How to Spot Fake COA and Lab Tests in Supplements

Fake supplements are a real problem. Some do nothing, and some contain ingredients that are not on the label. Fakers often add lab certificates to make a product look tested, so a certificate on its own proves very little. This guide shows you how to check for yourself. If you are unsure whether a supplement suits you, ask your GP or pharmacist.

What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?

A COA is a report from a testing lab. It lists what was measured in a batch of a product, such as the ingredients, purity and any contaminants. A COA only means something if the lab is real, the tests were really done, and the report is for the batch you bought. Supplements in the UK are regulated as food. The Food Standards Agency explains the rules at food.gov.uk.

How lab reports get faked

• Edited PDFs: dates, purity figures or lab names changed.
• Fake labs: a lab that does not exist, or is not accredited to test the product.
• Wrong batch: a real report from a different production run.
• Misleading QR codes: codes that lead to a copy the seller controls.

How to check a COA

1. Check the lab. Look the lab up yourself. Labs can be accredited by the UK Accreditation Service, which you can check at ukas.com.
2. Check the batch. The batch number on the report should match the one on your bottle.
3. Check the source. Open the report from the lab's own website, not only from a link or QR code in the packaging.
4. Check the detail. A useful report names each test, the method and the result. Be wary of one headline number with nothing behind it.

Check the label and the price

• Look for spelling mistakes, odd ingredient names, or missing batch numbers and dates.
• Be wary of prices far below similar products.
• If a product claims a certification, check the logo on the certifier's own website.

Where to buy

Fakes turn up on many platforms, including marketplaces and social media shops. Whatever you use, check the seller's history, returns policy and contact details first. If you think you have bought a fake, report it to Action Fraud. For product safety concerns, contact your local Trading Standards office.

How SellHealth UK tests its products

Our REJUVE® Pure NMN is independently tested by SGS. You can ask us for the batch report for any product. Our refund terms are on the 60-Day Guarantee and Returns page, and common questions are in our FAQs.

FAQs

1. How do I know a COA is real? Check the lab exists and is accredited, the batch number matches your bottle, and the report comes from the lab's own website.
2. Can a COA be edited? A plain PDF can be. The source matters more than the document.
3. What if I think a product is fake? Keep the packaging and receipt, contact the seller, and report it to Action Fraud.

Speak to a GP or pharmacist first if you take medication or have a medical condition.