SuppCo's New Certification Program: Revolutionizing Dietary Supplement Verification
SuppCo, a leading company in the supplement industry, has introduced a groundbreaking certification program called TESTED by SuppCo. This initiative aims to address the long-standing issue of transparency and accountability in the dietary supplement market, where consumers often struggle to make informed decisions. The program complements SuppCo's existing TrustScore system, which evaluates supplement quality, and builds upon previous testing efforts that revealed alarming discrepancies between product labels and actual ingredients.
Addressing a Systemic Issue
Steve Martocci, co-founder and CEO of SuppCo, shares his personal journey that led to the creation of TESTED. He explains, "SuppCo was born from my own frustration with making informed choices about supplements. I soon realized that this challenge was not unique to me but rather a systemic failure within the industry. With TESTED, we aim to set a clear, independent standard for transparency and accountability, ensuring that people can trust the products they purchase, and responsible brands can demonstrate their commitment to quality."
Partnerships and Initial Testing
TESTED by SuppCo is launching in collaboration with several reputable brands, including Momentous, Thorne, Metagenics, Gaia Herbs, and many more. The initial testing focused on popular supplements like creatine, NAD+, urolithin A, and berberine, revealing shocking results. Jordan Glenn, Head of Science at SuppCo, highlights that approximately half of the tested products contained only 0% to 3% of their listed active ingredients, particularly in brands claiming the highest serving sizes. This discovery exposed a widespread issue with quality control, from raw ingredient sourcing to final formulation verification.
The Certification Process
TESTED by SuppCo employs a rigorous certification process. All products are submitted for testing through an independent ISO 17025-accredited laboratory. Products that meet or exceed 95% of their labeled active ingredient claims earn the certification. Importantly, all test results, whether certified or not, are publicly available on SuppCo's product pages, empowering consumers to make informed choices. This transparency ensures that even failures in quality control are brought to light, holding brands accountable.
Annual Compliance and Remediation
To maintain high standards, SuppCo conducts annual testing to ensure compliance. Products that fail to meet the criteria are guided through remediation before retesting. Brands are responsible for covering the certification fee, which covers the costs of independent testing, program operations, and licensing. This structured approach ensures that the certification process remains fair and accessible.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
SuppCo is not the first company to address supplement labeling and identity issues. However, their approach is unique in its focus on closing a 'meaningful loophole' in the testing process. Most existing certifications rely on manufacturer-submitted samples, which can be carefully selected to meet the criteria. TESTED, on the other hand, purchases products anonymously, off the shelf, just like a consumer, ensuring a more accurate representation of the product's quality.
Industry Self-Policing and Consumer Expectations
The supplement industry is at a critical juncture, with rising consumer expectations and increasing regulatory scrutiny. Independent verification is becoming a standard expectation rather than a differentiator. Jeff Byers, CEO of Momentous, emphasizes the importance of trust and accountability, stating, 'It's easy for brands to make bold claims, but proving them is a challenge. We chose TESTED by SuppCo because transparency is the key to industry progress.'
SuppCo's mission is to ensure supplement label accuracy, identity, purity, and quality, addressing a fundamental structural issue in the industry. By combining rigorous testing, transparency, and accountability, TESTED by SuppCo aims to revolutionize the dietary supplement market, ultimately benefiting consumers and fostering a more trustworthy industry.
