How we grade supplements
Every grade on Sage + Stone is computed the same way: we read the label, recognize each active ingredient, compare its disclosed dose to published effective-dose ranges, and weight the result by label transparency. We then benchmark the grade against the most authoritative independent evidence available. No brand pays for placement.
The A–F rubric
Grades reflect published effective-dose ranges and label transparency — they do not lab-test the product or assay potency. A higher grade means the formulation is more likely to do what the category is studied to do, at a fair price.
| Grade | What it means | Typical score |
|---|---|---|
| A | Active ingredients sit at clinically studied doses, the label is fully transparent, and the ingredient class carries strong independent evidence (Cochrane / NIH-ODS). | 90–100 |
| B | Solid formulation. Most ingredients reach effective doses with good disclosure; one or two could be dosed higher to be a standout. | 70–89 |
| C | Middling. Some recognized ingredients, but dosing or disclosure holds it back — or the underlying evidence is preliminary. | 60–69 |
| D | Low value for the price. Ingredients are largely underdosed, or their amounts aren't disclosed. | 50–59 |
| F | Little evidence it works as marketed — recognized ingredients don't reach effective doses. | 0–49 |
| ? | Unverified. A proprietary blend hides per-ingredient doses, so we can't grade efficacy — we mark it neutral rather than assign a harsh letter. | n/a |
A trailing + (for example C+) marks a product near the top of its band on the strength of verified, but still preliminary, evidence — such as a single industry-funded trial that has not yet been independently replicated.
How a score is built
- Recognize ingredients. We match each labeled ingredient to a known active with a published effective-dose range.
- Compare the dose. Each ingredient is scored against that range — strong (at or above), effective (within), underdosed (below), or undisclosed.
- Weight transparency. Proprietary blends that hide per-ingredient amounts cannot earn a high grade, because efficacy can't be verified.
- Factor price context. A product that is underdosed and expensive is graded more strictly than the same formula at a fair price.
- Benchmark the result. We cross-check the grade against independent evidence and correct it where the two disagree (see below).
Benchmarked against Cochrane & NIH-ODS
Dose math tells us whether a product could work; the published literature tells us whether the ingredient class actually does. So we cross-check every grade against the most authoritative independent reviews we can find — Cochrane systematic reviews, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) Health Professional Fact Sheets, and peer-reviewed PubMed meta-analyses.
We only cite real, verified sources. Each graded product links to the specific review or fact sheet behind its grade via the [Evidence] drawer on the index, so you can read the conclusion and verify it yourself. If we have not yet verified a source for an ingredient, we say so rather than invent a citation.
Our most recent audit: we benchmarked all 23 grades against Cochrane systematic reviews and NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheets. 13 of 23 matched the published consensus on the first pass; we corrected the other 10 to fit the evidence, so every grade now reflects the source it cites. We report the first-pass miss rate openly — because the benchmark only means something if we are honest about it.
Independence
Grades are independent of affiliate status. Sage + Stone may earn a commission on some “where to buy” links, but a product's grade is computed from its label and the evidence alone. We take no money from graded brands to raise, lower, or remove a grade, and affiliate relationships never influence the score.
Educational only. Not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Grades reflect published effective-dose ranges and label transparency — they do not test the product. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Sage + Stone takes no money from graded brands.