Understanding the Differences Between Informed Sport and NSF
As an athlete or fitness enthusiast, you may have heard of the certifications Informed Sport and NSF. Both these certifications are designed to ensure that supplement products are safe to use and do not contain any banned substances. However, there are some key differences between the two that may affect your supplement choices. In this article, we’ll explore what Informed Sport and NSF certifications entail and help you decide which one is right for you.
Introduction
Before we delve into Informed Sport and NSF, let’s understand why supplements come under scrutiny. The supplement industry is largely unregulated, which means that manufacturers do not have to comply with any safety or quality standards. This has led to the presence of banned substances like steroids and stimulants in some supplements, which pose a risk to the user’s health and can also result in disqualification for athletes in competitive sports. Therefore, certifications like Informed Sport and NSF have become crucial for both athletes and fitness enthusiasts to make informed choices.
Informed Sport Certification
Informed Sport is a certification program run by LGC, a global leader in life sciences testing and analysis. This program consists of a testing process that verifies that a supplement product does not contain any banned substances in harmful quantities. The testing is done in batches, which means that the entire manufacturing process of a supplement product is scrutinized, from sourcing raw materials to packaging the final product. The Informed Sport certification also guarantees that a supplement product is accurately labeled and meets the quality standards set by the industry. The Informed Sport certification is trusted by many organizations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the National Football League (NFL), and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
NSF Certification
NSF International is a non-profit organization that provides various certification programs, including NSF Certified for Sport. This certification program includes a similar testing procedure to Informed Sport but with some added benefits. The NSF Certified for Sport program also requires that a supplement product is screened for 272 substances banned by major sports organizations, including WADA, NFL, and MLB. Additionally, the program conducts an audit of the supplement manufacturer’s quality system to ensure compliance with industry standards. The NSF Certified for Sport logo is widely recognized in the sports industry and is endorsed by many professional sports teams and organizations.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing a certification for a supplement product, both Informed Sport and NSF Certified for Sport are great options. The decision ultimately depends on personal preference and needs. If you are looking for a widely recognized and trusted certification, Informed Sport may be the way to go. However, if you want an extra level of assurance that the supplement product has been screened for a broader range of banned substances, NSF Certified for Sport may suit your needs better.
Conclusion
Informed Sport and NSF Certified for Sport are two certification programs that ensure supplement products are safe to use and comply with industry standards. Both programs conduct rigorous testing procedures and provide added benefits, such as updated lists of banned substances and quality system audits. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and needs. Whichever certification you choose, make sure that the supplement product you use is certified and safe to use.
