{"id":495,"date":"2023-04-27T18:41:08","date_gmt":"2023-04-27T18:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getvitaminlab.com\/cms\/blog\/?p=495"},"modified":"2025-02-20T18:42:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T18:42:45","slug":"inside-vitaminlabs-sourcing-and-manufacturing-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prod-practitioner.getvitaminlab.com\/cms\/blog\/quality\/inside-vitaminlabs-sourcing-and-manufacturing-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside VitaminLab’s Sourcing and Manufacturing Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We know that there\u2019s a lot of thought and trust that goes into purchasing supplements, and that\u2019s not something we take lightly. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, bioavailable ingredients from trusted suppliers, prioritizing European and North American suppliers when possible. Our ingredients and end-product formulas go through rigorous testing. Our standards are high and we stand behind our quality first values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does quality affect bioavailability? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In this industry, the term bioavailability<\/em> gets used a lot. It refers to the extent and rate at which the active ingredients in a supplement are absorbed and utilized by the body. In simple terms, it’s how much of the substance actually reaches your bloodstream and is available to have an effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you take a vitamin D supplement, the bioavailability indicates how much of that nutrient is absorbed from your digestive system into your bloodstream and can then be used by your body. The higher the bioavailability, the more effectively your body can use the supplement. Factors that can affect bioavailability include the quality of the ingredient, as well as the form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some ingredients, like herbs, naturally have a low bioavailability because of their poor lipid solubility or improper molecular size. In these cases, we source special forms and extracts like phytosome to help increase bioavailability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also formulate without the use of artificial binders and fillers, as those can also impact how the body absorbs and uses nutrients.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip<\/strong>: Cost doesn\u2019t always equal quality. While you\u2019ll likely spend more on supplements that are traceable and have trademarked ingredients, but it\u2019s not always<\/em> the case\u2014it\u2019s important to see where brands source their ingredients from, or lookout for an NSF certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where are VitaminLab supplements manufactured? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our in-house NSF GMP certified manufacturing facility is based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Due to the unique nature of our custom supplements, each formula is completely custom and made-to-order. We oversee every step of manufacturing to ensure the highest quality products. We weigh, mix, measure, encapsulate, bottle and ship each individual formula in our in-house lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are GMPs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are a set of standards developed by the FDA to guarantee that all products are safe, effective and pure. GMP standards ensure that all products are labeled correctly and contain no contaminants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is \u2018NSF Certified\u2019? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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An NSF certification is essentially a seal of approval to give consumers peace of mind. When a lab is NSF Certified, it means that it has been evaluated and certified by NSF International, an independent organization that sets public health and safety standards. This certification ensures that the lab meets rigorous standards for quality, safety, and performance in testing and compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a lab, NSF certification typically means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n