What indicates that a supplement has passed third-party certification?

A certification mark on the bottle signifies that a supplement has passed third-party certification. This mark indicates that the product has undergone rigorous testing by an independent organization that evaluates supplements for quality, potency, and safety. Third-party certifications, such as those from NSF International or the US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), help ensure that the product meets specific standards of quality and that the ingredients listed on the label are actually present in the product. This certification adds a level of trust for consumers, assuring them that they are purchasing a product that has been vetted beyond just the manufacturer's claims.

In contrast, a colorful label, large packaging, or low pricing might not provide any assurance about the quality or safety of the supplement. These factors can often be used for marketing purposes and do not necessarily reflect the integrity or efficacy of the product itself.