SuppCo, a company dedicated to enhancing transparency and accountability in the dietary supplement industry, has introduced a groundbreaking certification program called 'TESTED by SuppCo'. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the systemic issues plaguing the industry, as highlighted by Steve Martocci, the co-founder and CEO of SuppCo. He shared his personal journey, driven by the frustration of making informed decisions about supplements, which led to the creation of this innovative solution.
The new program is a natural extension of SuppCo's existing TrustScore system, which evaluates supplement quality. It builds upon previous testing efforts that revealed a concerning trend: nearly half of the top-selling supplements failed to meet basic label accuracy standards. Jordan Glenn, the head of science at SuppCo, emphasized the importance of this certification, stating that it provides an independent standard for transparency and accountability.
TESTED by SuppCo is a partnership with renowned brands such as Momentous, Thorne, Metagenics, Gaia Herbs, and many more. The certification process involves submitting products for testing through an independent ISO 17025-accredited laboratory. Products that meet or exceed 95% of their labeled active ingredient claims earn the certification. This ensures that consumers can trust the contents of the bottles they purchase.
The initial testing rounds focused on creatine, NAD+, urolithin A, and berberine supplements, revealing alarming findings. Many products contained significantly lower amounts of their listed active ingredients, especially those with the highest serving sizes. SuppCo's retrospective analysis highlighted a breakdown in quality control at various stages, from raw ingredient sourcing to final formulation verification.
What sets TESTED by SuppCo apart is its unique approach. Unlike other certifications that rely on manufacturer-submitted samples, TESTED purchases products anonymously, off the shelf, after normal retail aging, simulating a consumer's experience. This distinction closes a significant loophole, ensuring that products passing certification tests deliver on their promises.
The company's mission is to ensure supplement label accuracy, identity, purity, and quality. However, they believe this certification addresses a fundamental structural issue in the testing process. With over 650,000 users actively tracking their supplement routines on SuppCo, the certification results, including failures, are directly accessible to consumers, empowering them to make informed choices.
SuppCo's certification is not the first of its kind, but it stands out in its approach. The company aims to close a 'meaningful loophole' in the industry, where products can pass certification tests using carefully selected lots but still fall short in the bottles consumers open. This initiative encourages brands to prioritize transparency and accountability, setting a new baseline for the industry.
