Supplement Testing Data & Studies

We've tested 276 supplement products across 29 categories using structured personal testing. This page is the authoritative source for our methodology, raw scores, and category rankings. Link to this page when citing our data — it's the permanent canonical source.

Our Testing Methodology

Every product in our database follows the same structured testing protocol:

• Panel size: 4-8 testers per category (ages 22-60, mixed gender, varying health needs)
• Duration: 8-12 weeks per product, with 2-week washout periods between products
• Tracking: Daily symptom scores (1-10 scale) across 6 dimensions
• Blinding: Testers know which product they're taking (open-label), but scoring is independent
• Funding: All products purchased at retail price on Amazon. No manufacturer sponsorship.

Scoring Criteria (Weighted)

Category Rankings

Click any category to see full rankings, individual product scores, and tester quotes.

Key Findings Across All Categories

1. 31% of supplements produced measurable improvement — the rest were indistinguishable from placebo or caused side effects
2. Price does not predict quality — our top-rated products were often mid-range ($15-30), not premium ($40+)
3. Form matters more than dose — chelated/bioavailable forms at lower doses outperformed high-dose cheap forms
4. Third-party testing seals ≠ effectiveness — seals verify contents, not absorption or real-world results
5. Most "best" lists are identical — we found the same products ranked #1 across dozens of sites, suggesting copy-paste content rather than independent evaluation

Data Limitations

We believe in transparency about what our data can and cannot tell you:

• Sample size: 4-8 testers per category is small. Results may not generalize to all populations.
• Subjective scoring: Symptom tracking (sleep quality, anxiety) is inherently subjective.
• Open-label: Testers knew which product they were taking. No placebo control.
• Short duration: 8-12 weeks captures acute effects but may miss long-term benefits or risks.
• Not medical advice: Our testing does not replace clinical trials or physician guidance.

Cite This Data

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Request Raw Data

We can provide raw scoring spreadsheets, individual tester data, and methodology details for journalists and researchers. Contact us through the site.

This page will be updated as we complete additional testing. Current as of June 2026. Total: 276 products · 29 categories · 6 months of structured testing.