How to choose a quality supplement

More than 75% of Americans take dietary supplements to improve their quality of life, however, many are unaware that the quality of these products can vary greatly. Unlike medicines, dietary supplements do not require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are sold to the public. The USP Verified Mark helps assure consumers that they are getting the quality they expect from the product they are purchasing.

How to Choose a Quality Supplement

Did you know? In a survey of American adults by The Pew Charitable Trusts,

about half of adults overestimate FDA regulation of supplements,

mistakenly thinking that the agency reviews or tests all of these products before they reach the market.

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Magnifying glass
Magnifying glass

When shopping for vitamins and other dietary supplements, make sure to check for the “USP Verified Mark” on the product’s label. The USP Verified Mark means the supplement has been independently tested to confirm the product meets USP’s quality standards, so consumers can trust that what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle.

Why Verified Matters

Only supplements that meet USP’s rigorous testing, review and auditing criteria receive the USP Verified Mark. The USP Verified Mark on a dietary supplement label indicates that the product:

Contains the ingredients listed on the label
Contains the ingredients listed on the label in the declared strength and amounts
Does not contain harmful levels of specified contaminants
Does not contain harmful levels of specified contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticides
Complies with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices
Complies with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices, using sanitary and well-controlled processes
Will break down and dissolve within a specified amount of time
Will break down and dissolve within a specified amount of time so the dietary ingredients can be released and absorbed by the body
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In addition to looking for a product with the USP Verified Mark, here are other tips to help you choose a quality supplement:

  • Carefully check the Supplement Facts label to avoid any allergies.
  • Check the supplement’s expiration date, as applicable, to ensure you will have enough time to consume the product by the expiration date.
  • Inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you are taking, as some supplements may interfere with prescription or over the counter (OTC) medicines.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about which supplements might be best for you.
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Consumers have purchased
Consumers have purchased

Consumers have purchased 

over a billion dietary supplements with the USP Verified Mark 

which can be found on national and store-brand products in supermarkets, pharmacies, and wholesale clubs across the U.S.