Editorial & Evidence Policy

Content is produced independently of manufacturers, retailers, and certification bodies. No company pays for inclusion, for a particular rating, or for placement. We do not run advertising or sponsored entries.

Each ingredient carries a safety classification (for example, Generally Safe, Conditionally Safe, Use with Caution, or Avoid/Banned). Ratings reflect the weight of available evidence on adverse effects, contraindications, interactions, toxicity, and regulatory action — not commercial popularity. Substances that are banned, adulterated, or carry serious documented harm are flagged regardless of how they are marketed.

Evidence strength (for example, Strong, Moderate, Insufficient) reflects the quantity, quality, and consistency of human studies, prioritising systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomised controlled trials over preclinical or anecdotal data. Where human evidence is limited or mechanisms are preclinical, we say so plainly rather than overstating benefit.

Where data are not available, the platform states "data not available" or marks a section under review rather than presenting invented or placeholder information. Where a section is not applicable to an ingredient (for example, a sun-exposure tool for a substance not made in the skin), it is hidden or explicitly marked not applicable.

Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed under the direction of the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD. Entries undergoing or awaiting editorial verification are flagged internally and, where shown to readers, carry a note that the content is under clinical review and may not be exhaustive.

PHIG and its contributors declare no financial interest in the sale of any supplement product or brand featured. Any relevant interest that arises will be disclosed on the affected entry.

Clinical statements are referenced to their sources, with preference for authoritative bodies (for example, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, the Institute of Medicine/National Academies, peer-reviewed literature, and pharmacopoeial standards). Each entry lists its references.

Entries are revised as new evidence emerges. The last-reviewed date and version are recorded per entry and in the site footer.