Informed Choice
Banned-substance screening with monthly blind retail testing
Summary
Informed Choice is LGC's quality assurance program meant to minimize the risk of supplements being contaminated with banned and harmful substances. [1]
What it tests
Before certification, a paper-based manufacturing assessment and ingredient review, then lab testing of three samples across at least three production batches. [1]
After certification, at least monthly blind tests of samples bought at retail. [1]
What it doesn't cover
LGC says the key difference is testing frequency: Informed Sport tests every batch before sale, while Informed Choice tests products on a monthly blind testing schedule. [2]
Informed Choice's process page describes pre-certification testing of three samples across at least three batches, then at least monthly blind tests of samples bought at retail. [1]
Seals don't guarantee safety or effectiveness. [3]
How to verify a product
Look up on their siteCertified products get a page on the Informed Choice website listing all tested batch numbers. [1]
Sources
- Informed Choice (LGC) — The 4 Steps to Informed Choice Certification retrieved 2026-10-27
- Informed Sport (LGC) — Frequently Asked Questions retrieved 2026-10-27
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know retrieved 2026-10-27