What Is Informed Sport Certification and Why Does It Matter?

INFORMED SPORT is a global quality assurance programmed for sports nutrition industry and manufacturing facilities that certifies supplements through a full manufacturing audit to assure safe and clean sport to athletes and customers. Informed Choice and Informed Sport was established when it became clear that there was a need for a clean sport with a comprehensive certification program which not only tested products for banned substances but are also manufactured in qualified facilities which meet certain quality standards.

This voluntary programmer provides with high quality, analytical testing to minimize the incidence of banned or prohibited contaminants and aims to work closely with the supplement manufacturers for a cleaner sport. Every batch of supplements that is certified by Informed Sport and Informed Choice is screened by LGC's world-class sports anti-doping laboratory, HFL Sport Science.

INFORMED CHOICE is a quality assurance program for sports nutrition products and manufacturing facilities. The products with Informed Sport Logo has been skip-lot tested, i.e. tested at least on a monthly basis. It is a monitoring program wherein are tested for banned substances by LGC's world-class sports anti-doping lab.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE INFORMED SPORT CERTIFIED?

Informed Sport and Informed Choice is a supplement testing and certification program that assures athletes, bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts and customers that products carrying these logos and marks have been regularly tested for prohibited and banned substances. Products with respected and recognized Informed Sport Certification undergo rigorous testing in accredited labs to provide with the highest level of assurance that they are safer for athletes and customers to use. Supplement users can even find about the certification process of Informed Sport Certified products by using the search function on their website.

Fast&Up has gone the extra mile and has got every batch of Fast&Up BCAA supplement tested for banned substances under Informed-Sport Programme. Every batch that is manufactured has passed through rigorous testing and robust quality assurance programme. The BCAA supplement by Fast&Up has received certification by both INFORMED CHOICE & INFORMED SPORT.

Recovering and fueling your body's engine during workout is the key to progress. Fast&Up BCAA supplement powers your workout with pure 10.5 g pure amino acids for intra-training muscle anabolic support on both training and non-training days. With the help of Ultra-Granulation Technology, Informed Sport Certified BCAA supplement offers rapid absorption and superior taste in energizing watermelon flavor.

FAST&UP BCAA - THE ULTIMATE BCAA FOR INTRA-WORKOUT MUSCLE RECOVERY AND ENDURANCE

• The intra-workout recovery drink formulated with 5g BCAA in ideal 2:1:1 ratio along with Added Muscle Activation Complex, Electrolytes and Vitamins to Support Muscle Recovery and Reduce Muscle Fatigue.
• Added Muscle Activation Complex consists of 2.5 g L-Glutamine, 1 g L-Arginine, 1 g Citrulline, 1 g Taurine to Boost Muscle Energy and Endurance.
• Micronized BCAA further processed with Ultra Granulation Technology for rapid absorption and superior taste.
• Energizing and Refreshing Watermelon flavor.
• Suitable for Bodybuilders, Powerlifters, Athletes, Fitness Enthusiasts.

Directions for Use - Mix 1 scoop with 500ml of water. Shake well to dissolve. Drink during exercise on training days or throughout the day on non-training days. For best results, use 2 scoops per day.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sports supplement involves more than checking its ingredients or potential performance benefits. For athletes, supplement quality, transparency, and banned-substance testing are important considerations that can help reduce the risk of accidental exposure to prohibited substances. Informed-Sport is a quality assurance programme that tests sports nutrition products for substances prohibited in sport and helps athletes make more informed supplement choices.

Before purchasing a supplement, athletes should review the ingredient label, verify the product's certification status through the official Informed-Sport website, and check the manufacturer's quality standards. Although independent testing can reduce contamination risks, it cannot eliminate them entirely. Athletes should also remain aware of current anti-doping regulations and their responsibilities under the applicable rules.

Ultimately, supplements should complement a balanced diet, structured training, adequate hydration, and sufficient recovery. By prioritising Informed-Sport certified supplements and responsible nutrition practices, athletes can make more informed decisions while supporting their health, performance, and sporting goals.

FAQs

1. What is Informed-Sport certification?

Informed-Sport is a quality assurance programme for sports nutrition products that tests for substances prohibited in sport. It helps athletes identify products that have undergone independent testing to reduce the risk of banned-substance contamination.

2. Why is Informed-Sport certification important for athletes?

It provides an additional level of assurance that a sports supplement has been tested for prohibited substances. This is particularly important for competitive athletes who must comply with anti-doping regulations.

3. How does Informed-Sport test supplements?

Products undergo testing for a range of substances prohibited in sport through specialist laboratory analysis. The programme also assesses manufacturing quality as part of its broader quality assurance approach. Specific testing requirements depend on the programme's current protocols.

4. Does Informed-Sport certification guarantee a supplement is completely safe?

No. Certification helps reduce the risk of contamination but cannot guarantee that a supplement is entirely risk-free or suitable for everyone. Athletes should still review ingredients, serving recommendations, warnings, and product information.

5. What is the difference between Informed-Sport and Informed-Choice?

Both programmes aim to reduce the risk of prohibited-substance contamination in sports nutrition products. Informed-Sport is known for testing individual product batches before release, while Informed-Choice uses a monitoring approach that includes regular testing of products available on the market. Check each programme's current requirements for details.

6. How can I check whether a supplement is Informed-Sport certified?

Visit the official Informed-Sport website and search its product database. Confirm that the exact product is listed and verify batch details where available. Do not rely solely on a certification logo displayed on packaging.

7. Can protein powders and BCAA supplements contain banned substances?

Yes. Protein powders, BCAA supplements, pre-workout formulas, and other sports nutrition products can potentially be contaminated with prohibited substances or contain undeclared ingredients. Choosing independently tested products can help reduce this risk.

8. What are banned substances in sports supplements?

Banned substances are ingredients prohibited under applicable anti-doping rules. Depending on the substance and circumstances, these may include certain stimulants, anabolic agents, hormones, or other performance-enhancing compounds. Athletes should consult the current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.

9. Are Informed-Sport certified supplements suitable for recreational gym-goers?

They may be a useful option for recreational fitness enthusiasts who choose to use sports supplements. Independent testing offers an additional quality check, but users should also consider whether supplementation is necessary and appropriate for their individual needs.

10. Are supplements necessary for athletic performance?

Not always. A balanced diet that provides sufficient energy and nutrients, along with structured training, hydration, and adequate sleep, forms the foundation of athletic performance. Supplements may be useful when they address a specific nutritional need or practical requirement.

11. Can Informed-Sport certification guarantee a negative doping test?

No. Certification reduces the risk of prohibited-substance contamination but cannot eliminate every risk. Athletes should follow current anti-doping rules, verify supplement information, and seek advice from their sports governing body or anti-doping organisation when uncertain.

12. What should athletes consider before taking a sports supplement?

Athletes should check the ingredient list, dosage, manufacturer details, certification status, and potential interactions with medications. Consulting a qualified sports dietitian or healthcare professional can help determine whether the supplement is appropriate for their training and nutritional needs.