Every score on Check Supplement follows the same rigorous framework. Here's exactly how we evaluate ingredients and products.
We built our scoring system around one principle: human perception matters more than math. A score of 7 should feel like "good" to anyone who sees it. A score of 5 should feel like "below average." Our system is calibrated to match how humans naturally interpret numbers.
Our "Laid-Back Doctor" scoring approach starts from the assumption that most supplements are "probably fine" and adjusts based on evidence quality and safety.
We start every ingredient at 7 (Good). Most supplements have some evidence of benefit and are generally safe. From there, we adjust up or down.
Products are scored using a multi-factor formula that considers efficacy, purpose alignment, formulation intelligence, and label transparency.
We compare each ingredient's dose to clinical research standards. A product with all ingredients at 80%+ of clinical doses gets top marks. Underdosed products get penalized accordingly.
Premium forms (Magnesium Glycinate, Methylfolate) get bonuses. Poor forms (Magnesium Oxide, Folic Acid) get penalties. We track bioavailability multipliers for each form.
We identify beneficial pairings (Vitamin D + K2, Iron + Vitamin C) and conflicts (Calcium + Iron, Zinc + Copper). Smart combinations boost scores; conflicts reduce them.
Products hiding doses behind "proprietary blends" get automatic score reductions. Full transparency is rewarded; opacity is penalized.
We integrate data from 10 authoritative sources to provide comprehensive, accurate information.
Browse our ingredient database or analyze your supplement stack.