Articles

Heavy Metals Testing Requirements Hectic lives and busy schedules have consumers increasingly reaching for supplements to fill nutrition gaps. There has never been a better time to invest in, develop, and/or broaden your supplement brand. In 2021, Grand View Research valued the global dietary supplement market at $151.9 billion. They expect this market to continue growing at an 8.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030.  However, the information age has consumers reaching for only the safest and most scientifically proven supplements and functional foods. In addition, the supplement craze has caught the attention of numerous governing bodies. Supplement safety...

What to Look for in an Independent Testing Lab Consumers are increasingly reaching for supplements to fill nutrition gaps and promote healthy living. In their 2022 report, Grand View Research valued the dietary supplement market at $151.9 billion and forecast the market to nearly double in size by 2030. Dietary supplements contain a wide variety of ingredients. Everything from necessary micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to amino acids to potent herbs and botanicals. Supplements are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as outlined in the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). As they...

Stability Testing What is Stability Testing? Stability Testing, also referred to as Shelf Life Testing, is a process for determining the duration in which a product can retain its quality. Quality can be assessed by evaluating the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics under long-term storage. Finished goods are held at fixed storage conditions for specific time intervals when testing is performed. Products Types There are four types of products that commonly undergo Stability Testing: dietary supplements, food, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. At Contract Testing Laboratories of America (CTLA), we perform Stability Testing on dietary supplements, food, and personal care...

Benefits of UV-VIS Spectroscopy In the past century, the general population has moved from self-sustaining lifestyles to manufacturing and desk jobs. A century ago, the bulk of nutrition my ancestors consumed came from the plants and animals they had on their small farms. Today, few of their descendants own and operate farms.    And instead of producing a variety of food, those who own farms focus on a few crops and choose to purchase most of the food they eat. The production, harvesting, storage, preservation, and nutritional content of food have drastically changed. These shifts coupled with advances in biochemical...

As the global population becomes better educated, they have more discretionary income for spending. However, hectic lifestyles leave these same people struggling to fill nutritional needs.  With increased understanding and excess money, consumers are empowered to purchase high-quality, natural, and sustainable food products and dietary supplements. Statista reports Millenials and Gen Xers (25-58-year-olds) are increasingly willing to pay more for clean, natural, and organic products. FDA Requirements The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food products and dietary supplements for public safety and nutritional content. Dietary supplements, in particular, must follow current good manufacturing practices (GMP) to ensure the...