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Product Review

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) Supplements Review

Choose the Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplement. Finding Real Ginkgo Isn't Easy — 60% Fail ConsumerLab's Tests of Quality.

Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

I read that sterol supplements to lower cholesterol like CholestOff can block the absorption of vitamins. Is that true?

Find out if CholestOff and other sterol supplements can block vitamin absorption in the body and other safety concerns.

Elderly Man Reading Supplement Bottle

CL Answer

Can I trust lab reports and Certificates of Analysis provided by supplement manufacturers?

Lab reports and Certificates of Analysis are provided by supplement manufacturers, but sometimes include incorrect testing and "dry labbing". ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Can I trust lab reports provided by supplement manufacturers?

Clinical Update

2/26/2026

Sold by "Pattern"? Should You Trust It?

Can supplements sold by "Pattern" on Amazon and Walmart be trusted? Find out and learn how to safely buy real supplements online -- and avoid counterfeits.

CL Answer

Relaxium Sleep: Helpful or a Hoax?

Relaxium Sleep claims to be "America’s #1 Trusted Sleep Aid." Find out if research supports this claim and if it's worth its price.

Relaxium Sleep

News Release

February 15, 2024

Unveiling the Truth About Green Tea’s EGCG Content

White Plains, NY, February 15, 2024 —  ConsumerLab.com, a trusted name in health and wellness, sheds light on the EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) content in green tea.

Clinical Update

8/19/2024

Certificates from Manufacturers?

Can you trust a certificate of analysis provided by a supplement manufacturer about the quality of its product? Find out.

Clinical Update

7/01/2022

Don't Trust CBD Labels

Nearly one-quarter of products that claim “not” to contain THC actually contain it, according to a recent study. This can lead to unexpected problems. Learn more in the "Products on the Market" section of our Review.

Clinical Update

10/24/2023

Can You Trust Products "Sold by Amazon"?

We recently pressed Amazon on whether products "Sold by Amazon" assures they are authentic and not counterfeit. The response was not reassuring. See details in our article about Where to Safely Buy Real Vitamins and Supplements.

CL Answer

Which supplements can help to lower blood pressure?

Supplements to lower blood pressure, including CoQ10, vitamin C, fish oil, and olive oil, are all explored to find out what works.

Supplements that can lower, or raise blood pressure -- blood pressure cuff and bottle of pills

CL Answer

I take lisinopril (Zestril), an ACE inhibitor drug to lower blood pressure. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

When taking ACE inhibitors, find out which supplements should be avoided. Interaction info on Lisinopril or another ACE inhibitors.

Lisinopril, ACE Inhibitors and Supplement Interactions -- prescription bottle of lisinopril on desk with blood pressure cuff

News Release

November 06, 2012

50% of Green Coffee Bean Supplements Don't Contain Expected Amounts of Ingredient for Weight Loss, According to ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York, November 6, 2012 — Clinical studies suggest green coffee bean extract (GCBE) supplements can aid weight loss, but recent tests by ConsumerLab.com indicate that many popular brands dont contain the amounts of extract listed on their labels.

News Release

September 10, 2007

Tests of B-vitamins by ConsumerLab.com finds several short on folic acid — New report covers B-complexes, thiamin, niacin, B-6, B-12, biotin and folic acid supplements

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 — Half of the B-complex supplements recently selected by ConsumerLab.com for testing were found to lack the total claimed amounts of folic acid, an essential nutrient also known as vitamin B-9.

News Release

February 14, 2007

ConsumerLab.com reports on anti-depressant herb — St. John's Wort — Few supplements pass quality testing

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 14, 2007 — St. John's wort may be helpful in treating mild to moderate cases of clinical depression, but a new report from ConsumerLab.com shows that few of the herbal products tested met quality standards. Americans purchased $64 million of St.

CL Answer

If I already take red yeast rice, would adding high-dose niacin help further reduce my cholesterol levels, and would this be safe?

Learn more about the effect of combining red yeast, statins and high-dose niacin on cholesterol and safety.

Red Yeast Rice Review 2026 3

CL Answer

Are people with kidney disease at risk of getting too much potassium if they take a multivitamin? Which multivitamins are best for people with kidney disease?

Learn if people with kidney disease are at increased risk of getting too much potassium from multivitamins, find out which multivitamins do not contain potassium, and learn what other products should be avoided by people restricting potassium intake.

Multivitamins on pharmacy shelf

CL Answer

Can I trust ConsumerLab.com? How are its tests paid for?

Learn more about ConsumerLab.com's clinical testing policy and procedures, including information on our independent testing and product reviews. Our answer explains.

CL Logo 4-18-23

CL Answer

I have type 2 diabetes. Should I be concerned about ingredients like maltodextrin and maltitol that are found in some protein bars and drinks?

Learn more about maltitol and maltodextrin and their effects on blood glucose levels for people with type 2 diabetes.

Protein Bars and Powder

CL Answer

Will pregnenolone help slow down aging or reduce chronic pain?

Learn more about the steroid hormone pregnenolone, including its effects in the body and on aging and chronic pain.

Elderly couple yoga pose in sunshine

CL Answer

Rhodiola and ashwagandha are both promoted to help with stress and anxiety. Is it safe to take them at the same time?

Find out if it is safe to take ashwagandha and rhodiola together. Both herbs are promoted to help with stress and anxiety, but may also lower blood pressure and have other side effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Man in Light Blue Comparing Supplement Bottles

CL Answer

All About Thyroid Supplements & Desiccated Thyroid Extract (Armour Thyroid)

Learn about supplement ingredients such as iodine, selenium, zinc, acetyl-l-carnitine, ashwagandha and guggul used for thyroid conditions and find out if they are beneficial. Also learn why ingredients such as alpha-lipoic acid, soy, resveratrol, quercetin may impair thyroid function.

Woman holding various vitamins and supplements in one hand and glass of water in the other

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of serrapeptase?

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme. Learn more about its health effects, including whether evidence supports its use for pain, inflammation, and heart health.

Serrapeptase for Inflammation and Pain

Recalls & Warnings

June 21, 2016

"Doctor Trusted" Seal and Certification Program for Dietary Supplements Misleading and Meaningless, Says FTC

SmartClick Media LLC, also doing business as Doctor Trusted, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges that its "Doctor Trusted" seal and certificates, which appeared on some 800 websites promoting health products and dietary supplements, ...

Clinical Update

11/18/2022

Herbal Laxatives – Tell Your Doctor

If you’ve been regularly using herbal laxatives, be sure that your doctor knows prior to a colonoscopy or abdominal surgery. Find out why in our article about supplements and surgery.

Clinical Update

3/31/2022

Doctor's Best Settlement & Refund

Doctor's Best is providing a partial refund to customers of its glucosamine supplements as part of a legal settlement. For details, see the Update to our Joint Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

8/24/2021

Pfizer Vaccine Approved

Learn about approval of the Pfizer vaccine and find out how approval differs from authorization, who it is approved for, and whether doctors should prescribe it for unapproved uses.

Clinical Update

4/17/2016

Vitamin D and Allergy

Vitamin D is known to modulate the immune system. Having sufficient levels is associated with reduced risk of allergy and asthma. A recent study showed that giving vitamin D to pregnant women and their infants resulted in fewer infants being allergic to house dust mites and needing to see a doctor for asthma. For details, see "Allergy," as well as "Asthma," in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

5/22/2018

Hair & Nail Supplements Can Skew Lab Tests

There are reports of high-dose biotin (common in "hair and nail" supplements) causing false readings on blood tests. Be sure to tell your doctor if you're taking high-dose biotin. Get the details in the Biotin section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

6/27/2020

Signs of Too Much Vitamin D

Doctors were surprised to discover that symptoms exhibited by a 64-year old woman were due to very high levels of vitamin D from supplements. Learn about the symptoms of too much vitamin D in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements and learn How Much Is Too Much vitamin D.

Clinical Update

11/18/2021

Does Melatonin Increase Alzheimer’s Risk?

My doctor said that melatonin may increase the risk of Alzheimer's as some sleeping pills do. Is this true? See the answer in Concerns and Cautions section of the Melatonin Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

3/31/2022

How to Get COVID Treatment Quickly

Antivirals work against COVID if given early. Some pharmacies can now give you antiviral medication without a prescription from your doctor if you test positive, saving valuable time. Learn how and find the location nearest you.

Clinical Update

5/09/2023

Dental Brush vs Floss

Interdental brushes and toothpicks, such as The Doctor’s BrushPicks, may be easier for some people to use than floss. Learn more and find out which ones claim not to contain PFAS in our updated article about PFAS in Dental Products.

Clinical Update

10/20/2023

Doctor's Best, Nature's Way, Nordic Naturals, Solaray and Vitacost

We've added information about how to purchase authentic products from each of these brands to our article How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Vitamins and Supplements, which now covers 32 brands.

Clinical Update

2/09/2024

Avoiding Counterfeits: More Brands Added

We've added information about 365 by Whole Foods Market, Doctor’s Best, and Dr. Mercola to our article about how to safely buy real vitamins and supplements.

Clinical Update

7/12/2022

How to Get Paxlovid Without a Medical Doctor

Pharmacists can now directly prescribe Paxlovid for people with COVID-19, but there are limitations. Find out what you need to bring to the pharmacy to get Paxlovid if you've tested positive and are at risk for severe COVID-19.

Clinical Update

10/14/2022

Side Effect of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil

A case of severe fluid buildup was recently reported in a woman taking low-dose minoxidil. Get the details, and learn what some doctors now recommend when starting low-dose oral minoxidil treatment in our article about hair treatments.

News Release

September 19, 2006

DHEA supplements, touted for anti-aging and strength, reviewed by ConsumerLab.com — Testing finds one brand with 215% of the labeled amount

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 — New tests of supplements containing the hormone DHEA found most to contain their claimed amounts of the controversial ingredient, but one provided 215% of its stated amount, the testing company ConsumerLab.com reported today.

News Release

August 16, 2005

ConsumerLab.com tests potassium supplements — Report now online for sixteen products

WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 16, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released a new report on the quality of potassium supplements. Potassium is used to treat or prevent potassium deficiency caused by diuretic drugs ("water pills"), prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or laxative abuse.

Recalls & Warnings

May 28, 2026

More Moringa Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On May 26, 2026, Total Nutrition Inc. recalled certain lots of TNVitamins Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Moringa and Doctor’s Pride Complete Green Superfood Ultra Potent Moringa capsules because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

March 04, 2021

Federal Court Bars Confidence USA from Selling Supplements

On March 4, 2021, the FDA announced a permanent injunction has been entered, barring dietary supplement manufacturer Confidence USA Inc. and two of its executives from producing or selling products until they become compliant with current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs).

Recalls & Warnings

September 10, 2021

FDA Warns Ten Sellers of "Diabetes" Supplements

On September 7, 2021, the FDA issued warning letters to 10 supplement companies that made drug claims by promoting products to treat diabetes and/or lower blood sugar. Five of the products were sold on Amazon as well as on company websites. The products were promoted with statements such as

Recalls & Warnings

November 05, 2021

Herb Recalled Due to Risk of Lead, Cadmium Contamination

On November 2, 2021, Murray Int'l Trading issued a recall of Herbal Doctor brand Angelicae Sinensis due to potential risk it may contain elevated levels of lead and cadmium.

Recalls & Warnings

August 10, 2020

Seller Indicted for Promoting Silver Product as Coronavirus Cure

On July 28, 2020, Utah resident Gordon Pedersen was indicted by a federal grand jury for posing as a medical doctor to sell an unapproved treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

July 27, 2019

Herbal Doctor Remedies Recalls 43 Products

On July 24, 2019, Herbal Doctor Remedies issued a recall of 43 Chinese herbal medicines, including Bone Fixer, Lipidtrol, Pain Away, Prostatin, Stomach Flu and others, because they were marketed without FDA approval and were manufactured outside of the controls required by current Good ...

Recalls & Warnings

October 29, 2019

Publisher Sued for Promoting "Phony Diabetes Cure"

On October 24, 2019 the FTC filed a lawsuit against the publisher of books, newsletters, and other publications aimed at seniors that falsely promise to cure type 2 diabetes.

Recalls & Warnings

January 30, 2013

Seller of Omega-3 and Emu Oil Supplements Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding

On November 19, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Emu Products & Management, Inc. after a review of the company's website found statements that promoted the dietary supplements Multi-Omega Gel Caps, Recovery Gel Caps, ARP Gel Caps and the topical skin products Extreme Cryo Gel, F.A.C.E.

Recalls & Warnings

June 25, 2014

Red Yeast Rice Product Recalled

On June 24, 2014, Doctor's Best announced a voluntary recall of lot 3121005 (7379 bottles) of Red Yeast Rice dietary supplement, 600 mg Capsules, 120-count bottles.

Recalls & Warnings

June 26, 2015

Seller of CoQ10, Anxiety Supplements and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On June 6, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Country Doctor Herbals, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including  Herbal Flu Be-Gone, Herbal Multi-Bac, Herbal Nervine, Herbal Pain-A-Way, Herbal Pancreas, Herbal Parasite Cleanse, Herbal Perfect ...

Recalls & Warnings

February 05, 2016

Garcinia, Green Coffee Marketers Pay $43 Million to Settle Charges of False Weight Loss Claims

Sale Slash, LLC, has agreed to pay more than $43 million to settle FTC charges it used unsubstantiated claims and fake celebrity endorsements to promote its Premium Green Coffee, Pure Garcinia Cambogia, Premium White Kidney Bean Extract, Pure Forskolin Extract, and Pure Caralluma Fimbriata Extract ...

Recalls & Warnings

April 08, 2017

Woman Dies After Receiving Turmeric Infusion

On March 16, 2017, a San Diego, California woman died days after receiving an IV infusion of turmeric.   Jade Erick, age 30, suffered a brain injury and cardiac arrest after receiving the first 5 mL of a 250 mL infusion of turmeric in the office of a naturopathic doctor.

Recalls & Warnings

November 04, 2016

Energy Drink Linked to Case of Acute Hepatitis

A case of acute hepatitis has been linked to daily consumption of energy drinks, according to a report published on November 1, 2016, in BMJ Case Reports.

Recalls & Warnings

October 05, 2007

FTC Charges Progesterone Cream Sellers with Making Unsubstantiated Claims

On October 5, 2007 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced complaints against seven online sellers of alternative hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, alleging that they made health claims for their natural progesterone creams without supporting scientific evidence.