Kirkman: Testing powerhouse with a checkered past—and a noticeable transparency upgrade
Our Verdict
Comprehensive analysis shows a genuinely mixed picture. On one hand, Kirkman's Ultra Tested protocol, use of ISO-17025 labs, and the decision to post lot-specific COAs on P2i set a higher-than-average bar for supplement purity and transparency. On the other, the brand's file includes a 2016 FDA warning letter (fluoride drugs) and two recall clusters tied to supplier contamination (2009 antimony via stevia; 2013 chloramphenicol raw-material risk). Taken together, Kirkman looks like a specialized manufacturer that learned from past lapses and has invested in more rigorous testing—especially for sensitive populations—but still hasn't extended public COAs across the catalog. For consumers, that translates to: strong pick when you need hypoallergenic formulations and want more contaminant testing than usual—just verify the COA where available and keep an eye on formulations (e.g., DHEA in certain multis). [1][2][3][4][9][10][11]
How we investigated:We mapped Kirkman's supplement-specific quality claims against hard evidence: site-posted testing protocols, COAs, GMP statements, FDA records (warning letters, recalls), ownership filings, independent coverage, and user patterns (Glassdoor/Indeed/Reddit). We then priced flagship items against market norms and weighed value, innovation, and transparency to build a plain-English verdict for supplement buyers.
Ideal For
- Parents and clinicians who need hypoallergenic formulas with extra contaminant testing
- Prenatal buyers who want to see their lot's COA
- Users sensitive to excipients (colors/flavors/preservatives)
Avoid If
- You want every product's COA publicly posted (only some lots/products show COAs today)
- You prefer rock-bottom pricing for basics (magnesium, single-vitamins)
- You must avoid hormone-related actives (e.g., DHEA in some multis)
Best Products
- P2i Prenatal Multivitamin & Multimineral (public COAs)
- Magnesium Bisglycinate (value for a clean glycinate)
- Super Nu-Thera (hypoallergenic legacy multi)
Skip These
- General multis with DHEA unless medically indicated
- Legacy flavored liquids/powders from 2009 recall era (historical note)
Kirkman publicly posts lot-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for its new P2i prenatal—rare in the supplement world—backed by an 'Ultra Tested' protocol that uses ISO 17025 labs and parts-per-billion methods. Yet the brand also carries a regulatory paper trail: a 2016 FDA warning letter (fluoride drugs) and recalls tied to contaminated inputs, including antimony-tainted stevia in 2009.
Ranked by verified review count
Common Questions
Does Kirkman publish COAs for all products?
Not today. We found public lot COAs for the P2i prenatal line; other items rely on internal testing claims without posted lot PDFs. Always ask support for your lot's COA. [4]
Is Kirkman cGMP certified?
The company states it is cGMP-certified and FDA-registered; certifying body isn't named on site pages we reviewed. [3][5]
How does 'ISO 17025' help me as a consumer?
It means the third-party labs performing Kirkman's tests are accredited to a standard courts accept—think 'crime-lab-level methods' for supplements. [2]
Should the 2009/2013 recalls worry me today?
They're history, but they prove why COAs and rigorous supplier testing matter. Use brands that show their work—Kirkman is starting to with P2i. [10][11]
What's with DHEA in a multivitamin?
DHEA is a hormone; some multis include it for niche goals, but it's not broadly appropriate. Check with your clinician—especially if drug-tested in sport. [17]
What to Watch For
FDA has initiated steps to remove ingestible fluoride drug products for children from the market (targeting late-2025 actions). While this doesn't affect supplements like vitamins/minerals, it underscores the agency's renewed posture on unapproved drug products—a relevant backdrop given Kirkman's 2016 letter. [21]
Key Findings
Kirkman's 'Ultra Tested' program is unusually detailed for supplements: identity testing plus microbials, pesticides, and extensive heavy metal panels at ppb levels through ISO-17025 labs. Translation: they test more, and more sensitively, than the minimum rules require. [1][2]
A real transparency step: Kirkman publicly posts batch-specific COAs on its P2i prenatal product page (multiple lot links visible). Most brands don't publish lot COAs. [4]
Documented issues exist: a 2016 FDA warning letter (fluoride 'supplements' marketed as unapproved drugs) and two separate recall eras—2009 (antimony from stevia) and 2013 (chloramphenicol risk in a supplier raw material). These don't implicate current lots but establish historical risk patterns. [9][11][10]
Ownership has shifted (Hemptown acquisition; later brand transfer to Functional Brands). Such changes can affect priorities and resourcing, so watch continuity of quality practices. [5][6][7]
Pricing/value looks mixed-to-good: example—Magnesium Bisglycinate 180-count at $22.50 and 250-count at $45.50 are competitive for an 'unbuffered/bisglycinate' position; premium items like chewable CoQ10 land on the higher side. [18]
What Customers Say
Transparency praise around testing, with isolated quality-control complaints
Light but consistent mentions across forums/reviews
They test for hazardous substances very rigorously. Is this a brand you can trust? [Reddit user] [13]
"It is a good environment, but can be stressful because of workload and lack of personnel." [Indeed review] [8]
Shoppers value rigorous testing but still want predictable capsule fills and broad COA access.
Workplace reviews are mixed (culture/management variability)
Small sample size, divergent views
Toxic environment... nepotism. [Glassdoor review] [8]
"Quality counts... collaborative, quality-focused." [Indeed review] [8]
Culture shifts during ownership transitions can affect consistency; continue to watch execution quality.
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