Product Selection Criteria

At VitaGene, we take several measures to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of the supplements we offer. When selecting supplement brands to add to our product range, we carefully consider the following factors:

Manufacturing Standards:

We exclusively partner with brands that manufacture their supplements in facilities that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as defined by the authorities from around the world. These GMP certified facilities follow rigorous quality management systems to consistently produce and control products according to the appropriate quality standards for their intended use. This includes maintaining high standards in manufacturing, storage, laboratory areas, and analytical methods.

South African accreditation: As we operate in South Africa, we ensure that all supplements meet the strict criteria set by the Department of Health (DoH) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Compliance with these parameters is crucial for supplements.

Approved standards: We also consider brands that have received approvals from reputable authorities, such as the Therapeutic Goods Association Australia (TGA) – Complementary Medicines, Health Canada – Natural Health Products, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Nutritional Food Supplements and Food & Drug Authority (FDA) – Dietary Supplements.

Quality and Purity:

To verify the purity and strength of our supplements and ensure compliance with specific quality standards, we rely on Certificate of Analysis (COA) documents. These certificates confirm that the supplements meet certain quality standards. For fish oil supplements, we assess the heavy metal content and total oxidation value (TOTOX value), which indicates the degree of oxidation and potential adverse effects. We not only prioritize the purity of these oils we also focus on the sustainability of fish oils.

We prioritize brands that limit the use of artificial ingredients, fillers, additives, and preservatives. Additionally, we select brands that utilize high-quality ingredients and incorporate easily absorbed forms of vitamins and minerals into their supplements, and review those that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.

We ensure that the brands we choose have undergone testing by certified and/ or independent laboratories for various aspects, including identity, strength, disintegration, potency, and purity. This testing verifies that the product meets recognized standards and is free from specified contaminants. We cater to various lifestyle choices and preferences by offering brands that provide options such as non-GMO verified, certified gluten-free, organic, or vegetarian/vegan products.

Reputation:

We source our supplements from reputable companies, considering both the quality and the value they offer. We ensure that the brands we choose comply with all advertising standards and relevant marketing codes and Acts including being compliant with the Consumer Protection Act. To further verify the authenticity and credibility of brands, we consider whether they have received endorsements from well-known associations.

Vetting and Expert Approval:

Our team of experts thoroughly vet and approve all brands available at VitaGene. We evaluate each company's reliability and business practices to ensure that our customers receive products of the highest standards.

By considering all these factors, we strive to ensure that the supplements we offer at VitaGene meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and authenticity.