TruthScore Methodology
Our scoring system is completely transparent. Here's exactly how we evaluate every supplement—what earns points, what loses points, and why.
Understanding TruthScore
90-100: Recommended
High-quality product that meets our standards across all categories.
75-89: Acceptable
Reasonable option with some concerns. Review details before purchasing.
Below 75: Avoid
Significant concerns identified. Not recommended for purchase.
Score Calculation Summary
Scoring Categories Explained
Ingredient & Formula Integrity
Quality of ingredients and alignment with research
What Earns Points
- Uses ingredients with published research backing
- Appropriate dosages matching clinical studies
- High-quality ingredient forms (e.g., chelated minerals)
- Synergistic ingredient combinations
What Loses Points
- Uses under-dosed or token amounts of key ingredients
- Relies on untested or novel compounds
- Poor bioavailability forms chosen for cost
- Conflicting ingredient combinations
Verification & Testing
Third-party testing and quality verification
What Earns Points
- Third-party tested (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab)
- Certificates of analysis available
- Batch testing documented
- Contaminant testing conducted
What Loses Points
- No third-party verification
- Relies only on in-house testing claims
- No certificates of analysis available
- History of quality issues or recalls
Transparency
Clear labeling and disclosure practices
What Earns Points
- All ingredient amounts clearly disclosed
- No proprietary blends
- Manufacturing location disclosed
- Clear allergen and additive information
What Loses Points
- Uses proprietary blends to hide amounts
- Vague or missing ingredient information
- Unclear manufacturing origins
- Hidden or confusing labeling
Manufacturing & Sourcing
Production quality and ingredient sourcing
What Earns Points
- GMP-certified manufacturing facility
- FDA-registered facility
- Traceable ingredient sourcing
- Made in USA or equivalent standards
What Loses Points
- Unknown manufacturing facility
- No GMP certification
- Untraceable ingredient origins
- History of manufacturing violations
Label Accuracy
Actual contents match label claims
What Earns Points
- Independent testing confirms label accuracy
- No history of mislabeling
- Accurate potency claims
- Honest serving size information
What Loses Points
- Past label accuracy violations
- Discrepancies found in testing
- Misleading potency claims
- Confusing serving size math
Value vs. Claims
Whether marketing claims match reality
What Earns Points
- Marketing aligned with ingredient evidence
- Realistic expectations set
- No miracle or cure claims
- Honest about limitations
What Loses Points
- Exaggerated effectiveness claims
- Promises that exceed evidence
- Uses fear-based marketing
- Misleading comparison to competitors
Red Flags Penalty (Up to -15 Points)
We actively penalize products that exhibit deceptive practices. Each red flag found results in point deductions that can significantly impact the final score.
Our Review Process
Regular Updates
We review and update scores at least quarterly, or immediately when new information emerges (FDA warnings, reformulations, recalls, etc.).
Independence
Our scoring is independent. We don't accept payment to improve scores, and affiliate relationships have zero influence on our evaluations.
How Affiliate Monetization Works
Yes, we use affiliate links (through ClickBank) and earn commissions when you purchase products through our links. Here's what you should know:
- Commissions NEVER influence our scores or recommendations
- We list products with low scores that we don't recommend (and earn nothing from them)
- Purchasing through our links costs you nothing extra
- We clearly disclose affiliate relationships on every product page
Our revenue model allows us to provide free, independent evaluations. We believe this is more ethical than charging consumers for access or accepting payment from supplement companies.