Informed Sport vs NSF: Which Certification is Better for Athletes?
As athletes, we’re always looking for ways to stay on top of our game. We train hard, eat right, and take supplements to help us reach our peak performance. But with so many supplements out there, it can be hard to know which ones are safe and effective. That’s where certification comes in. Two of the most well-known certifications are Informed Sport and NSF. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each one and help you decide which is best for you.
What is Informed Sport?
Informed Sport is a certification program that tests supplements for banned substances. If a supplement has the Informed Sport certification, it means that the product has been tested for more than 220 banned substances and is safe to use. Informed Sport is a global program that is recognized by major organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
What is NSF?
NSF is another certification program that tests supplements for safety and quality. The NSF certification is recognized by major sports organizations like the NFL, NCAA, MLB, and PGA. NSF tests supplements for things like label accuracy, ingredient safety, and contaminants. The organization also audits supplement manufacturers to ensure that they’re following good manufacturing practices.
So, which one is better for athletes?
Both Informed Sport and NSF are trusted certifications in the athletic world. However, there are some differences between the two.
Informed Sport is focused solely on testing for banned substances. If you’re an athlete who competes at a high level and is subject to drug testing, then Informed Sport may be the better choice for you. Informed Sport has a higher level of testing than NSF and tests for more banned substances.
NSF, on the other hand, tests for more than just banned substances. If you’re looking for a certification that ensures the safety and quality of your supplements, then NSF may be the better choice for you. NSF tests for things like label accuracy, ingredient safety, and contaminants. This means that NSF-certified supplements are less likely to contain harmful ingredients or contaminants.
Ultimately, the choice between Informed Sport and NSF comes down to your individual needs as an athlete. If you’re subject to drug testing or want a supplement that’s been tested for banned substances, then go with Informed Sport. If you want a supplement that’s been thoroughly vetted for safety and quality, then go with NSF.
Conclusion
Informed Sport and NSF are both trusted certifications in the athletic world. Informed Sport is focused solely on testing for banned substances, while NSF tests for safety and quality in addition to banned substances. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your individual needs as an athlete. Do your research and choose the certification that’s right for you. By doing so, you’ll be one step closer to reaching your peak performance.
