Clinical trials on nutraceutical products are increasingly widespread and their promotion is becoming a vital asset for achieving market success. However, not all clinical trials are created equal. What are the factors that make a trial “good”?
Consumers are becoming more educated and proactive when deciding which nutraceutical products to buy. They are increasingly paying attention to proof of efficacy. With big pharma brands stepping into nutraceuticals, the rules are shifting, and clinical substantiation’s importance is increasing rapidly even on the finished products.
How do we distinguish good clinical trials from the rest?
The factors that determine a good clinical trial are:
Watch the video or continue reading to find out more.
A good clinical trial meticulously plans its statistics in advance – from sample size to anticipated effects. This precision is crucial for obtaining results than are not only relevant but also open to a meaningful interpretation.
Principles, such as control group, double blinding, and randomization are important to establish causality, reduce the placebo effect, and reduce selection bias. Moreover, when designing a clinical trial, one should also consider maintaining the product formulation, dosage, and format for solid substantiation.
Next, consider the chosen population. Food supplements are designed for everyday use, not for treating disease symptoms. Therefore, clinical studies on nutraceutical products should focus on individuals with a moderate deficiency or problem. The higher the deficiency, the sooner we can show a result, which can make it less relevant in terms of everyday use for consumers who suffer from a moderate deficiency.
Adhering to Study Standards, such as Good Clinical Practice, is crucial. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) comprises standards that a clinical study follows in its execution system and is primarily intended for the field of pharmacy. In this practice, you ensure that everything is traceable, anticipated, and documented and that you work genuinely in the best interest of those involved – safety and side effects are monitored, the product’s status is tracked, and all processes within are documented.
The desire is for things to be as thoroughly described as possible. To know which methods were used in the study and to have enough general data about what happened during the study so that one can replicate the study themselves.
When it comes to sharing results, it is advisable to be in line with the CONSORT guidelines for reporting the results of clinical trials. In practice, this means that when you’re preparing an article, you systematically follow the checklist and present outcomes in a clean, transparent, and complete manner. Optimal transparency and minimal risk of bias are achieved when the source of funding and independence of the research team are clearly stated.
In summary, recognizing a good clinical trial on nutraceutical products involves a blend of statistical precision, thoughtful population selection, meticulous documentation, adherence to study standards, and transparency in reporting. As the world of food supplements evolves, these criteria become the cornerstone for building trust and credibility in the eyes of both consumers and industry experts.
"*" indicates required fields
Oops! We could not locate your form.
"*" indicates required fields
WHY OUR PRODUCTS
