Hidden Truths of the Supplement Industry

Introduction

In recent decades, the supplement industry has evolved in response to scientific discoveries, an increase in consumer interest, and more regulatory involvement. Supplement use continues to increase over time with about half of adults in the United States taking a supplement regularly (1). As the industry continues to grow, consumers are becoming more informed and look for certain quality standards from supplement companies.

In this week’s Journal Club, we discuss how the industry has changed (and continues to change) over the years, where the industry is headed, and how consumers can identify reputable supplement brands.

A Brief History of Supplement Regulation

Supplements have been around since the early 20^th century when scientists began isolating essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, and D after realizing their role in deficiency disorders (2). This led to the use of fortified foods such as bread and milk until supplements started to be widely available for consumers. Regulations were sparse and consumers had little information on what went into them. This lack of oversight led to numerous issues, from contamination to mislabeled ingredients, which compromised the safety of the products.

The industry saw a major growth surge in the 1990s, particularly after the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 (3). This act defined supplements as a category distinct from food and drugs and established guidelines around labeling, safety, and manufacturing practices known as good manufacturing practices (GMPs). Even though the DSHEA was a big step forward, the industry still somewhat remained self-regulated since there were minimal requirements for putting product on the market. In the past 30 years, continued consumer demand and emerging scientific evidence have sparked further changes in both regulation and quality standards.

The Current Regulatory Landscape

While the supplement industry remains less regulated than pharmaceuticals, there have been notable improvements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all supplements follow GMP standards, which regulate quality control in manufacturing facilities. These standards ensure that products are made consistently and are free from harmful contaminants.

Additionally, the creation of regulatory bodies like the NSF and USP provide third-party certification testing for purity, potency, and compliance with labeling standards. Companies voluntarily pursue these certifications to demonstrate their commitment to quality and transparency. However, regulations still fall short in certain areas, especially since third-party testing and these regulatory bodies are all voluntary.

The Influence of Consumer Demand for Regulation and Transparency

In the last decade, with the growth of the supplement industry into a multi-billion-dollar market, consumer demand for more transparency in the industry has surged. Shoppers today look for “clean label” products that are free from unnecessary additives, fillers, artificial colors, and other undesirable ingredients. Brands now highlight organic, non-GMO, and vegan certifications to meet these expectations. In addition, consumers particularly look for a third-party testing stamp, which indicates that an independent organization with no affiliation with the company has tested the product for quality, potency, and purity. This benefits consumers by verifying the ingredients in the product, checking for contaminants, and confirming that the label is accurate.

We test all our products through an independent third-party. You can shop our third-party tested all-in-one vegan supplements here.

The idea of traceability has gained popularity as well, with brands increasingly offering details about ingredient sourcing and supply chain transparency. This level of detail can tell the consumer if ingredients are ethically sourced, non-GMO, and free from contaminants.

This overall shift toward open communication has built greater trust between brands and consumers, setting new standards in the industry.

The Future: Areas for Improvement

Despite significant progress forward, the supplement space still faces challenges such as:

• Some companies make bold, misleading health claims without sufficient evidence.
• Supplements don’t require pre-market FDA approval for safety and efficacy, so it’s possible for products to enter the market with minimal research backing.
• Enforcement remains a challenge, where products from lesser-known brands and manufacturers may bypass rigorous quality checks.
• Label inaccuracies are still a problem, where some products either don’t contain the ingredients listed on the label or have lower dosages than written on the label.

As more research emerges and regulatory measures strengthen, the industry will likely continue to evolve into a more scientifically driven and transparent landscape.

How to Find a Supplement Company You Trust

With a wide array of products on the market, knowing how to choose a reputable supplement company is essential. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Look for Third-Party Testing: Reputable companies will submit their products for independent testing. These third-party certifications confirm that the supplement contains the listed ingredients at accurate dosages and is free of contaminants.
• Review Transparent Labeling: High-quality companies provide full ingredient lists, with dosages clearly stated for each component. Avoid products with “proprietary blends” that don’t specify individual ingredient amounts. Many companies hide the fact that they are underdosing ingredients behind proprietary blends.
• Investigate Company Background: Established brands with a science-focused background, such as those founded by health professionals or scientists, are often more trustworthy. Companies should also emphasize transparency in their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and research backing.
• Research Customer Reviews and Testimonials: While reviews alone don’t guarantee quality, they can reveal consistent issues with a brand’s reliability.

Our products are third-party tested, free of unwanted additives and fillers, and never contain proprietary blends. Shop our vegan multivitamin now at nupursuit.com.

Learn more about the plant-based essentials, our all-in-one vegan multivitamin, here.

Conclusion

The supplement industry has come a long way, driven by scientific advancements, regulatory improvements, and consumer demand for transparency. Today’s consumers have access to a broader array of high-quality supplements than ever before, but it’s still essential to do your own research to find reputable brands to support.

By choosing companies that adhere to rigorous standards and demonstrate transparency, consumers can confidently incorporate supplements into their wellness routines, making informed choices that support their health goals.

References

1. Cowan AE, Tooze JA, Gahche JJ, Eicher-Miller HA, Guenther PM, Dwyer JT, Potischman N, Bhadra A, Carroll RJ, Bailey RL. Trends in Overall and Micronutrient-Containing Dietary Supplement Use in US Adults and Children, NHANES 2007-2018. J Nutr. 2023 Jan 14;152(12):2789-2801. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxac168. PMID: 35918260; PMCID: PMC9839985.
2. Rosenfeld L. Vitamine--vitamin. The early years of discovery. Clin Chem. 1997 Apr;43(4):680-5. PMID: 9105273.
3. https://ods.od.nih.gov/About/DSHEA_Wording.aspx