Many consumers assume that if a supplement is labeled “natural” or has an organic seal, it must be good for them. However, supplements can be contaminated before, during, or after production with microorganisms that may deteriorate the product and pose health risks. You must always check reviews like an ASEA Analysis before buying supplements.
Clinicians should cultivate knowledge about how to evaluate dietary supplements’ quality parameters. Here are a few ways to do so:
Third-Party Certifications
When you’re evaluating supplement quality, look for third-party seals and certifications. NSF, UL, USP, and Informed Choice are among the leading organizations that review and certify supplement manufacturers and their processes.
These independent organizations verify label claims (that the product contains what it says), toxicology, and contaminants and screen for banned substances if a supplement is intended for use in sports. They may also certify that a product is produced in a cGMP-certified facility and has been tested for drug interactions.
Another consideration is the company’s environmental and social impact. For example, some companies only sustainably sourced raw ingredients without relying on exploitation or deforestation. They may also support fair wages for their employees. These values can help ensure a supplement is of higher quality, safe, and effective for your patients.
Good Manufacturing Practices
Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMPs, are regulations that ensure the products you’re purchasing are safe to use and work for their intended purposes. They focus on the process rather than specific ingredients or end products and help reduce the risk of contamination and mislabeling.
DSM-Firmenich is committed to producing supplements using the highest quality standards. That’s why we follow GMP guidelines to help protect the health and safety of our customers. GMP guidelines are divided into five main components: People, Products, Procedures, Plants and Equipment, and Record-Keeping.
These standards are similar to those used in pharmaceutical production, and adherence is mandatory for over-the-counter and dietary supplement manufacturers. Failure to follow these requirements can lead to product recalls, inventory seizures, and substantial fines.
cGMP Certified Facilities
A key tenet of cGMP is “if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.” That translates to detailed operating procedures, supplier auditing, and comprehensive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans.
In addition to internal testing and procedures, cGMP requires manufacturers to establish strong working relationships with their upstream suppliers for raw materials. Quality control laboratories must test raw material and component samples when received. The cGMP process also requires that a sample of every batch be retained for later testing.
Having supplements produced in a cGMP-certified facility provides reassurance that the manufacturer follows industry best practices. However, it is important to note that cGMP regulations are different across all regulating agencies. For example, cleanroom standards vary between the FDA and other governing agencies worldwide. This is one of the reasons it is critical to work with a contract development and manufacturing organization with a track record of successful NSF audits.
Independent Testing
Supplements are not subject to the same strict regulation as drugs, so companies must showcase their transparency and quality control by showing third-party certification. Third-party companies, such as Informed-Sport and NSF, can test for label claims (that the product contains what is listed on the bottle), toxicology, and contaminants, including heavy metals and bacteria.
USP offers another third-party testing option for dietary supplements. Their Dietary Supplement Verification Program allows manufacturers to submit products for verification voluntarily. They then evaluate a sample of each product to determine whether it conforms to the federally recognized public standards in the USP-NF.
In addition to looking for third-party verification, practitioners should consider the manufacturer’s values. It is important that they not only follow good manufacturing practices but that their practices are also environmentally and socially responsible. This can include ensuring that fish oil is sourced from sustainable species and not caught with destructive fishing methods or that herbs are obtained without child labor.
