How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Right Supplement: 5 Expert Tips to Help You Choose

With the booming dietary supplement market, selecting the right supplement can be overwhelming. Consumers face confusion due to inconsistent quality, misleading labels, and the sheer variety of products available. According to CNN’s 2025 health report, up to 70% of supplements on the market may lack adequate testing, prompting experts to stress the importance of making informed choices.

1. Verify Third-Party Testing and Certification

One of the most reliable ways to ensure supplement quality is to confirm if the product has been tested by an independent, ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory. Accreditation to ISO 17025 is the gold standard for laboratory competence, ensuring accurate and reliable results on identity, potency, and contaminants.

Qalitex, an ISO 17025–accredited testing laboratory in Irvine, California, specializes in testing dietary supplements and provides certificates of analysis (CoAs) that confirm product ingredients meet label claims and regulatory standards.

2. Check for Comprehensive Heavy Metal and Microbiology Testing

Supplements can harbor harmful contaminants such as lead, mercury, or harmful bacteria. Opt for brands that submit their products to heavy metal analysis for supplements and microbiology testing services. Testing labs like Qalitex perform rigorous analytical chemistry lab testing and microbiological screening to ensure consumer safety.

3. Demand Transparency Through Certificates of Analysis (CoA)

A reputable supplement manufacturer provides a detailed certificate of analysis (CoA). This document summarizes lab test results including ingredient identity, active compound dosage, and absence of contaminants. Checking for a CoA from a regulated lab like Qalitex guarantees you’re receiving the product quality promised on the label.

4. Consider Shelf-Life and Stability Studies

Supplements can degrade over time, losing potency or developing harmful degradation products. Professional labs conduct shelf-life and stability studies to determine how long the product remains safe and effective under normal storage conditions. Ask your brand if such studies support their expiration dates.

5. Ensure Supplements Meet Regulatory Compliance

Supplements must comply with FDA standards and sometimes USP or AOAC validated methods, depending on ingredient type. Look for products tested by laboratories that offer regulatory compliance lab services and use USP AOAC validated methods. This ensures the product aligns with federal regulations, minimizing health risks and legal issues.

Why Choose Qalitex for Your Supplement Quality Control?

Based in Southern California, Qalitex offers a comprehensive one-stop quality-control solution for dietary supplement brands. Their expertise spans:

• ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory services
• FDA compliant product testing for dietary supplements
• Heavy metal and microbiology testing
• Shelf-life & stability studies ensuring product efficacy
• Method development and validation to meet regulatory requirements
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) generation for verified transparency

Partnering with Qalitex helps supplement manufacturers in Irvine, California and beyond safeguard product integrity, comply with regulations, and build consumer trust.

Summary: Make Smart, Safe Supplement Choices

Choosing the right supplement requires vigilance—but you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Look for products tested by ISO 17025 accredited laboratories like Qalitex that provide transparent documentation of safety and potency. Verify microbiological safety, heavy metals, and shelf-life stability, and ensure regulatory compliance backed by validated testing methods. Using these expert tips will empower you to make informed decisions for your health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if a supplement is tested by an ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory?

Check the product’s packaging or website for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that explicitly states testing was conducted at an ISO 17025 accredited lab like Qalitex. This guarantees accurate, validated results recognized internationally.

What types of heavy metal testing should a quality supplement undergo?

Supplements should be screened for lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic through heavy metal analysis. Qalitex uses precise analytical chemistry techniques to confirm heavy metal levels meet regulatory safety limits.

Why is microbiology testing important for dietary supplements?

Microbiology testing ensures supplements are free from harmful bacteria, molds, and yeast that can cause illness or spoilage. Qalitex’s microbiology testing services safeguard product safety and shelf stability.

How can I confirm a supplement complies with FDA regulations?

Supplements tested by labs offering FDA compliant product testing and following USP AOAC validated methods demonstrate regulatory compliance, ensuring the product follows federal guidelines on safety and labeling.

What role does shelf-life testing play in supplement quality?

Shelf-life and stability studies determine how long a supplement stays potent and safe. Qalitex provides reliable data to confirm expiration dates and storage recommendations, protecting consumer health.

How can I obtain a certificate of analysis for a supplement I’m considering?

Request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the supplement manufacturer. Quality brands partner with labs like Qalitex for CoA testing that provides detailed lab results verifying product contents and safety.

Get A Quote from Qalitex – Your Southern California Partner for Supplement Quality Testing

Ensure the supplements you manufacture or sell meet the highest standards by partnering with Qalitex, a trusted ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory located in Irvine, California. Whether you need heavy metal analysis, microbiological testing, method validation, or certificate of analysis testing, Qalitex offers tailored services for your regulatory and quality assurance needs.

Request a Quote Today to discuss your testing requirements and get precise, timely results to keep your supplements safe and compliant.