How We Review Supplements
Every supplement review on Health Forge Daily follows the same five-step check and gets a score out of 10. This page shows exactly what we check, how much each part counts, and what a score does and does not mean.
What do we check before scoring a supplement?
- The label. We copy every ingredient and dose from the Supplement Facts panel. Products that hide amounts inside a proprietary blend lose points, because you cannot compare a hidden dose with the research.
- The evidence. For each main ingredient we look for human studies, starting with the fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and NCCIH. We then compare the dose in the product with the dose the studies used.
- Safety. We list known side effects, drug interactions and groups who should avoid the product, such as people who are pregnant, nursing, taking blood thinners or preparing for surgery.
- Quality signals. We note whether the product carries an independent seal from U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International or ConsumerLab.com. A seal shows the bottle matches its label. It does not prove the product works.
- Money and terms. We read the refund guarantee, shipping terms and any auto-ship or subscription rules, and we look at customer complaint patterns.
How is the score out of 10 worked out?
Each part of the check carries a fixed weight. The weights add up to 100 points, which we divide by 10 for the final score.
| What we check | Weight | What earns full marks |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence for the doses used | 30 | Main ingredients studied in humans at doses close to the label |
| Label transparency | 20 | Every ingredient and dose listed, no proprietary blends |
| Safety | 20 | Clear warnings, no high-risk ingredients, no known serious interactions left unmentioned |
| Value for money | 15 | Fair price per effective daily dose compared with similar products |
| Refund and buying terms | 15 | Clear refund window, no hidden auto-ship, reachable support |
What does a score mean?
- 8.5 to 10: strong label, solid evidence and fair terms. Worth discussing with your doctor if it fits your needs.
- 7 to 8.4: reasonable product with one or two weak spots that the review explains.
- 5 to 6.9: serious gaps in evidence, label or terms. Most readers have better options.
- Below 5: we would not buy it. The review says why.
A score is our editorial opinion about a product. It is not a medical recommendation and it cannot tell you whether a supplement is right for your body.
What do we never do?
- We never call a supplement FDA approved. Supplements do not need FDA approval before they are sold.
- We never say a supplement treats, cures or prevents a disease.
- We never let a brand pay for a review, a score or a place on a best-of list.
- We never publish a review without a last updated date.
How do best-of guides pick products?
Best-of guides only include products we have reviewed with this method. They are ranked by score, and the table at the top of each guide shows what each product is best for and links to its full review.
Read more about how we handle sources, corrections and money on our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure pages.