How we review

Last updated August 2, 2026

Health writing is easy to fake and hard to do honestly. This page describes what we actually do, so you can check whether an article lived up to it.

Sources we accept

• Randomized controlled trials, with weight given by size and quality
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, particularly Cochrane reviews
• US government health agencies: NIH, NIDDK, the Office of Dietary Supplements, FDA
• Professional body guidance, such as the American Urological Association

We do not cite manufacturer white papers, press releases, or studies whose only publication venue is the seller's own website.

How we handle weak evidence

We say it is weak. An ingredient supported by two small short trials is described as an ingredient supported by two small short trials, not as "clinically proven." When the largest trial of a popular ingredient found no effect, that result goes in the article even though it makes the product harder to sell.

What we never do

• Invent an author or attach fake credentials to a byline
• Present a marketing page as if it were a study
• Claim a supplement diagnoses, treats, cures or prevents any disease
• Use artificial urgency — countdown timers, fake stock counters, expiring offers
• Publish testimonials we cannot verify

Affiliate relationships

Commercial links are added after the ingredient analysis is written, never before. No advertiser reviews our copy prior to publication, and no advertiser has ever been given the ability to change or remove a finding. If that changes, this page changes first.

Corrections

If we get something wrong, write to us and we will fix it and note the change with its date at the top of the article. Every page carries a published date and, where applicable, a last-updated date so you can judge how current it is. Send corrections through our contact page.