At SupplementMag.com, we are dedicated to publishing reviews that are honest, balanced, and based on evidence. The supplement industry is vast, fast-growing, and often clouded by exaggerated marketing claims. Our readers deserve clarity, transparency, and facts they can trust. To achieve this, we have established detailed guidelines that govern every step of our editorial and fact-checking process.
These guidelines not only define how we write and verify reviews but also reflect our responsibility to protect readers from misinformation, unsafe practices, and misleading promises.
Our Editorial Commitment
Our editorial team operates with one guiding principle: accuracy is more important than hype. We write for our readers, not for manufacturers or marketers. Every review published on SupplementMag.com is designed to give a complete picture of a supplement, including its potential benefits, possible risks, scientific support, and limitations.
We openly acknowledge that supplements affect individuals differently. A formula that works well for one person may have little effect on another. Some ingredients are backed by strong clinical evidence, while others are supported only by tradition, anecdote, or marketing. It is our duty to make these distinctions clear. We believe that presenting both the positive and negative sides of a product is the only way to build lasting trust.
How We Research and Review Supplements
When evaluating supplements, we begin with a careful review of the product label, manufacturer’s website, and marketing materials. We identify the active ingredients, dosages, and claims being made. From there, our process expands into independent research across multiple authoritative sources.
We rely heavily on peer-reviewed scientific studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews. Our preferred databases include PubMed, Cochrane Library, and government resources such as the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. For information on herbal products and alternative therapies, we consult the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
When examining safety, warnings, or side effects, we turn to MedlinePlus, the FDA’s Dietary Supplements Center, and the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These references help us provide readers with the most accurate and responsible safety information available.
Our team compares product dosages with those tested in clinical studies. If a supplement includes effective ingredients but in doses too low to be beneficial, we point that out. If the dosage is unusually high and raises safety concerns, we highlight that clearly as well.
We also evaluate the company behind the product. Does the manufacturer disclose its production practices? Is the supplement made under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)? Does the company provide third-party testing or transparency in labeling? These factors are important in determining whether a product deserves consumer trust.
A Rigorous Multi-Step Process
At SupplementMag.com, our authors follow a strict, multi-layered fact-checking process before any review or article is published. This ensures that all content is accurate, trustworthy, and supported by evidence.
Step 1: Research and Evidence Collection
Dr. Elizabeth Carter leads the initial research phase. She reviews manufacturer claims, product labels, and promotional materials. She then compares these claims with established scientific sources, including PubMed, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Step 2: Clinical and Safety Evaluation
Dr. Laura Peterson evaluates the clinical evidence behind each supplement. She examines the strength of studies, cross-checks results against systematic reviews, and identifies potential risks or side effects. For safety, she references MedlinePlus, the FDA Dietary Supplements, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Step 3: Medical Review and Editorial Oversight
Dr. Samuel Hayes provides the final medical review and editorial oversight. He verifies that every factual statement is accurate, balanced, and fairly presented. He ensures that health claims are consistent with evidence and that disclaimers are included where science is inconclusive. He also confirms that the review meets our ethical and transparency standards.
Step 4: Continuous Updates
Our authors monitor new research and regulatory changes. If a supplement is reformulated, recalled, or if new scientific studies are published, the article is updated promptly. Each update is logged with a revision date for transparency.
Evaluating Scientific Evidence
Not all evidence carries the same weight. A small pilot study is not as reliable as a large, peer-reviewed clinical trial. Animal studies or cell-based research may suggest potential but cannot be used to guarantee effects in humans. Our editorial team takes these distinctions seriously and communicates them clearly to readers.
When scientific evidence supports a claim, we say so. When evidence is lacking, conflicting, or inconclusive, we state that just as clearly. Our reviews are designed to educate readers about the current state of knowledge, not to promise results that science cannot support.
Safety and Side Effects
Safety is as important as effectiveness. Many supplements are marketed as “natural,” but natural does not always mean safe. Certain herbs can interact with medications, cause side effects, or pose risks for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, or individuals with chronic medical conditions.
We carefully review available data on safety and side effects. Sources like MedlinePlus, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provide valuable guidance. Whenever risks are known, they are explained in plain language so readers can make safe decisions.
Fact-Checking Standards
Before any review is published, it undergoes a rigorous fact-checking process. Every factual claim — whether about ingredients, dosages, studies, or safety — is verified against authoritative references. Marketing materials, anecdotal testimonials, or manufacturer claims are not treated as facts unless they can be independently confirmed.
Our editorial team follows best practices inspired by international standards such as the Health On the Net Foundation (HONcode Principles) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Information Guidelines. By aligning with these principles, we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of accuracy and responsibility in health communication.
Fact-checking is not a one-time process. Reviews are updated regularly to reflect new scientific research, product reformulations, or regulatory changes. If a clinical trial is published that changes the understanding of an ingredient, or if a supplement is recalled by the FDA, our content is updated promptly to reflect that development.
Transparency and Disclosure
Trust requires transparency. SupplementMag.com may receive compensation through affiliate partnerships when readers purchase products through our links. These partnerships never influence our editorial conclusions. If a product is poorly formulated, overpriced, or unsafe, we state that clearly regardless of potential revenue.
If our team receives free product samples for review, we disclose this openly. Receiving a sample does not guarantee a favorable review. Our conclusions remain based on evidence and analysis, not incentives.
Ethical Standards and Defamation Protection
Our reviews focus on facts and evidence, not personal attacks. While we may critique a product’s formulation, safety, or value, we do not engage in defamation of brands, companies, or individuals. If a company disputes our content, we invite them to provide verifiable evidence. When errors are identified, we correct them swiftly.
This approach protects our integrity, upholds fairness, and shields us legally from defamation claims while maintaining our readers’ trust.
Reader Feedback and Corrections
We view readers as partners in maintaining accuracy. If you discover an error or believe important research has been overlooked, we encourage you to contact us. Our team investigates all credible feedback and updates content where necessary.
Corrections are logged and dated so readers know when information was revised. This ensures accountability and demonstrates our commitment to accuracy.
Why These Standards Matter
The supplement industry is often under-regulated and filled with aggressive marketing. Consumers are frequently left to decide between dozens of products that all claim to be “the best.” Our review and fact-checking guidelines exist to give readers a reliable reference point.
By grounding our reviews in authoritative science, verifying every claim, and being transparent about our methods, we provide something rare in the supplement world: information readers can trust. We aim to empower individuals to make safe, evidence-based decisions about the supplements they choose to use.
Fact-Check Transparency Badge
To further strengthen trust, articles that undergo our full review and verification process display a “Fact-Checked” badge. This badge signals to readers that the article has been thoroughly researched, reviewed, and updated in line with our editorial standards. It also confirms that the article:
- Has been checked against scientific and government sources such as NIH ODS, FDA, NCCIH, and PubMed
- Has been reviewed internally for fairness, clarity, and accuracy
- Will be updated when new evidence or changes occur
The badge is our public commitment to integrity and accountability.
Updates to These Guidelines
Health science is constantly evolving, and so is our review process. These guidelines are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the best practices in medical journalism and consumer health reporting. Readers are encouraged to check back often, as the most recent revision date will always be displayed at the bottom of this page.
Effective Date: 10-09-2019