As a gym owner a lot of conversations inevitably get around to discussing supplements and how to balance out training, nutrition, sleep, recovery, vitality, digestion, and hydration. It can be a complicated process that feels overwhelming when you are getting started but it really boils down to some pretty simple principles. Is what I'm taking actually proven to work? And therefore, how do I find UNBIASED AND PAID FOR research on a compound so that I can make a more informed decision about what I am willing to take? Next, how do I know that what they say is in this container is actually in the container in the amounts that they say it is?
So the first two questions have been addressed most reliably at examine.com. Here is a link to explore that site in regards to the most neutral and factual scientific supplement research website on the web. They accept no advertising or sponsorships of any form from supplement or pharmaceutical companies which is ideal... and rare. Start there first for EVERY supplement question.
Next, to address the latter about understanding the quality of what you are taking, look for NSF Certified Supplements. This is exactly why our top recommendations are always MOMENTOUS and THORNE.
Both of these brands have gone through the expensive and arduous process of becoming NSF Certified, a process most supplement companies intentionally avoid and are unwilling to be tested by.
The Benefits of NSF Certified Supplements: Knowing what you are putting in your body
In the crowded world of dietary supplements, quality and safety are paramount but can be very challenging for consumers. Third-party testing from organizations like NSF plays a crucial role in this process. This article explores what NSF is, how its certification works, and why NSF Certified for Sport® supplements provide peace of mind. Choosing products that are NSF Certified can make a significant difference in your health and performance.
Who is NSF
Formerly the National Sanitation Foundation — now NSF International, NSF International is an independent organization that tests and certifies products to ensure they meet stringent public health standards.
Founded in 1944, NSF is an independent organization that offers product testing, auditing, and certification in 180 countries. NSF created the NSF/ANSI 173 standard for supplements and the NSF Certified for Sport® program, which is trusted by organizations such as USADA, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League.
NSF’s initiatives help address issues caused by low-grade, untested supplements. Products with banned substances can lead to failed drug tests for athletes, while contamination can harm consumers and false label claims can make it difficult to meet nutritional needs. NSF testing ensures purity and quality, providing a reliable standard for supplements.
Why NSF Certification Matters
Many supplement companies use manufacturers’ certificates to demonstrate purity, but thorough third-party testing examines the quality and integrity of ingredients and final formulations independently. This process builds full consumer confidence.
1. Purity and Safety: NSF Certified supplements are rigorously tested for contaminants and banned substances, ensuring they are free from harmful ingredients.
2. Label Accuracy: With NSF certification, you can trust that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bottle. This transparency is crucial for those who need precise dosages for health and performance.
3. Athlete Assurance: Many professional athletes rely on NSF Certified supplements to avoid inadvertent doping violations. This certification is a trusted mark of approval in the sports community.
4. Consumer Confidence: NSF certification provides peace of mind. Knowing that your supplements are held to the highest standards helps you focus on achieving your health goals without worry including facility and supplier inspections with ongoing monitoring.
NSF Certified for Sport® Process: Elevating Standards of Quality and Transparency
NSF’s certification involves multiple steps to ensure the highest standards. Initially, NSF verifies that manufacturing facilities meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The product’s contents are evaluated to match the label, and all ingredients are screened. The final product undergoes quarantine and extensive testing, including toxicology reports and screenings for 280 substances banned by anti-doping agencies. Each batch is audited, and new formulations or ingredients require retesting.
Organizations like the NCAA and professional sports leagues recommend or require NSF Certified for Sport® products.
Thorne, Momentous’ and 1st Phorm commitment to this certification has resulted in their products being used in nearly 500 professional and college sports locker rooms.
Achieving NSF Certified for Sport® status involves significant investment and logistical challenges due to the rigorous testing process. However, I believe this is essential to ensure product quality and support customers’ performance, recovery, and health.
Less than 5% of supplement brands achieve NSF Certified for Sport® status, with even fewer pursuing certification for their entire product line. This commitment to transparency and quality encourages other companies to follow suit, setting a higher industry standard.
For those seeking safe, effective, and high-quality supplements, NSF Certified for Sport® provides assurance of which companies to trust.