In the United States, the dietary supplement industry is booming. More than 30,000 supplement companies manufacture a vast array of products aimed at improving health, fitness and overall well-being – all the while grossing some $71.6 billion in 2024, and on pace to eclipse $78 billion in 2025. Billion. With a B. (Just in case your eyes, like mine, automatically read “million.”)
Despite its growth, the industry is often clouded by uncertainty due to a key detail that many consumers overlook: dietary supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, which must undergo rigorous testing and approval by the FDA, supplements fall under a different regulatory category. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements for safety, efficacy or quality before they are marketed. Instead, the responsibility falls on the companies themselves to ensure their products meet certain standards.
This lack of pre-market oversight means supplement companies have considerable wiggle room in what they claim and what their products actually contain. For example, the FDA allows for a margin of error of up to 20% in the labeled quantity of an ingredient. This means a supplement claiming to contain 500 mg of an active ingredient could legally contain anywhere from 400 mg to 600 mg. Anyone else think that is extremely dangerous?! I know I do.
Additionally, contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or harmful microbes may go undetected if proper testing isn’t conducted.
Amid these uncertainties, third-party testing has emerged as a gold standard for ensuring supplement quality. Third-party testing involves independent laboratories that evaluate supplements for purity, potency and compliance with label claims. Unlike in-house testing by manufacturers, third-party labs are not affiliated with the company and are less likely to produce biased results.
Testing typically verifies that the product contains the ingredients and dosages listed on the label; that the supplement is free of harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and bacteria; and that the product meets industry standards for quality and safety.
Only about 1,000 of the 30,000 supplement companies in the U.S. subject their products to third-party testing. This startling statistic leaves consumers with the burden of identifying trustworthy brands amid a sea of unverified options.
Recommended third-party tested brands
For those looking to ensure they’re getting high-quality supplements, the following companies are known for adhering to third-party testing standards:
Thorne Research: Renowned for its comprehensive testing practices, Thorne works with organizations like NSF International and ConsumerLab to verify its products. It is a trusted brand among athletes and healthcare professionals alike.
Pure Encapsulations: This company is committed to hypoallergenic, third-party-tested supplements that are free from unnecessary fillers, gluten and artificial additives.
NOW Foods: As a pioneer in the industry, NOW Foods uses third-party labs to test its products for purity and potency. It also offers transparent access to test results for many of its supplements.
Nordic Naturals: Specializing in fish oil and omega-3 supplements, Nordic Naturals ensures its products are sustainably sourced and rigorously tested for contaminants such as mercury and lead.
Why it matters
The lack of strict oversight in the supplement industry means consumers need to be vigilant about the products they choose. Third-party testing offers an added layer of confidence, ensuring that supplements meet the highest standards for quality and safety. While not every supplement on the market undergoes such scrutiny, those that do provide peace of mind for consumers seeking effective and reliable products.
As the supplement industry continues to expand, the importance of transparency and accountability cannot be overstated. Choosing third-party-tested brands not only supports ethical companies but also protects your health. When navigating the supplement aisle, prioritize brands that invest in third-party verification — it’s a small step that makes a big difference.
