B.I.S.P. Methodology
Our Complete Supplement Verification System
Transparent, objective, and impossible to game. Here's exactly how we test supplements and calculate truth scores.
Why We Built B.I.S.P.
The supplement industry has a credibility crisis. Most review sites accept paid placements. Brands cite ingredient studies for products they've never tested. Third-party verification is rare.
We needed a system that could answer three fundamental questions for every supplement:
- Is it safe and pure? (Bio-Purity)
- Can your body use it? (Bio-Activation)
- Does it actually work? (Bio-Outcome Proof)
B.I.S.P. evaluates all three dimensions using objective, verifiable criteria. No opinions. No marketing speak. Just measurable truth.
Our Promise: This methodology is public, transparent, and cannot be influenced by payment. Every claim we make is backed by cited research or verified test results.
Dimension 1: Third-Party Testing & Purity
Is what's on the label actually in the bottle? Is it contaminated with harmful substances?
What We Test For
- 1. Third-Party Certification
NSF International, USP Verified, ConsumerLab, or Labdoor testing
- 2. Heavy Metal Screening
Lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium within California Prop 65 limits
- 3. Label Accuracy
Actual ingredient content within ±10% of label claim
- 4. Contaminant Testing
Microbial contamination, pesticides, solvents
- 5. GMP Compliance
FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility
Scoring Criteria
Multiple third-party certifications, all contaminants below detection limits, label accuracy within ±5%, transparent COA available
One major third-party cert, passing heavy metal screening, label accuracy within ±10%, GMP certified
Self-reported testing, some documentation gaps, minor concerns but generally safe
No third-party testing, contamination detected, label inaccuracy >15%, or safety concerns
Why Bio-Purity is Weighted Highest (40%)
Safety is non-negotiable. A supplement can't help you if it's contaminated with heavy metals or contains nothing close to the label claim. We weight purity highest because it's the foundation of everything else.
Dimension 2: Bioavailability & Formulation
Can your body actually absorb and utilize these ingredients? Are the doses clinically effective?
What We Evaluate
- 1. Ingredient Forms
Liposomal, sublingual, chelated, or enhanced delivery systems vs. poorly absorbed forms
- 2. Dosage Adequacy
Does dosage match clinically effective levels from research? Underdosing is a red flag.
- 3. Synergistic Combinations
Are absorption enhancers included? (e.g., piperine with curcumin, quercetin with resveratrol)
- 4. Formulation Quality
Avoidance of proprietary blends, clear dosing, time-release when appropriate
- 5. Delivery Timing
Clear instructions for optimal absorption (with food, on empty stomach, etc.)
Scoring Criteria
Advanced delivery (liposomal/sublingual), clinically effective dosing, synergistic enhancers, transparent formulation
Bioavailable forms, adequate dosing, some absorption support, clear ingredient amounts
Standard forms, borderline dosing, minimal absorption enhancement, may have some effectiveness
Poorly absorbed forms, severe underdosing, proprietary blends, unlikely to produce results
Common Bioavailability Problems
Poor Absorption Examples:
- • Curcumin without piperine or liposomal delivery
- • NMN in regular capsules (acid-sensitive)
- • Trans-resveratrol without quercetin
- • Magnesium oxide (5-10% absorbed)
Better Alternatives:
- • Liposomal or phytosome curcumin
- • Sublingual NMN or enteric-coated
- • Micronized trans-resveratrol + quercetin
- • Magnesium glycinate (40%+ absorbed)
Dimension 3: Clinical Evidence & Outcomes
Is there proof this formulation actually works in humans? What outcomes can you expect?
What We Verify
- 1. Human Clinical Trials
Published studies on humans (not just mice), using similar dosages and formulations
- 2. Peer-Reviewed Research
PubMed-indexed journals, not brand-funded marketing studies
- 3. Mechanism of Action
Clear biological pathway showing how ingredients produce effects
- 4. Measurable Biomarkers
Objective outcomes (blood tests, cognitive scores, etc.), not just subjective feelings
- 5. Effect Size
Clinically meaningful improvements, not just statistically significant changes
Scoring Criteria
Multiple RCTs, meta-analyses, consistent outcomes, clear MOA, measurable biomarker improvements
Several human studies, documented MOA, some positive outcomes, promising but needs more research
Preliminary studies, animal research, theoretical MOA, plausible but not proven in humans
No human trials, unproven claims, marketing hype, or contradicted by research
The "Ingredient Study" Trap
Most supplement brands cite research on ingredients, not their actual product. For example: "Resveratrol shown to increase NAD+ levels in study!" The study used 500mg of micronized trans-resveratrol. Their product contains 100mg of standard resveratrol.
We evaluate the complete formulation at the actual dosages provided, not cherry-picked ingredient studies.
Calculating the Overall Score
Scoring Formula
Failed one or more dimensions. Safety concerns, ineffective formulation, or no evidence.
Passing but concerns exist. May work for some people but better options available.
Passed all dimensions. Pure, bioavailable, and evidence-backed. Recommended.
Example Score Breakdown
Methodology FAQ
What does B.I.S.P. stand for?
B.I.S.P. stands for Bio-Purity (third-party testing), Bio-Activation (bioavailability analysis), and Bio-Outcome Proof (clinical evidence). These three dimensions form our comprehensive verification system.
Can brands pay for better scores?
Absolutely not. Our scores are based solely on objective criteria: third-party lab results, peer-reviewed research, and bioavailability analysis. We do not accept payment for reviews or rankings. Period.
How often do you update scores?
We continuously monitor new research and third-party testing results. Scores are updated when new data becomes available or when formulations change. All updates are documented with timestamps in our reviews.
Do you test supplements yourself?
We rely on independent third-party testing from certified labs (NSF, USP, ConsumerLab, Labdoor). These organizations specialize in supplement testing and have no conflicts of interest. We evaluate their reports along with published research.
Why is Bio-Purity weighted highest?
Safety is non-negotiable. A supplement can't help you if it's contaminated with heavy metals or contains nothing close to the label claim. Purity is the foundation - without it, bioavailability and evidence don't matter.
What if a supplement has no third-party testing?
Products without third-party testing automatically score low on Bio-Purity (typically 3-5/10). We may review them to document their claims, but they cannot achieve "Verified" status without independent testing confirmation.
How do you handle affiliate relationships?
We earn commissions when you purchase products through our links. However, scores and rankings are never influenced by affiliate earnings. We recommend products based solely on B.I.S.P. scores. Full disclosure is always provided. Read our affiliate disclosure.
See B.I.S.P. in Action: Download the Blacklist
27 popular supplements scored using our B.I.S.P. methodology. See which products failed and why.
Our Commitment to Transparency
This methodology is a living document. As supplement science advances and testing methods improve, we update our criteria. All changes are documented publicly with effective dates.
Methodology Version 1.0 | Last Updated: December 2025 | About Us | Disclosure