Last updated: 2/13/2026 | Reviewed by Dr. Chris Jackson, PharmD
When you're shopping for lung health supplements or breathing support products, you'll often see claims like "tested for purity" or "quality assured." But what does that actually mean? More importantly, how can you tell if a company is truly delivering what's on the label?
The answer lies in third-party tested supplements—products verified by independent laboratories with no financial stake in the results. At Betterbrand, every batch of BetterLungs products is tested by Eurofins Scientific, one of the world's most respected testing organizations. But before you take our word for it, let's break down exactly what third-party testing involves and why it matters for your health.
Table of Contents
- What Is Third-Party Testing?
- Why Third-Party Testing Matters for Supplements
- How Eurofins Scientific Tests Supplements
- What Gets Tested in Third-Party Analysis
- The Difference Between GMP Certified Supplements and Third-Party Testing
- How to Verify Third-Party Testing Claims
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Third-Party Testing?
Third-party testing means an independent laboratory—one that has no ownership or financial connection to the supplement company—analyzes products for safety, purity, and potency. Think of it like having an impartial referee verify that what's on the label matches what's in the bottle.
According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition's 2024 Consumer Survey, 73% of supplement users consider third-party testing an important factor when choosing products. Yet a 2023 analysis by NSF International found that approximately 25% of supplements tested contained ingredients not listed on the label or had inaccurate potency claims.
This gap between consumer expectations and industry reality is exactly why third-party testing exists. When a company invests in independent verification, they're essentially saying, "Don't just trust us—verify."
Why Third-Party Testing Matters for Supplements
Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements don't require FDA pre-approval before hitting store shelves. The FDA only steps in after products are already being sold, typically in response to safety concerns or complaints.
This regulatory structure places the responsibility for quality squarely on manufacturers. Some companies cut corners. Others, like doctor-formulated supplement brands, prioritize transparency and invest in rigorous testing protocols.
Research published in JAMA Network Open in 2024 found that supplements with third-party verification had significantly fewer quality issues compared to unverified products. For lung health supplements specifically, this verification becomes crucial—you want to know that the mullein, NAC, or elderberry you're taking is actually present in effective amounts.
How Eurofins Scientific Tests Supplements
Eurofins Scientific operates over 900 laboratories across 62 countries, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive testing networks globally. When BetterLungs products arrive at Eurofins, they undergo a multi-stage analysis process.
Sample Collection and Preparation
Testers randomly select samples from production batches. This random selection prevents companies from submitting only their best products for testing—every batch faces the same scrutiny.
Laboratory Analysis
Using advanced techniques like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry, scientists break down each sample to identify and quantify every ingredient. These methods can detect substances at parts-per-billion levels.
Results Verification
Multiple technicians review findings independently. If discrepancies appear, additional testing occurs. Only after consistent results across multiple analyses does Eurofins issue certification.
Documentation
Every test generates detailed certificates of analysis (COAs) documenting exactly what was found. Reputable companies make these documents available to consumers upon request.
What Gets Tested in Third-Party Analysis
Third-party testing examines supplements across several critical categories:
Identity Testing
Verifies that ingredients are what the label claims. Is that mullein leaf actually mullein, or a cheaper substitute?
Potency Testing
Confirms that active ingredients meet labeled amounts. If a product claims 300mg of mullein leaf, testing verifies that amount is present.
Purity Testing
Screens for contaminants including heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium), pesticide residues, microbial contamination (bacteria, mold, yeast), and solvent residues.
Stability Testing
Determines whether products maintain their potency throughout their shelf life. This testing ensures the supplement you take six months from now contains the same amounts as when it was manufactured.
For breathing support supplements, contaminant screening becomes especially important. Heavy metals and microbial contamination can irritate respiratory tissues—the exact opposite of what you want from a product designed to support lung health.
The Difference Between GMP Certified Supplements and Third-Party Testing
These terms often appear together, but they represent different quality assurances.
GMP Certification (Good Manufacturing Practices)
GMP certified supplements come from facilities following FDA-established production standards. This covers manufacturing processes—cleanliness, equipment calibration, employee training, record-keeping, and contamination prevention during production.
Third-Party Testing
This verifies the finished product itself, regardless of where or how it was made. A product could come from a GMP facility but still benefit from independent verification of the final result.
The strongest quality assurance combines both: production in a GMP certified facility followed by third-party verification of the finished product. This dual approach is what Betterbrand uses for all BetterLungs products—formulated by Dr. Chris Jackson, PharmD, manufactured in a USA-based GMP facility, and independently tested by Eurofins Scientific.
How to Verify Third-Party Testing Claims
Not all testing claims carry equal weight. Here's how to evaluate them:
Ask for Certificates of Analysis
Legitimate companies provide COAs upon request. These documents should identify the testing laboratory, test dates, specific tests performed, and results.
Research the Testing Laboratory
Look for ISO 17025 accreditation—the international standard for testing laboratories. Eurofins holds this accreditation across its global network.
Check for Batch-Specific Testing
Quality companies test every production batch, not just occasional samples. Ask whether the specific batch you're purchasing has been verified.
Look for Retail Presence
Major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and GNC require documentation of third-party testing before stocking products. A supplement's presence in these stores indicates it has met verification requirements beyond the manufacturer's claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should supplements be third-party tested?
Every production batch should undergo testing. Reputable companies test each batch before release, ensuring consistent quality across all products reaching consumers. At Betterbrand, no batch ships without Eurofins verification.
What happens if a supplement fails third-party testing?
Responsible manufacturers reject failed batches entirely. The product never reaches consumers. This might seem wasteful, but it's essential quality control. Companies committed to third-party testing accept this cost as part of delivering safe, effective products.
Can I request third-party test results for supplements I've purchased?
Yes. Quality supplement companies provide certificates of analysis upon request. Some publish results directly on their websites. If a company refuses to share test documentation, consider it a significant red flag.
Is third-party testing required by law for supplements?
No. While FDA regulations require supplements to be safe and accurately labeled, they don't mandate third-party verification. Companies that invest in independent testing do so voluntarily—often because their founders, like pharmacists and healthcare professionals, understand the importance of verification.
What's the best mullein supplement testing standard to look for?
For mullein supplements in 2025, look for products tested by recognized laboratories like Eurofins, NSF International, or USP. Testing should verify mullein identity (confirming the botanical species), potency (ensuring labeled amounts), and purity (screening for contaminants).
Conclusion
Third-party testing transforms supplement shopping from a trust exercise into an evidence-based decision. When independent laboratories like Eurofins Scientific verify products, you gain confidence that what's on the label matches what's in the bottle.
For lung health supplements, this verification becomes especially meaningful. You're choosing these products to support your respiratory wellness—contamination or potency issues would undermine that entire purpose.
BetterLungs products combine doctor-formulated ingredients, GMP certified manufacturing, and Eurofins Scientific testing because we believe you deserve all three. Over 836,000 customers trust this approach, backed by a 365-day money-back guarantee.
When comparing BetterLungs vs competitors, ask about their testing protocols. Quality companies welcome these questions. Your lungs—and your health—are worth the extra verification.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Sources
- Council for Responsible Nutrition 2024 Consumer Survey - Annual survey on supplement consumer attitudes and behaviors
- NSF International Supplement Testing Standards - Information on supplement certification requirements
- Eurofins Scientific Testing Services - Overview of dietary supplement testing capabilities
- FDA Dietary Supplement Regulations - Official FDA guidance on supplement oversight
- ISO 17025 Laboratory Accreditation Standards - International laboratory competence requirements