The Grading System
Our comprehensive six-letter grading system (A-F) evaluates ingredients based on clinical evidence quality, study size, and effectiveness for specific health conditions.
Evidence-Based Grading
From A (Effective) to F (Ineffective/Hazardous), each grade represents rigorous clinical evaluation and peer-reviewed research.
Understanding Our Grading System
Our grading system evaluates ingredients using the same rigorous standards applied to pharmaceutical medications. Each grade represents a specific level of clinical evidence quality and effectiveness for treating or preventing medical conditions.
From Grade A (Effective) to Grade F (Ineffective/Hazardous), our system provides clear, evidence-based recommendations backed by peer-reviewed clinical research and FDA-equivalent evaluation standards.
This comprehensive evaluation considers multiple factors including study size, bias assessment, validity criteria, and consistency of outcomes across multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses.
Clinical Evidence
Rigorous evaluation of randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses with hundreds to thousands of patients
Bias Assessment
Comprehensive analysis of study quality, validity, and potential bias using stringent assessment criteria
Outcome Consistency
Evaluation of positive or negative outcomes across multiple studies with evidence-based consistency requirements
The Complete Grading Table
Each grade represents a specific level of clinical evidence quality and effectiveness, evaluated using FDA-equivalent standards and rigorous peer-review processes.
Effective
Very high level of reliable clinical evidence
This product has a very high level of reliable clinical evidence supporting its use for a specific indication. Products rated Effective are generally considered appropriate to recommend. To achieve this Effectiveness Rating a product is supported by all of the following: – Evidence consistent with or equivalent to passing a review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, or a similarly rigorous approval process. – Evidence from multiple (2+) randomized clinical trials or meta-analysis including several hundred to several thousand patients (level of evidence = A). – Studies have a low risk of bias and a high level of validity by meeting stringent assessment criteria (quality rating = A). – Evidence consistently shows POSITIVE outcomes for a given indication without valid evidence to the contrary.
Probably Effective
High level of reliable clinical evidence
This product has a very high level of reliable clinical evidence supporting its use for a specific indication. Products rated "Likely Effective" are generally considered appropriate to recommend. To achieve this Effectiveness Rating a product is supported by all of the following: – Evidence from multiple (2+) randomized clinical trials or meta-analysis including several hundred patients (level of evidence = A). – Studies have a low risk of bias and a high level of validity by meeting stringent assessment criteria (quality rating = A). – Evidence consistently shows POSITIVE outcomes for a given indication without significant valid evidence to the contrary.
Marginally Effective
Some clinical evidence with limitations
This product has some clinical evidence supporting its use for a specific indication; however, the evidence is limited by quantity, quality, or contradictory findings. Products rated "Possibly Effective" might be beneficial, but do not have enough high-quality evidence to recommend for most people. To achieve this Effectiveness Rating a product is supported by all of the following: – One or more randomized clinical trials or meta-analysis (level of evidence = A or B) or two or more population-based or epidemiological studies (level of evidence = B). – Studies have a low to moderate risk of bias and moderate to high level of validity by meeting or partially meeting assessment criteria (quality rating A or B). – Evidence shows POSITIVE outcomes for a given indication without substantial valid evidence to the contrary. Some contrary evidence may exist; however, valid positive evidence outweighs contrary evidence.
Possibly Ineffective
Clinical evidence showing ineffectiveness
This product has some clinical evidence showing ineffectiveness for a specific indication; however, the evidence is limited by quantity, quality, or contradictory findings. People should be advised NOT to take products with a "Possibly Ineffective" rating. To achieve this Effectiveness Rating a product is supported by all of the following: – One or more randomized clinical trials or meta-analysis (level of evidence = A or B) or two or more population-based or epidemiological studies (level of evidence = B). – Studies have a low to moderate risk of bias and moderate to a high level of validity by meeting or partially meeting assessment criteria (quality rating A or B). – Evidence shows NEGATIVE outcomes for a given indication without substantial valid evidence to the contrary. Some contrary evidence may exist; however, valid positive evidence outweighs contrary evidence.
Probably Ineffective
High level of evidence showing ineffectiveness
This product has a very high level of reliable clinical evidence showing ineffectiveness for its use for a specific indication. People should be discouraged from taking products with a "Likely Ineffective" rating. To achieve this Effectiveness Rating a product is supported by all of the following: – Evidence from multiple (2+) randomized clinical trials or meta-analysis including several hundred patients (level of evidence = A). – Studies have a low risk of bias and a high level of validity by meeting stringent assessment criteria (quality rating = A). – Evidence consistently shows NEGATIVE outcomes for a given indication without significant valid evidence to the contrary.
Ineffective / Hazardous
Very high evidence of ineffectiveness or harm
This product has a very high level of reliable clinical evidence showing ineffectiveness for its use for a specific indication. People should be discouraged from taking products with an "Ineffective" rating. To achieve this Effectiveness Rating a product is supported by all of the following: – Evidence from multiple (2+) randomized clinical trials or meta-analysis including several hundred to several thousand patients (level of evidence = A). – Studies have a low risk of bias and a high level of validity by meeting stringent assessment criteria (quality rating = A). – Evidence consistently shows NEGATIVE outcomes for a given indication without valid evidence to the contrary.
The Technology Behind the Grades
Our SaaS API is comprised of a multitude of relational databases with the grading system at its core, processing complex clinical data to deliver accurate, evidence-based ingredient evaluations.
Our sophisticated infrastructure combines advanced algorithms with comprehensive medical databases to analyze and grade ingredients across multiple health conditions and wellness goals, ensuring every recommendation is backed by solid scientific evidence.
Relational Database System: Multiple interconnected databases containing clinical studies, ingredient profiles, and comprehensive grading algorithms
SaaS API Architecture: Scalable cloud-based system delivering real-time ingredient grading and product evaluation
Evidence Standards: FDA-equivalent evaluation criteria ensuring the highest quality of clinical evidence assessment
Continuous Updates: Real-time integration of new clinical research and evolving medical evidence from peer-reviewed sources
See Our Grading System in Action
Ready to make evidence-based decisions about your food and supplements? Experience how our comprehensive grading system evaluates products using rigorous clinical standards.