Once your supplement brand has decided to take the leap and invest in clinical research for your products, it can still be difficult to navigate using your findings in a meaningful way. Turning the results of your clinical trial or consumer perceptions study into tangible product claims is an essential part of the process. Today, we delve into the steps supplement brands can take to effectively utilize their clinical trial results and create compelling, evidence-based product claims that build trust and drive consumer confidence.
Conduct Rigorous Clinical Trials
The foundation of creating tangible product claims lies in conducting rigorous and well-designed clinical trials. It is critical for supplement brands to collaborate with reputable research institutions or contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure scientific rigor and unbiased evaluation of their product's efficacy. Well-designed trials with appropriate sample sizes, control groups, and endpoints will generate reliable data that forms the basis for creating strong product claims.
Many brands are now opting to work with virtual CROs, as these companies (such as Citruslabs!) offer decentralized or hybrid clinical trial services which can save your brand time and money. For supplement brands in particular, a digital CRO can increase the accessibility of your research and appeal to a wider pool of participants because of the convenience offered by the virtual trial model.
Analyze and Interpret Results With Your CRO
Once the clinical trials are completed, supplement brands should carefully analyze and interpret the results in collaboration with qualified researchers or scientists. It is crucial to understand the statistical significance, effect sizes, and clinical relevance of the outcomes. This analysis will help identify key findings which will be used to substantiate your product’s performance claims.
Your CRO can be a great help here, as they will have extensive experience in the clinical research field and be able to guide you in interpreting the results of your research. A CRO can also usually help supplement brands highlight the specific data suitable for product claims.
Craft Clear and Specific Claims
Product claims should be as transparent and accessible as possible in order to become effective marketing tools that will build consumer trust. Based on the analyzed results, supplement brands should craft clear and specific product claims that accurately reflect the demonstrated benefits of their products. It is essential to ensure that the claims are supported by clinical trial data and are compliant with regulatory guidelines. Claims should be specific about the target population, dosage, duration, and expected outcomes. Transparent and precise claims enhance consumer trust and prevent misleading or exaggerated statements.
Examples of specific claims for supplement brands may include:
“86% of participants experienced improved digestion after six weeks”
“90% would recommend (supplement) to a friend”
“95% reported increased concentration and focus levels after eight weeks.”
Communicate Transparently
Once the product claims are defined, supplement brands need to communicate them effectively to consumers. This can be done through various brand channels, including product packaging, websites, marketing materials, and social media platforms. It is important to use clear and concise language that is easily understandable by consumers, avoiding technical jargon. Highlighting the clinical trial results and referencing the study parameters and outcomes will add credibility to the claims.
You should consider implementing your product claims into creative marketing strategies, such as evocative brand storytelling in order to appeal to a wider range of consumers using your scientifically validated foundation.
Provide Supporting Information
To further bolster product claims and enhance transparency, supplement brands should provide accessible supporting information to consumers. This can include publishing the clinical trial results on their website, providing summaries of the study design and outcomes, and offering references to the published research papers. Making this information readily available demonstrates the brand's commitment to evidence-based claims and allows consumers to make informed decisions.
Consider Third-Party Verification
To add an extra layer of credibility, supplement brands can seek third-party verification or certifications for their product claims. This can be achieved by obtaining certifications from trusted organizations, such as NSF International or the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), which validate product quality, safety, and accuracy of labeling. Third-party verification helps build consumer confidence in the product's claims and reinforces the brand's commitment to quality.
Supplement brands should make themselves familiar with the options available to them for third party-verification, such as the USP stamp. Importantly though, many CROs will offer a similar seal indicating the testing a product has undergone for marketing purposes.
Wrapping Up
Clinical trial results serve as a powerful tool for supplement brands to create tangible product claims that resonate with consumers. Investing in research to support a formula’s performance is the best way for supplement brands to ensure that their claims are evidence-based, transparent, and trustworthy. Embracing the power of clinical research also boosts brand popularity, improves customer trust and loyalty, and will draw in new supplement users seeking scientifically verified products.
Want to create your own clinical trial?
Citruslabs provides a simple and affordable way to prove that your products actually work. At Citruslabs, we design a clinical trial that is right for you and your budget, so you can start sharing research-backed product claims without spending a fortune. We offer the cohesive planning and management required to conduct successful clinical trials, from start to finish. Ready to get started? Let's talk! You can contact us here.