The MICC Review Team believes you deserve to know exactly how product reviews and health content on this site are produced, what influences them, and how the site generates revenue. This page explains all of that in plain language.
How Product Reviews Are Developed
Every product review published on MercyIowaCityClinics.org follows the same structured process, regardless of whether the product has an affiliate relationship with this site or not:
Ingredient Verification — The MICC Review Team examines the product's supplement facts panel or ingredient list. Each active ingredient is identified, and the provided dosage is compared against doses used in published clinical research. If a product uses a proprietary blend that hides individual ingredient amounts, that's noted as a limitation.
Evidence Assessment — For each key ingredient, the MICC Review Team searches for peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The team distinguishes between ingredient-level evidence (studies on a standalone ingredient) and finished-product evidence (studies on the specific branded product). This distinction matters — an ingredient having research support does not automatically mean a particular product containing it will produce the same results.
Safety Screening — The MICC Review Team checks for known side effects, contraindications, drug interactions, and any FDA warning letters or adverse event reports associated with the product or its ingredients. When a product may not be appropriate for certain populations (pregnant or nursing individuals, people on specific medications, those with particular medical conditions), that information is included.
Value Comparison — Pricing is evaluated relative to comparable products with similar formulations. Per-serving cost, subscription pricing, and return policies are noted.
Third-Party Verification — The MICC Review Team checks whether the product carries third-party certifications (NSF, USP, ConsumerLab, Informed-Sport, or similar). If a manufacturer claims GMP compliance, the team notes whether independent verification is available.
What “Evidence” Means on This Site
Health supplement marketing often uses phrases like “clinically proven” or “scientifically backed” loosely. On MercyIowaCityClinics.org, the MICC Review Team uses more specific language:
“Strong clinical evidence” means multiple randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses support the ingredient at the relevant dose for the claimed benefit.
“Moderate evidence” means some clinical trials support the ingredient, but research is limited in scope, sample size, or consistency of results.
“Preliminary evidence” means the available research is limited to animal studies, in-vitro studies, very small human trials, or a single study that hasn't been replicated.
“Insufficient evidence” means no meaningful clinical research supports the claimed benefit at any dose, or the only evidence available is manufacturer-funded without independent replication.
When a product makes claims that exceed the available evidence, the MICC Review Team says so directly.
Affiliate Relationships and Revenue
MercyIowaCityClinics.org earns revenue through affiliate partnerships. Here's how that works:
Some articles on this site contain affiliate links. When you click one of these links and purchase a product, this site may receive a commission from the retailer or brand. This commission comes at no additional cost to you — the price you pay is the same whether you use our link or navigate to the product independently.
Affiliate relationships never determine which products the MICC Review Team chooses to review, how products are evaluated, what ratings or conclusions are reached, or whether negative findings are included. Products with affiliate relationships receive the same scrutiny as products without them. The MICC Review Team has published unfavorable assessments of products with active affiliate programs and favorable assessments of products with no affiliate relationship.
When an article contains affiliate links, a disclosure notice appears within the article body, typically between the introduction and the first product section. This disclosure identifies the presence of affiliate links and links back to this page.
What This Site Is Not
MercyIowaCityClinics.org is not a medical practice, clinic, hospital, pharmacy, or healthcare provider of any kind. The MICC Review Team does not include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, or any licensed healthcare professionals. Content on this site is informational only and is never intended as medical advice.
Dietary supplements discussed on this site are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). Under DSHEA, supplement manufacturers are responsible for ensuring product safety and label accuracy. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they reach consumers. Statements about dietary supplements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
If you have a health concern, are taking medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a chronic medical condition, consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Corrections
If you identify a factual error in any article on this site, please contact us through the contact form. The MICC Review Team will investigate and publish corrections promptly. Corrected articles will note the date and nature of the correction.