In the world of health and wellness, dietary supplements play a significant role in providing essential nutrients and supporting overall well-being. 

However, understanding how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates supplements regulates supplements, what they look for, and what they do not regulate is crucial for informed consumers to know about. 

It’s through initiatives like The Clean Label Project that aim to provide further transparency and assurance regarding the quality of supplements. Let's dive into how the industry is regulated and why additional testing like that is provided through The Clean Label Project is important for brands to prioritize.

How the FDA Regulates the Supplement Industry

Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements are regulated differently under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. 

The FDA regulates supplements as a category of food, rather than as drugs. This means that supplement manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and labeling of their products, but they do not need FDA approval before bringing them to market.

The FDA's role in regulating supplements primarily involves: 

• Ensuring Safety: The FDA can take action against any unsafe supplement product after it reaches the market. However, the burden is on the FDA to prove that a supplement is unsafe.
• Labeling Requirements: Manufacturers must ensure that their product labels are truthful and not misleading. This includes accurate ingredient lists and claims about the health benefits of the supplement.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs): The FDA has established GMP regulations that outline minimum requirements for the manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and storage of dietary supplements.

What the FDA Looks for in Supplements

When reviewing supplements, the FDA primarily focuses on:

• Ingredient Safety: Ensuring that ingredients are safe for consumption and do not pose a risk of harm to consumers.
• Label Accuracy: Verifying that the product label accurately reflects the ingredients and their amounts in the supplement.
• Claims Substantiation: Checking that any claims made about the health benefits of the supplement are supported by scientific evidence.

The Clean Label Project's Role in Supplement Testing

The Clean Label Project is a nonprofit organization that aims to bring transparency to consumer product labeling, including supplements. They conduct independent testing on various consumer products, including supplements, to evaluate their quality and purity.

The Clean Label Project tests supplements for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful substances. They also evaluate the accuracy of product labeling, ensuring that what is listed on the label matches what is actually in the product.

Since we do not believe it is enough to just meet the minimum standards required by the FDA, we’re voluntarily getting our products tested through the Clean Label Project. With over 130 products currently Clean Label Project certified, it’s our commitment to you to have the purest products with transparency for your health!

SHOP CLEAN LABEL CERTIFIED