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Method

Manufacturer Claims vs Published Evidence

How SuppScout separates what brands say from what research and certifiers show.

Updated September 28, 20261 min readBy the SuppScout Editorial Team
The short answer

SuppScout keeps four kinds of information visibly separate: manufacturer claims (what a brand says), SuppScout calculations (math from label and price data), published research (cited studies and agency reviews), and third-party certifications (verified in a certifier’s public listing). A claim is never upgraded to a fact without a source.

Key takeaways
  • Claims are labeled as claims.
  • Calculations show their formula.
  • Certifications are only “verified” with a checked listing and date.

Manufacturer claims

Structure/function statements, “clinically studied”, “third-party tested” and similar are shown as manufacturer claims. U.S. law requires structure/function claims to carry a disclaimer that the FDA has not evaluated them.

SuppScout calculations

Cost per serving, cost per standardized amount, and label completeness are calculated from label data and a recorded price, with the formula shown.

Published research

Evidence summaries cite primary studies, systematic reviews, position stands or government reviews such as NIH ODS fact sheets. Evidence labels describe the overall body of research, not a recommendation.

Third-party certifications

Shown as verified only after checking the certifier’s public listing, with the date checked. Otherwise shown as a claim or “Not verified”.

Sources & references

  1. Dietary Supplements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. fda.govRegulatory
  2. (2022) Health Products Compliance Guidance. Federal Trade Commission. ftc.govRegulatory
  3. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment

SuppScout links to primary and authoritative sources wherever possible. See our editorial policy for how sources are selected and how corrections are handled.

This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.