Ann Arbor. “Most supplement manufacturers are committed to ensuring quality and safety, but there are a few irresponsible and unscrupulous companies out there whose actions are putting consumers at risk,” says Travis.
No matter which supplement you choose, check with your pharmacist that it’s safe to take with any other medications and supplements that you consume.
Resources
The vitamin and supplement brands listed here are the ones that I’ve come to know and love over the years. I’ve put together a list of articles and resources that are meant to help anyone better understand how to find quality supplements.