Which symbol should you look for on a supplement label to indicate higher quality?

• A. USP
• B. FDA
• C. GMP
• D. NSF

Answer: (A)

Third-party verification marks on supplement labels help you gauge quality beyond marketing claims. The USP Verified symbol shows the product has been tested by the United States Pharmacopeia for identity, potency, quality, and purity, and that the label accurately reflects the ingredients and amounts. This means the product was checked for contaminants and that the stated dosage matches what’s in the bottle. Because USP verification is specific, standardized, and widely recognized, it provides a reliable signal of higher quality.

Keep in mind that the FDA does not approve supplements before they reach the market, and GMP refers to manufacturing practices rather than a label certification. While many manufacturers follow GMP, the symbol most people associate with independent quality is the USP mark. NSF is another credible third-party mark, but USP is the most widely recognized indicator of supplement quality.