Which Supplement Brands Are Legit? A Critical Look at the Best and Worst
Not all supplement brands are created equal. In an industry that's often under-regulated, what separates a reputable brand from a questionable one comes down to a few critical factors: transparency, clinical substantiation, third-party testing, and marketing integrity.
A good supplement brand priorisides evidence-based formulations, clearly lists ingredient dosages, undergoes independent testing, and avoids exaggerated claims. It acknowledges the limits of what supplements can do and respects both scientific nuance and regulatory standards.
In contrast, poor-quality brands rely on flashy marketing, vague or misleading health promises, celebrity and influencer endorsements over clinical trials, and often skip publishing lab results altogether. When wellness becomes more about image than evidence, consumers are left vulnerable to misinformation and wasted money, or worse, false hope. Let's get into our top and least favourite choices:
The Top 3 Supplement Brands
1. Thorne Thorne has been widely recognised for its commitment to high-quality, science-backed supplements. The brand emphasises the use of pure ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives and fillers. Many of their products are formulated for optimal bioavailability, ensuring that nutrients are effectively absorbed by the body. Notably, Thorne has received an "A" rating from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia, reflecting its adherence to stringent quality standards.
While Thorne offers a range of products that are NSF Certified for Sport, indicating suitability for athletes, it's important to note that not all their supplements undergo third-party testing. Additionally, Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are not readily available for consumers, which may be a consideration for those seeking complete transparency.
Verdict: Thorne stands out for its dedication to producing high-quality supplements grounded in scientific research. However, potential users should be aware of the brand's premium pricing and the limited availability of third-party testing information for all products.
2.Biogena Biogena positions itself as a pharmaceutical-grade supplement brand built on transparency, scientific collaboration, and sustainability. Their hallmark “Pure Substance Principle” means their products are free from common additives like titanium dioxide, artificial colourants, and preservatives, appealing to those seeking clean-label formulations. Each supplement is accompanied by open-access ingredient data through their nutri.tionary, offering rare transparency in an often opaque industry.
Backed by the Biogena Science Team and Akademie, the brand emphasises that its formulations are based on clinical and biochemical research. Their extensive range caters to precise health needs, from gut health and hormonal balance to mitochondrial function and stress support, combining individual nutrients with synergistic blends. Importantly, products are manufactured under GMP-certified conditions in Austria, with attention to eco-conscious packaging and sustainability. Unlike most over-the-counter brands, Biogena follows a practitioner-led distribution model. This means their supplements are typically recommended by healthcare professionals, which may help reduce misuse or self-prescription.
But Biogena isn't without limitations. The premium price point can be prohibitive for long-term use, and while branding implies high efficacy, not all products are supported by product-specific clinical trials, a common issue in the supplement industry. The vast catalog can also foster an over-supplementation mindset, especially without practitioner guidance.
Lastly, their branding tone, steeped in “personalised micronutrients” and biomedical language, can feel elitist or overwhelming to general consumers. While Biogena maintains more scientific integrity than most, the gap between evidence and implication still exists in certain marketing narratives.
Verdict: Biogena offers good quality, science-oriented supplements with a high standard of manufacturing, but price, accessibility, and clinical nuance are important considerations.
3.Sunday Natural Sunday Natural has gained traction among health-conscious consumers for its focus on purity, minimal processing, and natural sourcing. The brand is known for offering supplements that are free from synthetic fillers, artificial additives, titanium dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Their clean-label commitment resonates strongly with those seeking plant-based, vegan, or allergen-friendly options.
One of Sunday Natural’s standout qualities is its ingredient sourcing. From fermented coenzyme Q10 to liposomal vitamins and organically grown herbs, many of their raw materials are sustainably harvested and third-party tested for purity. The company is also transparent with batch-level testing, and their website includes Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for many products, a notable trust signal in a market where this is still rare.
Sunday Natural appeals to those who prefer a minimalist, food-first philosophy. Their formulations often avoid excessive stacking of nutrients, sticking instead to well-dosed single ingredients or synergistic combinations that avoid “megadosing.” They also offer niche supplements like Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine extracts, adding a holistic edge to their lineup.
That said, the brand does have limitations. While Sunday Natural emphasises third-party testing and transparency, their products are not always available globally, and most of the detailed sourcing and quality info is presented in German, which may limit accessibility for non-German-speaking customers. They also do not conduct clinical trials on their finished products, so while ingredients may be supported by general research, efficacy of the final formulations isn't always evidence-backed in a clinical setting.
Verdict: Sunday Natural stands out for clean formulations, ingredient integrity, and responsible sourcing, making it a strong option for consumers seeking simplicity and transparency in their supplements. However, global accessibility and lack of product-specific clinical trials remain areas for improvement.
The Bottom 3 Supplement Brands
1.Lemme by Kourtney Kardashian Lemme, founded by Kourtney Kardashian, offers aesthetically appealing supplements with trendy ingredients and wellness buzzwords. Products like Lemme Debloat and Lemme Burn promise noticeable effects in short timeframes, such as reducing cellulite in 28 days. However, medical professionals have criticised these assertions as lacking scientific validity. The brand's heavy reliance on celebrity endorsement over clinical evidence raises concerns about misleading consumers into expecting drug-like results from unregulated supplements.
In April 2025, Lemme faced class action lawsuits in both California and New York over its product GLP-1 Daily. The lawsuits allege that Lemme falsely advertised the supplement’s ability to mimic pharmaceutical GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic), claiming it could “increase GLP-1 levels by 17%” and promote weight loss. Plaintiffs argue that these claims are not backed by any clinical trials and that the company is capitalizing on public awareness of prescription weight-loss drugs while offering none of the regulated safety or efficacy data. By suggesting GLP-1 Daily offers similar outcomes to prescription medications, without rigorous clinical backing, Lemme strays into potentially deceptive territory. Comparisons to pharmaceuticals imply a level of efficacy that is both misleading and potentially dangerous, especially for consumers looking for medically-supported solutions.
While Lemme states that its products undergo third-party testing, the brand offers little in the way of accessible documentation or detailed test results. Without clarity on what’s being tested, purity, potency, contaminants, it’s difficult for consumers to independently verify product quality.
Verdict: Lemme illustrates the risks of celebrity-driven wellness brands: persuasive marketing, visual appeal, and high-profile endorsements can often mask a lack of scientific substance. The recent lawsuits spotlight the importance of regulatory compliance and the need for consumers to remain skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, especially when they aren’t backed by clinical evidence or transparent practices.
2.Health Nag Health Nag markets itself as a wellness-forward supplement brand based in the UAE, but when assessed against global standards for supplement safety, transparency, and scientific rigor, several red flags come up. The brand heavily leans on trendy health language and influencer-style marketing while offering little in terms of verified substance.
Phrases like “Add years to your life,” “Heal your gut permanently,” or “Most powerful detox on the planet” are prominent in their marketing—but these statements lack the backing of high-quality, peer-reviewed clinical research. Such unsubstantiated health claims would not meet regulatory standards set by authorities like the EFSA or FDA. In the absence of proper disclaimers or clinical evidence, these bold assertions cross into misleading territory.
While the brand often uses scientific-sounding terms such as “liposomal delivery systems” or “science-backed ingredients,” there are currently no published clinical trials on their finished products. This is not inherently fraudulent but suggesting therapeutic or long-term health effects without substantiation is misleading and ethically problematic, especially for consumers managing chronic health conditions.
Marketing terms like “cleanse your liver,” “immunity reset,” or “hormone balancing blends” suggest medicinal effects that are not permitted under supplement regulations. Health Nag’s products are not registered as medicines, nor have they undergone pharmaceutical-grade testing, making these phrases legally and scientifically inappropriate in most regulated markets. Health Nag’s website offers no clear third-party testing data, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), or information on manufacturing standards like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). In an era where consumers expect full traceability and independent validation, this lack of transparency raises serious concerns.
Verdict: Health Nag falls short of modern supplement standards. From overstated health benefits and lack of clinical validation to vague product testing information, the brand relies more on marketing hype than scientific integrity. Until these gaps are addressed, it remains a questionable choice for those seeking evidence-based, transparent supplementation.
3.Inno Supps Inno Supps has carved out a strong online presence with eye-catching marketing, influencer campaigns, and wellness buzzwords. The brand strategically aligns itself with board-certified medical professionals to endorse select products like Advanced Prostate Support, T-Drive, and Inno Cleanse. While this lends a veneer of clinical credibility, it’s a clever marketing move rather than a guarantee of evidence-based efficacy. These affiliations may create the impression of robust medical backing, yet many of the formulations still lack product-specific clinical trials, leaving consumers to navigate a gap between expert endorsement and scientific substantiation.
Most products in their lineup lack published clinical trials, relying instead on generalised ingredient science rather than testing their own blends. For consumers prioritising transparency, third-party validation, and science-backed supplementation, Inno Supps may fall short of the mark.
Verdict: Inno Supps markets hard and looks polished but underneath, the clinical evidence supporting many of their product claims is often thin or absent. Proceed with caution, especially if you’re seeking supplements for serious or long-term health goals.
Our Take Away Message: When it comes to choosing supplements, trust, transparency, and scientific validation should be your top priorities. Many brands tout impressive and overly sensationalised claims, but without proper evidence or third-party testing, it's easy to fall into the trap of misleading marketing. Exaggerated health benefits and celebrity endorsements may create a sense of credibility, but they often mask a lack of solid clinical backing.
It’s crucial to be aware that not all products are created equal, some may come with promises that sound too good to be true, and unfortunately, they often are. Take the time to research the companies you support, look for clear ingredient transparency, and prioritise brands that adhere to rigorous scientific standards.
Remember, your health is too important to be swayed by marketing gimmicks. Make informed choices and opt for brands that put real science and safety at the forefront of their offerings.