How do you know if a supplement is actually clean and tested?

Words like "natural" and "clean" on a label are not regulated claims and do not guarantee purity.† The FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they reach the market, which means independent, third-party testing, not marketing language, is the real differentiator between brands.

Why "natural" doesn't mean tested

According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, the FDA does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed, and manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their own products are safe and accurately labeled. The FDA's own consumer guidance similarly confirms that dietary supplements are regulated differently than medicines, with far less premarket oversight.

This regulatory gap is exactly why "natural" or "clean" language on a label tells you very little on its own. A plant being natural does not mean it was grown, harvested, or processed in a way that avoided environmental contaminants.

What can actually go wrong with plant-based supplements specifically

"The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements. So making sure that whatever you're taking is being made by a reputable organization is really important."

— Dr. Jummy Amuwo, Pharm.D., MPH, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist and Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist

A 2020 analysis of 41 dietary supplements made from terrestrial plants or microalgae, tested for heavy metal content, found that at least one of three heavy metals (cadmium, lead, or mercury) was detected in 79.2 percent of terrestrial plant supplements and 88.2 percent of microalgae supplements tested. This particular study was conducted on supplements available in the European market, so the exact prevalence may differ from U.S. shelves, but the underlying point holds regardless of geography: plant-based origin alone says nothing about contaminant testing.

"Every Pink Stork product is not only backed by science, it's also covered in prayer. That means we don't cut corners on testing, even the parts a customer never sees."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

What to actually look for on a label

• Third-party testing, ideally at an ISO 17025 accredited lab, rather than the brand's own internal testing alone
• cGMP-certified manufacturing, which reflects consistent quality control processes
• A specific certifying body or lab named, rather than the unverifiable phrase "third-party tested" alone with no certifier listed

Our clean-label prenatal with 5-MTHF and iron bisglycinate, Total Prenatal, is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs and manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities.† Our cortisol support supplement with organic ashwagandha, Cortisol Complex, is also third-party tested in cGMP-certified laboratories, reflecting the same standard across the product line.†

Trust signals

• Total Prenatal is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs.
• Cortisol Complex is third-party tested in cGMP-certified laboratories.
• Pink Stork has more than 50,000 verified Amazon reviews across the brand.

Frequently asked questions

Does the FDA test supplements before they're sold?

No. The FDA does not determine whether dietary supplements are safe or effective before they reach the market. Manufacturers are responsible for their own product safety and labeling accuracy.

Does "natural" or "clean" on a label mean a supplement is tested?

No. These are marketing terms, not regulated claims, and they say nothing about whether a product has been independently tested for contaminants.

Are plant-based supplements automatically safer?

Not necessarily. Research testing plant-based and microalgae supplements has found heavy metal contamination in a large majority of samples analyzed, underscoring that plant origin alone is not a purity guarantee.

What should I actually look for on a supplement label?

Look for third-party testing at an accredited lab, cGMP-certified manufacturing, and a named certifying body rather than an unverifiable "tested" claim alone.

Is Total Prenatal third-party tested?

Yes. Total Prenatal is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs and manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities.†

Is Cortisol Complex third-party tested?

Yes. Cortisol Complex is third-party tested in cGMP-certified laboratories.†

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.