Our Methodology
How We Research, Score & Recommend Products
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Commitment to Transparency
At BetterVitals, we believe you deserve to know exactly how we evaluate products. This page explains our research process, scoring criteria, and how we maintain editorial independence despite affiliate relationships.
Product Scoring System
Every product receives a score from 1-10 based on weighted criteria. Here's what each score range means:
Exceptional
Best-in-class product. Strong scientific evidence, excellent user feedback, clear value proposition. Minor drawbacks only.
Excellent
Top-tier product with strong evidence and user satisfaction. May have 1-2 notable limitations.
Good
Solid product that delivers on core promises. Some trade-offs or areas for improvement. Good for specific use cases.
Adequate
Meets basic expectations but has significant limitations. Better alternatives often exist. Situationally recommended.
Products scoring below 6.0 are generally not recommended and typically don't appear on our site unless for comparison purposes.
What We Evaluate
Scientific Evidence
30%Peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and third-party testing. Products backed by robust research score higher.
Product Quality & Accuracy
25%Build quality, measurement accuracy (for devices), ingredient quality (for supplements), and overall reliability.
User Experience & Feedback
20%Ease of use, app quality, customer reviews across platforms, and long-term user satisfaction.
Value Proposition
15%Price relative to features and alternatives. Premium pricing is acceptable if justified by quality or unique features.
Company & Support
10%Customer support quality, warranty, company reputation, and privacy practices.
Evidence Tier System
We classify the strength of scientific evidence supporting each product using a tier system:
Tier S - Strong Evidence
Multiple peer-reviewed RCTs, meta-analyses, or systematic reviews supporting efficacy. Gold standard evidence.
Tier A - Good Evidence
At least one peer-reviewed RCT or multiple high-quality observational studies. Strong but not definitive.
Tier B - Moderate Evidence
Limited clinical evidence, pilot studies, or strong mechanistic rationale with preliminary human data.
Tier C - Limited Evidence
Primarily based on anecdotal evidence, user reports, or theoretical benefits. Insufficient scientific validation.
Our Research Process
Literature Review
Search PubMed, Google Scholar, and manufacturer citations for relevant studies.
Product Analysis
Examine specifications, ingredients, certifications, and manufacturer claims.
Third-Party Testing
Review independent lab tests, Consumer Reports data, and certification status.
User Feedback Analysis
Aggregate reviews from Amazon, Reddit, specialized forums, and direct user reports.
Expert Consultation
Review expert opinions from trusted health professionals and researchers.
Score & Recommendation
Apply weighted criteria, determine score, and write balanced review with pros/cons.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Our Commitments
- • Score products BEFORE checking affiliate availability
- • Never adjust scores based on commission rates
- • Recommend non-affiliate products when they're better
- • Disclose affiliate relationships on all product pages
- • Update reviews when products or evidence changes
What We Never Do
- • Accept payment for favorable reviews
- • Let affiliate potential influence recommendations
- • Hide products' negative aspects
- • Feature products that don't meet our standards
- • Make unsubstantiated health claims
Keeping Reviews Current
The health tech industry evolves rapidly. Here's how we keep our content accurate:
- Quarterly Reviews: Major product categories are reviewed every 3 months for new studies or product updates
- User Feedback: We monitor user reports for emerging issues or changes in product quality
- New Product Additions: Significant new products are added within 30 days of release
- Score Adjustments: Scores are updated when new evidence emerges or products change materially
Questions About Our Methodology?
We welcome questions about how we research and score products. Transparency is core to our mission.
Contact us at methodology@bettervitals.com