#162: Andy Holmes - Informed Sport with Olympic-Level Supplement Testing

Mar 19, 2025

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In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Holmes, Business Development Manager for LGC Science’s Informed family of certification programs. This fascinating conversation dives deep into the world of dietary supplement testing and certification, focusing on how these programs help ensure product safety and quality for athletes and everyday consumers alike.

1 in 10 Non-Certified Supplements May Have Banned Substances?! Time to Get Informed…

Andy explains the rigorous testing standards and quality control measures that make Informed Sport, Informed Choice, and Informed Protein the global leaders in supplement certification. From testing every batch for over 280 banned substances at parts-per-billion levels to auditing manufacturing facilities for cross-contamination risks, Informed’s programs provide critical quality assurance in an industry where approximately 1 in 10 non-certified supplements may contain prohibited substances. Throughout the discussion, we learn how these certifications not only protect athletes from inadvertent doping but also provide brands with meaningful market differentiation and consumer trust.

Beyond the science of supplement testing, Andy shares his unique background as a former competitive judo athlete who trained at the Olympic Training Center, his experience working with military special forces, and even his life operating a family cattle ranch. This wide-ranging conversation offers valuable insights for supplement brands, athletes, and any consumer concerned about supplement quality and safety.

Make sure to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and stay up to date with the latest in supplement industry news, science, and certification standards.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/informed-supplement-testing-162

Video: Andy Holmes Explains LGC’s Informed Programs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyCGrTCOKzk

Detailed Show Notes: The Informed Testing Programs with Andy Holmes

(0:00) – Introductions
(3:00) – How Informed Certification Works
(6:00) – Testing Protocols and Standards
(8:30) – Protein Testing and Label Claim Verification
(15:00) – Global Reach and Testing Volume
(19:00) – Andy’s Athletic Background
(24:00) – LGC’s History and Corporate Structure
(29:00) – Contamination Risks and Prevention
(35:00) – Notable Brand Partners
(39:00) – Military Applications and Special Forces
(44:00) – Consumer Education and Market Trends
(47:00) – Real-World Contamination Stories
(52:00) – Testing Process and Chain of Custody
(54:00) – Economic Benefits of Certification
(56:00) – Andy’s Recovery Supplements for Athletes
(58:00) – Jiu-Jitsu Training and Injuries
(1:00:00) – Education and Closing Thoughts

Thank you very much to Sensapure Flavors for allowing us to host this podcast in your booth, and thanks to Andy and the entire Informed and LGC teams for partnering with us – this was a fun and wildly informative episode!

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