9 min read
Oct 2, 2025
The Truth About Supplement Quality – What Supplements I Recommend and Why
In a recent interview with Futureproof on Newstalk, Prof. John Nolan joined science broadcaster Jonathan McCrea to discuss what really goes into the supplements we take and how consumers can know which ones actually work.
While supplements can play an important role in supporting health as we age, Prof. Nolan highlighted that many supplements on the market lack proper scientific validation. Without clear evidence or testing, consumers may be paying for supplements that fail to deliver the ingredients or benefits they promise.
Prof. Nolan explained that not all supplements are created equal. His research over 25 years has shown that only specific formulations, tested in controlled, clinical studies can be relied upon for effectiveness and safety.
The discussion also revealed a major gap in the supplement industry: efficacy testing is not required before supplements go to market. This means that even well-intentioned consumers can struggle to distinguish between scientifically supported products and those that simply make unverified claims.
To help address this, Prof. Nolan co-founded Supplement Certified, a third-party certification programme developed at South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford. The initiative independently tests supplements to ensure they meet their label claims, are stable, and contain the correct ingredients in the right amounts.
By promoting transparency, rigorous testing, and consumer education, Prof. Nolan and his team are helping to raise standards across the supplement industry — ensuring that science, not marketing, guides the choices people make for their health.
For more information on the science discussed in this interview and Prof. Nolan’s ongoing research into supplement quality, you can learn more here.
