Informed Choice

Informed Choice is a third-party quality assurance program that certifies sports nutrition products as free from banned substances. It aims to help athletes and consumers select supplements that have been tested for contaminants.

Explanation

Informed Choice, operated by the laboratory LGC, provides testing and certification for dietary supplements and sports drinks. The program screens products for a wide range of substances prohibited by major sporting organizations. Manufacturing facilities are audited for good manufacturing practices, and finished products are randomly tested for traces of steroids, stimulants or other banned compounds. Products that meet the program’s standards may display the Informed Choice logo on their label, signalling that they have been regularly tested and are considered lower risk for athletes subject to anti‑doping rules. The certification helps brands demonstrate that their formulations use clean ingredients and meet strict quality controls, and it assists consumers in differentiating between tested and untested products. Though the program reduces the chance of contamination, it does not guarantee absolute freedom from banned substances; it remains important for athletes to review ingredient lists and adhere to organizational regulations.

Choosing certified products

To make use of the Informed Choice program, consumers can look for the distinctive logo on sports drinks, powders, or capsules. Many reputable brands list certification details on their websites and allow batch numbers to be checked against the program’s database. Athletes should verify that the product’s batch number is current and matches the registration on the Informed Choice website. Be wary of supplements that claim to be “tested” but do not display a recognized certification mark. While certification provides reassurance, it does not override the need to use products responsibly. Follow recommended doses and consult sports medicine professionals if uncertain about any ingredient.

Most sports drinks do not contain banned substances, but contamination can occur during manufacturing. Selecting products with recognized certifications such as Informed Choice helps minimize risk and supports clean sport. It is part of a comprehensive strategy that includes reading labels, staying informed about updated prohibited lists, and using only trustworthy brands.

Related Terms: third-party testing, banned substances, WADA compliance, certified supplement, supplement quality