by POPSUGAR Fitness 0

When shopping for supplements you want to select a brand that has the USP Verified seal. The seal is awarded to dietary supplements that have been tested by U.S. Pharmacopeia an independent not-for-profit organization. Although their standards are enforceable by the FDA.

For a supplement to bear the USP's stamp of approval the vitamin manufacturer voluntarily submits (and pays for) their product to be tested. All supplements are tested on the following criteria:

1. What's on the label is in fact in the bottle—all the listed ingredients in the declared amount.
2. The supplement does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.
3. The supplement will break down and release ingredients in the body.
4. The supplement has been made under good manufacturing practices.

The mark is a lot like a "clean bill of health" for your supplements. Let's be clear here, the seal assures the quality of the product not the effectiveness of the supplement's health benefit claims.

Fit's Tip: Be sure that the supplements you buy have the USP mark/seal/logo. If the product has just the word "USP verified" on its label the manufacturer thinks their product would pass inspection, but the supplement has not been actually tested.