How do you know which supplements are actually high-quality?

First things first, head over to the manufacturer’s website for the supplement you’re looking at and see what they say about their quality control. Do they have any specific processes in place? Do they test for things like contaminants? Are they open and clear about their testing and results? For example, in the fish oil world, there’s a voluntary third-party testing program called the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS), which checks most fish oil brands. Sadly, most other supplements don’t have something like this.

Next, check if the manufacturer has received any FDA warning letters—always a red flag!

Also, see if the product (or any of the brand’s other products) has been tested by well-known third-party organizations like ConsumerLab, or certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), USP Verified, or LabDoor.

And one last tip—don’t forget about allergens! It’s easy to overlook, but if a supplement sneaks in something you're allergic to, it could spell trouble. Always double-check the ingredient list.