Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about shopping on Apotheca.
Gabriel Scores & Ratings
What is the Gabriel Score?
The Gabriel Score (GTS) is our proprietary quality rating system. Every product is scored 0-100 based on 50+ quality signals from 15+ independent data sources, including lab testing results, FDA compliance records, manufacturing certifications, clinical evidence, and practitioner recommendations. Learn more about our scoring methodology.
Can brands pay to improve their score?
No. Gabriel Scores are completely independent. We do not accept payment for product placement, score adjustments, or favorable rankings. Scores are calculated algorithmically from verified data sources.
What do the tier labels mean (Elite, Recommended, Verified)?
Elite (95-100): Exceptional quality across every scoring pillar. Top-tier lab testing, pristine manufacturing, and strong clinical backing.
Recommended (85-94): High quality with strong data across most pillars. Trusted by practitioners.
Verified (70-84): Meets baseline quality standards. Some pillars may lack sufficient data.
Unverified (<70): Insufficient data or quality concerns identified.
Recommended (85-94): High quality with strong data across most pillars. Trusted by practitioners.
Verified (70-84): Meets baseline quality standards. Some pillars may lack sufficient data.
Unverified (<70): Insufficient data or quality concerns identified.
Where do the star ratings come from?
Our blended ratings aggregate reviews from multiple sources including verified purchasers, health forums, and consumer review platforms. The count shows total reviews across all sources, giving you a much more complete picture than any single platform.
What does "practitioner-grade" mean?
Practitioner-grade supplements are products primarily distributed through healthcare practitioners (doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists) rather than mass retail. These brands maintain higher manufacturing standards, use more bioavailable ingredient forms, and are backed by clinical research.
How does Apotheca carry brands not available on Amazon?
Many practitioner-grade brands restrict distribution to authorized partners who meet strict quality standards. Apotheca is an authorized retailer with verified supply chain integrity - every product is sourced directly from manufacturers or authorized distributors.
For practitioner-exclusive products, we require a free Gabriel health profile before purchase. Gabriel asks a few quick questions about your health goals and current medications to screen for interactions and ensure the product is appropriate for you. This takes about two minutes and only needs to be done once. It's the same kind of review a practitioner would do before recommending a supplement - powered by AI health intelligence.
For practitioner-exclusive products, we require a free Gabriel health profile before purchase. Gabriel asks a few quick questions about your health goals and current medications to screen for interactions and ensure the product is appropriate for you. This takes about two minutes and only needs to be done once. It's the same kind of review a practitioner would do before recommending a supplement - powered by AI health intelligence.
What is a Gabriel health profile?
A Gabriel health profile is a free account at askgabriel.com where you answer a few questions about your health goals, current medications, and any conditions. Gabriel uses this to check for drug interactions, screen for contraindications, and personalize supplement recommendations. Your data is private and never shared. Once your profile is complete, you can purchase any product on Apotheca - including practitioner-grade supplements - from the website or the app.
Shopping & Orders
Do you sell directly or through a third party?
Apotheca sells directly to you. We maintain our own inventory and handle fulfillment from our warehouse to ensure proper storage conditions, including cold chain management for temperature-sensitive products.
Is free shipping available?
Yes. Orders over $75 qualify for free standard shipping within the continental United States.
Are all products authentic?
100% verified authentic. Every product is sourced directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributor. We verify lot numbers and maintain complete chain-of-custody documentation.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns of unopened products within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. Opened products may be returned within 30 days if you experience an adverse reaction - contact our support team with details.
About Gabriel
What is Gabriel?
Gabriel is an AI health intelligence platform that helps people make informed decisions about supplements, nutrition, and wellness. Apotheca is Gabriel's marketplace, where the intelligence meets the products. You can chat with Gabriel directly at askgabriel.com.
Can Gabriel recommend supplements for me?
Yes. Gabriel can analyze your health goals, current supplements, medications, and dietary preferences to suggest personalized recommendations. Visit askgabriel.com to start a conversation.
Still have questions? Chat with Gabriel for personalized help.
Ask Gabriel