Assessment Framework
Rigorous Formulation Review
The Tarelom review process is a structured, repeatable procedure. Every formulation in the catalogue passes through the same assessment sequence — no exceptions, no shortcuts. The methodology is documented here in full.
01 — The Assessment Process
Five stages, applied consistently
Initial Ingredient Disclosure Check
The first stage is binary. Does the formulation list every ingredient with its individual concentration per serving? Any use of proprietary blends — where multiple ingredients are grouped under a single combined weight — results in immediate exclusion. This stage typically removes 40–60% of submissions.
- All active ingredients individually listed
- Per-serving concentration stated for each
- No proprietary-blend groupings used
- Excipients and fillers declared separately
Ingredient Form and Bioavailability Assessment
Once disclosure is confirmed, each ingredient is assessed for its specific form. Chelated mineral forms (bisglycinate, malate, citrate) are preferred over oxide forms. For vitamins, active forms are noted — methylcobalamin over cyanocobalamin, methylfolate over folic acid. The assessment does not rank one formulation above another based on form alone, but the form is recorded in the catalogue entry.
- Mineral form identified (chelated preferred)
- Vitamin forms noted (active forms flagged)
- Botanical extract standardisation declared
- Omega-3 EPA/DHA split specified
Sourcing Documentation Review
The sourcing review examines what documentation the manufacturer makes available regarding ingredient origin. Preferred documentation includes named supplier declarations, country-of-origin statements for botanical ingredients, and food-grade handling standard confirmations. Ingredient profiles are selected based on published nutritional research and undergo independent batch verification for quality and labelling accuracy.
- Supplier origin documentation present
- Country-of-origin noted for botanical materials
- Food-grade handling standard confirmed
- Supply chain traceability rating assigned
Independent Batch Verification
Formulations that pass stages 01 through 03 are subject to batch verification review. This means examining whether the manufacturer provides certificates of composition from an independent third-party laboratory. The certificate must reference specific batch codes and include elemental or molecular concentration data for the key active ingredients. Active ingredients are sourced from documented suppliers, with each batch accompanied by a certificate of composition. Sourcing prioritises suppliers whose facilities maintain food-grade handling standards.
- Certificate of composition available per batch
- Third-party laboratory named and independent
- Batch code referenced in certificate
- Key active concentrations match label claim
Catalogue Entry Drafting and Quarterly Review
Formulations that clear all four prior stages receive a full catalogue entry. The entry documents the assessment findings across all stages, notes any gaps in disclosure or sourcing, and assigns a verification status (Fully Verified / Partially Verified / Pending). Entries are re-examined quarterly. Any change to a formulation's ingredient profile, serving size, or batch documentation status triggers an immediate interim review.
- Full entry drafted with stage findings
- Verification status assigned
- Quarterly review date logged
- Change-trigger protocol activated if needed
02 — Verification Standards
What "third-party verified" means at Tarelom
The term "third-party verified" is used frequently across the supplement industry with little consistency. At Tarelom, it carries a specific definition: an independent laboratory, with no financial relationship to the manufacturer, has analysed a production batch for the key active ingredients listed on the label, and has issued a documented composition certificate referencing the batch code.
A laboratory test that checks only for absence of contaminants does not qualify. A general quality-management registration without per-batch composition analysis does not qualify. The standard requires composition data, batch specificity, and independence.
Where a formulation does not meet the full standard but passes all other stages, it is listed with verification status "Pending" and noted accordingly in the catalogue entry.
Independent batch certificate present, batch-coded, active concentrations confirmed, issuing laboratory independent of manufacturer.
Certificate of composition exists but lacks batch-code specificity, or key active ingredient concentrations are not confirmed by the issuing laboratory.
Formulation has passed disclosure and sourcing review but has not yet provided batch-level composition documentation. Entry included with status noted.
03 — Sourcing Geography
Where catalogue ingredients originate
Tarelom does not express preference for ingredients sourced from any particular geography. The assessment is ingredient-agnostic as to origin. However, the catalogue does document origin where declared, as it is a material piece of the traceability picture. The following regions appear most frequently across current catalogue entries.
European and North American Supply
Chelated mineral forms used in catalogued formulations are predominantly sourced from established European and North American ingredient producers. Documentation requirements are generally higher in these supply chains.
South Asian and Caucasian Origins
Adaptogenic botanicals — ashwagandha, rhodiola, schisandra — are sourced predominantly from South Asia and the Caucasus region. Catalogue entries note the specific country of origin and standardisation method where disclosed by the manufacturer.
North Atlantic and Pacific Sources
Marine-sourced omega-3 formulations in the catalogue are predominantly drawn from North Atlantic and Pacific fishery sources. EPA and DHA concentration per serving, and the specific fish species used, are noted in each relevant entry.
04 — Editorial Independence
How decisions are made, and who makes them
All inclusion and exclusion decisions are made by the Tarelom editorial team: the lead editor, the ingredient researcher, and the verification lead. No external party has input into these decisions. The team has no financial relationship with any supplement manufacturer, distributor, or retailer operating in any market.
Where a formulation is submitted for consideration by the manufacturer, the editorial team applies the same five-stage methodology as for any other entry. Submission does not confer any advantage in the assessment process, nor does it assurance inclusion. Manufacturers are notified of the outcome but are not provided with reasons for exclusion, as the editorial team's assessment notes are internal documents.
Tarelom is an independent wellness resource focused on everyday nutrition and active lifestyle practices for men. The content is not affiliated with any governmental or institutional body. We recommend speaking with a qualified wellness or nutrition professional before introducing any supplement to your daily routine, particularly if you have specific dietary requirements.
Methodology document — Revision 03-B — Issued Q1 2026 — Next scheduled review Q1 2027
05 — Methodology Questions