Is Source Naturals USP certified? The Short Answer
No, Source Naturals products are not USP certified. A representative for Source Naturals has confirmed that their facilities are not certified by a third party. While the company conducts extensive quality assurance, it does so through its own internal processes and in compliance with the FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). This is an important distinction for consumers to understand when evaluating the quality and verification of a dietary supplement.
What is the USP Verification Program?
The USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) is a non-profit scientific organization that sets stringent, public standards for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements. The USP Verified Mark is awarded to manufacturers who voluntarily submit to a comprehensive, independent third-party verification program. A supplement that carries the official USP Verified seal has been tested and evaluated to ensure it meets four key criteria:
- Potency and Ingredients: The product contains the ingredients listed on the label, in the declared amounts.
- Contaminant-Free: It does not contain harmful levels of specific contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes.
- Performance: The product will break down and dissolve within a specified amount of time to allow for proper absorption by the body.
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs): It has been manufactured according to FDA cGMP guidelines using sanitary, well-controlled processes.
The USP conducts annual surveillance, which includes surprise visits and testing of products bought off retail shelves, to ensure continued compliance.
Source Naturals' Approach to Quality Control
Although it does not have the USP seal, Source Naturals emphasizes its own rigorous internal quality control standards. The company operates its own in-house Quality Control Lab and performs multiple tests on every raw ingredient and finished product. Some of the testing methods they use include:
- Heavy Metals Testing: Using advanced methods like ICP-MS, Source Naturals tests for heavy metals, stating that its products never exceed the levels set by the USP and other international and FDA guidance.
- Ingredient Purity and Potency: They use methods such as HPLC and HPTLC to ensure the identity, purity, and potency of ingredients.
- cGMP Compliance: Source Naturals states that its products are manufactured in FDA-registered facilities and follow cGMP regulations.
Comparing Quality Assurance: Internal vs. Third-Party Testing
For many consumers, the key difference lies between a company's internal assurance and an independent, third-party verification. Here is a comparison of these two approaches:
| Feature | Source Naturals (Internal Testing) | USP Certified (Third-Party Testing) |
|---|---|---|
| Verification Source | The manufacturer's own internal quality control team and laboratory. | An independent, non-profit scientific organization (U.S. Pharmacopeia). |
| Accountability | The manufacturer is accountable for ensuring its own quality standards are met. | The manufacturer is held accountable to an independent, external standard. |
| Transparency | The company reports its quality control methods and test results on its website. | The process is transparent, with the USP publicly verifying products on its website. |
| Ongoing Monitoring | The manufacturer implements its own internal process for ongoing quality checks. | The USP conducts ongoing market surveillance, including unannounced product testing. |
| Heavy Metals | The company tests and ensures levels do not exceed USP standards. | The USP independently verifies that products do not contain harmful levels of contaminants. |
| Official Seal | Does not carry the official USP Verified seal. | Carries the distinctive USP Verified Mark on the label. |
How to Vet Supplement Quality and Find USP Certified Products
To find supplements that have been independently verified, you can take the following steps:
- Look for the Seal: When shopping, always look for the official USP Verified Mark on the product label. This symbol is the clearest sign that the product has undergone the program's rigorous testing.
- Check the Website: For a definitive list of all verified products, visit the Quality-Supplements.org website, which is dedicated to connecting consumers with USP Verified products.
- Consider Other Certifications: Some consumers also look for seals from other independent third-party certifiers, such as NSF International or ConsumerLab.com, to verify quality.
- Research the Manufacturer: For products without a third-party seal, it is important to research the manufacturer's quality control processes and reputation. Source Naturals, for example, provides detailed information about its testing methods and cGMP compliance on its website.
Conclusion
In summary, Source Naturals is not a USP certified brand. The company manages its quality control through comprehensive in-house testing and adherence to FDA cGMP regulations. While this provides a high level of manufacturer assurance, it is not the same as independent third-party verification from an organization like the USP. For consumers who prioritize independent, third-party oversight, looking for the official USP Verified seal on a product label or checking the USP website is the most reliable method. Ultimately, the decision rests on your comfort level with a manufacturer's internal quality assurance processes versus the independent verification offered by a third party. For more information on the verification process, visit the USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program website.
