Our Scoring Methodology
Every supplement on HerbRanked is scored using a transparent, evidence-based framework. No paid placements. No brand sponsorships. Just data.
Core Principles
Independence
We have no financial relationships with supplement brands. Rankings cannot be purchased.
Transparency
Every factor in our scoring is documented here. You can see exactly why a product scored how it did.
Evidence-Based
Scoring criteria are derived from NIH, WHO, USP guidelines, and peer-reviewed research.
Consumer-First
We prioritize safety over marketing claims. A lower-dose, tested product beats an untested mega-dose.
How We Calculate Scores
Each product receives an overall score from 0-100, calculated as a weighted combination of five factor scores. Here's what each factor measures and how it's weighted:
Purity Score
25%Evaluates the absence of fillers, artificial colors, and unnecessary additives.
- Number and type of inactive ingredients
- Presence of artificial colors (titanium dioxide, FD&C dyes)
- Controversial excipients (magnesium stearate, carrageenan)
- Proprietary blend transparency
Dosage Safety
25%Assesses whether dosages are within safe, evidence-based ranges.
- Dosage vs. established Upper Tolerable Limit
- Risk of fat-soluble vitamin accumulation
- Mega-dosing flags (>1000% DV for certain nutrients)
- Appropriate serving size recommendations
Bioavailability
20%Measures whether the supplement uses forms the body can actually absorb.
- Active form usage (methylfolate > folic acid, D3 > D2)
- Absorption-enhancing co-factors
- Delivery format appropriateness
- Chelated minerals vs. oxide forms
Third-Party Testing
20%Verifies independent quality verification from recognized organizations.
- USP Verified Mark
- NSF Certified for Sport
- ConsumerLab approved
- GMP facility certification
- Heavy metal and contaminant testing
Allergen & Safety Profile
10%Considers allergen-free status and pregnancy/nursing safety.
- Common allergen freedom (gluten, soy, dairy, shellfish)
- Pregnancy and nursing safety data
- Known drug interaction severity
- Banned substance screening
Score Interpretation
Data Sources
Our product data and scoring criteria are derived from the following sources:
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)— 100,000+ supplement labels with full ingredient lists
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements— Evidence-based fact sheets on vitamins, minerals, and herbs
- USP Verified List— Third-party verification of supplement quality and purity
- Open Food Facts— Open-source product database with ingredient and nutrition data
- Peer-reviewed clinical research— Dosage ranges and safety data from published studies
Important Disclaimer
HerbRanked provides educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Our scores reflect publicly available data about product formulation and manufacturing quality — they are not clinical efficacy ratings. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have underlying health conditions.