Trushield Focuses on Banned Substance Testing & certification
Lori Besterveldt—former NSF Chief Science Officer and now Senior VP at TruShield—discusses the urgent need for more adaptable, athlete-centered supplement certification. Her new initiative, TruShield Certified, aims to fill critical gaps by offering rigorous banned substance testing without forcing brands to duplicate GMP, contaminant, and label verification they may already manage in-house. TruShield is uniquely positioned thanks to its existing relationships with major pro sports leagues and its lab’s WADA-level expertise. With over 400 substances tested—compared to the industry’s typical 200—TruShield offers peace of mind to athletes, trainers, and sports dietitians navigating a supplement market that’s increasingly complex and influencer-driven.
Key Takeaways
TruShield offers a new third-party certification focused solely on banned substance testing, minimizing redundancy for brands that already manage GMP and label compliance internally.
Athletes, especially those transitioning from collegiate to pro levels, rely heavily on trusted certifications to ensure supplements are free from substances that could jeopardize their careers.
TruShield tests for over 400 banned substances—nearly double that of traditional programs—leveraging their experience conducting anti-doping testing for major leagues like the NFL, UFC, and NBA.
High-risk product categories include muscle builders, weight-loss aids, pre-workouts, herbal blends, and injectables—especially those from unverified sources or featuring proprietary blends.
Move Nutrition pros (sports RDs, trainers, coaches) should look for rigorous certification seals and be wary of misleading claims like “WADA-approved,” which no supplement can legally make.
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