EDITORIAL STANDARDS
How We Review Supplements
Every review on ConsumerHealthInsight follows the same rigorous 6-stage process. No shortcuts. No sponsored placements. No guesswork.
- 6-stage review process
- Evidence-based scoring
- Regular updates
- Independent editorial
Why methodology matters: The health supplement space is one of the most heavily marketed and least regulated consumer categories in the world. Without a transparent, consistent review process, every rating is just an opinion. Ours is built on evidence.
THE PROCESS
Our 6-stage review framework
Every review, regardless of the product, brand, or commission potential, follows this exact sequence.
Product selection & initial screening
We begin by identifying products worth reviewing, either through reader requests, marketplace analysis, or monitoring new launches. Before any in-depth analysis begins, we run a basic credibility screen to filter out obvious scams and products with no legitimate ingredient rationale. Products that fail this screen are not reviewed. We only invest full review resources in products where there is at least a plausible scientific basis for the intended health benefit.
Full ingredient panel breakdown
The core of every review. We examine every ingredient in the formula against published scientific literature, primarily PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, and clinical trial databases. We are not looking for anecdotal evidence; we want randomized controlled trials or at minimum, well-designed observational studies. For each ingredient we assess: what the evidence says, whether the evidence applies to the specific form used (e.g. magnesium glycinate vs magnesium oxide), and whether the dose on the label matches the dose used in positive clinical studies.
Dosage adequacy assessment
This is where most positive supplement reviews fail. An ingredient that shows benefit at 500mg per day may be completely ineffective at 50mg. Yet many products list impressive-sounding ingredients at tiny, sub-clinical doses, often to keep costs down while maintaining marketing appeal. We flag under-dosed ingredients prominently in every review. If a product is using clinical doses across its full formula, that’s a meaningful positive signal and we note it accordingly.
Manufacturer & quality verification
We research the company behind the product. A well-formulated product from a disreputable manufacturer still carries significant risk, from contamination, to false labelling, to discontinued support. We look for transparent ownership, GMP certification, and a history of responsible product development.
Balanced review writing
Our review writers follow strict editorial guidelines. Every review must include a clear verdict, specific pros and cons, and a section on who the product is NOT right for. We explicitly forbid promotional language in review copy. Reviews are written in plain language that a non-specialist reader can understand, while maintaining scientific accuracy. We cite our sources and link to relevant studies directly where possible.
Editorial quality check & publication
Before publication, every review is checked for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with our editorial standards. We verify that all factual claims are sourced, that the tone is appropriately neutral, and that affiliate disclosures are correctly placed. After publication, reviews are monitored for reader feedback. If a reader flags a factual error, we investigate and update within 5 business days, noting the change at the bottom of the article.
SCORING SYSTEM
What makes up our rating
Our final score is a weighted composite of six criteria. No single factor dominates, a great formula from a shady manufacturer won’t score well.
Ingredient Quality & Evidence
Are the ingredients supported by credible clinical research? Are the right forms being used?
PubMed studies, RCT evidence, Bioavailability
Dosage Adequacy
Are ingredients present at clinically meaningful doses? Or is the formula under-dosed?
Clinical dose match, No fairy dusting
Manufacturer Credibility
Is the company transparent, GMP-certified, and do they stand behind their product?
GMP cert, Third-party testing, COA
Safety Profile
Are there known side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications that users must know?
Drug interactions, Side effect frequency
Value for Money
Is the price reasonable for what you’re getting? How does it compare to similar products?
Price per serving, Comparable alternatives
Customer Satisfaction
What do real users report? We factor in verified reviews and refund rate data.
Refund rate, Verified reviews
RATING SCALE
What our scores mean
Our 5-star scale is calibrated to be honest. Most supplements on the market score between 2.5 and 3.5, a 4+ rating is genuinely exceptional.
Outstanding
Clinically dosed, exceptional evidence base, transparent manufacturer. Rare.
Good
Solid formula with minor shortcomings. Worth buying for the right person.
Average
Decent in some areas but notable weaknesses. Proceed with awareness.
Weak
Significant issues with formula, dosing, or manufacturer. Hard to recommend.
Avoid
Misleading claims, dangerous ingredients, or fraudulent practices. Do not buy.
What we always do
What we never do
STAYING CURRENT
How we keep reviews up to date
Supplement formulations change. New research emerges. Products get discontinued. We have a structured review cycle to keep our content accurate.
Routine review
All published reviews checked for accuracy every 6 months
Formula change
Immediate update when a manufacturer changes ingredients or doses
Reader correction
Flagged errors investigated and resolved within 5 business days
New evidence
Major new studies trigger a review re-evaluation and rating update
Questions about our process?
We believe in full transparency. If you have a question about how we reviewed a specific product, get in touch.