When it comes to vitamins, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. All the brands claim to have the best ingredients, but some of them can be deceiving. That’s why seeing logos like the NSF International logo on a dietary supplement helps identify the products you can trust. Here’s what it means.

NSF International

NSF International is “an independent, accredited organization whose standards group facilitates the development of standards, and our service groups test and certify products and systems.” Their mission is to protect and enhance global health by developing standards and certification programs to regulate the quality of food, water, consumer products, and the environment.

Products that have been tested and approved by NSF International will often display the NSF mark on their label. This mark is used to confirm the products have gone through rigorous testing and comply with all standard requirements. More specifically, baring the NSF logo means:

• An impartial review against established criteria or guidelines has been conducted.
• The product labeling and claims have been objectively reviewed by a trusted third party.
• The organization is committed to quality, compliance, and safety.
• The product is backed by professionals dedicated to public health and safety.

Two Kinds of Certification

While some products say they are manufactured in an NSF-certified facility, it’s not the same thing as truly being certified by the NSF. While this is still important, it simply means that the factory where the product is made meets the standards of the NSF. There are 2 types of “official” NSF International certifications: Contents Tested and Certified and Certified for Sport.

NSF Contents Tested and Certified

The “Contents Tested and Certified” mark ensures that what’s on the label is in the product and there are no unsafe levels of contaminants (i.e. heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, etc.). The process is specific to the type of product or service, but the general steps are as follows:

1. Application and information submission
2. Product evaluation
3. Product testing in a lab
4. Manufacturing facility inspection, production confirmation, and product sampling
5. Test results review and acceptance
6. Contract signed and products listed
7. Annual plant inspection and retesting

Perhaps the most important step is the final one. Not only must the product and manufacturing facility meet the requirements the first time, but they are subject to continuous testing so quality standards are continuously met.

NSF Certified for Sport

“Certified for Sport” certification is even more stringent than “Contents Tested and Certified.” Athletes involved in professional or collegiate sports have a much more restricted list of acceptable ingredients. This NSF mark assures them that what they’re taking contains everything they’re looking for and, more importantly, none of the “banned” substances.

All major athletic organizations accept products that are NSF Certified for Sport, including the MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAA, and the Olympics. To find out what it takes for a product to become Certified for Sport, check out the infographic.

Trust the Mark

EyePromise ^® is proud of the quality and purity standards we hold our products to. For this reason, the entire line of eye vitamins is NSF Contents Tested and Certified. Knowing athletes can benefit from nutritional eye health support, as well, we’ve elected to have EyePromise Vizual Edge Chewable, Vizual Edge Pro, and Screen Shield Pro NSF Certified for Sport. These marks mean you can trust what EyePromise puts into our products so you can get the best out of them.

Find out which EyePromise product is right for you by taking our product selector quiz.