HOW TO READ A LABEL SERIES - Part 5: Certifications Matter

When it comes to supplements, certifications aren’t just a nice-to-have — they’re critical.

They impact:

• What else is manufactured in the same facility
  

• Cleaning procedures and hygiene standards - these first affect the risk of cross contamination and more
  

• Staff training and quality protocols
  

• The sourcing of raw materials — and the regulations (or lack thereof) behind them. Raw materials type and dose ultimately determine whether or not you experience benefits from said product.
  

• Ingredient traceability - supplement companies must know who they're buying raw material from.
  

• Third-party testing of both your facility and finished products (more on this below).
  

• Biannual in-person audits to ensure ongoing compliance - a certification doesn't mean anything if it's not continually being monitored.
  

Most of atplab's products are Informed Choice or Informed Sport Certified. Did you know that this third party performs blind testing on atplab products? Meaning, they don't tell us when they're testing, or what they're testing, or where they're getting our product from before they test!

What about allergens or lifestyle choices? We have that too.

• Gluten free by the national celiac association
  

• Vegan certified
  

• Organic certified

• Ingredients are grown with or without pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, or toxic xenoestrogens?
  

Certifications are one of the most important markers of a trustworthy, high-quality supplement company

How It Works
To receive certification, a company must apply and undergo an intensive on-site audit. Inspectors will review every step of the manufacturing process — right down to swabbing machinery to ensure there’s no contamination.

Why It Matters
An estimated 1 in 10 supplements can contain banned substances — even without the company knowing.

Even cGMP certification doesn’t guarantee a product is free from banned substances.

That's why we also carry Informed Sport certification — a globally recognized standard that ensures our informed sport certified products are safe for use in sanctioned athletic competition.

Bottom line: CHECK YOUR LABELS.