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Energy Gels: What Are They Used For and Do They Contain Their Labeled Ingredients?

Young woman consuming an energy gel while hiking

Energy gels are a convenient on-the-go carbohydrate source, but some products may not contain the amount of carbohydrates stated on the label.

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CL Answer

What is the benefit of magnesium orotate compared to other forms of magnesium?

Find out if magnesium orotate is the best form of magnesium for supplements, including safety concerns.

Magnesium

Product Review

PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) Supplements Review

Learn What PQQ Does and Which PQQ Supplements are Best

Product Review

L-Arginine Supplements Review

Choose the Best L-Arginine Supplement. Find Out Which L-Arginine Supplement Passed CL's Tests.

L-Arginine Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Does urolithin A reduce age-related muscle decline, osteoarthritis, or other age-related diseases?

Find out if urolithin A may improve age-related muscle decline and learn about its safety.

Older couple walking together to exercise

Product Review

Beetroot Juices, Powders, and Chews Review

Our Tests Show Which Beetroot Products Have the Most Nitrate, Least Lead, and Lowest Cost

Beetroot Review 2025

Product Review

Muscle & Workout Supplements Review (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids)

Do Creatine and BCAAs Really Improve Strength and Recovery?

CL Answer

L-Tyrosine: Health Effects and Safety

Tyrosine has been evaluated for conditions including physical and mental stress, phenylketonuria (PKU), depression, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Find out if it works and if it's safe.

White tyrosine capsules on blue table

Clinical Update

3/06/2021

Ashwagandha for Exercise Endurance?

Can ashwagandha improve endurance and decrease fatigue during exercise? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Ashwagandha Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among ashwagandha supplements.

Clinical Update

1/18/2020

PQQ for Athletic Endurance?

We've added information from a recent study of PQQ for athletic endurance to our answer to the question: What is PQQ? Does it help with aging and memory? Is it similar to CoQ10?

Clinical Update

7/29/2017

Fish Oil for Endurance

High-dose fish oil may help to increase exercise endurance, according to a new study, adding to evidence of other beneficial effects of fish oil on muscle mass and strength. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

CL Answer

Could taking vitamin C (500 mg), CoQ10, grape seed extract, fish oil, vitamin D3/calcium/magnesium/zinc interfere with taking beta-sitosterol with dinner?

Learn about drug interactions & proper dosages for supplements such as CoQ10, vitamin D & C, fish oil, magnesium, zinc and grape seed extract.

Doctor Holding Handful of Fish Oil

Clinical Update

9/30/2022

Fish Oil for Muscle Strength?

Does supplementing with high-dose fish oil improve muscle strength or endurance in older women and men? Find out what a recent study showed in the Muscle, Strength and Falls section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplements to consider using when exercising (and ones to avoid).

Clinical Update

10/23/2025

Beta-Alanine for Endurance

Does beta-alanine really boost stamina and performance? Discover what the latest research says in our L-carnosine article.

CL Answer

Are Peptides Such as BPC-157 and TB-500 Safe and Effective?

Find out about BPC-157 and TB-500, including what they're promoted for and if they're safe.

White capsules vials and a syringe on a blue background

Clinical Update

6/24/2022

Placebo Effect With Creatine?

Creatine seems to improve strength and endurance during high-intensity exercise, but the benefit may be due to a psychological effect, according to a recent study. Learn more in the What It Does section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

9/07/2022

Urolithin A for Muscle Strength?

Can supplementing with urolithin A improve strength and endurance in middle-aged women and men? Find out what a recent study showed in our updated CL Answer about urolithin A for age-related muscle decline.

Also see our answer to the question: What's the best protein to keep and gain muscle when you're older?

Clinical Update

1/30/2024

PQQ for Muscle Strength?

Did taking PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) increase muscle strength or exercise endurance among older men and women? See what a new study found in our PQQ Supplements Review. Also learn if PQQ helps with memory and cognition or has heart health benefits, and see our Top Picks among PQQ supplements.

Clinical Update

3/03/2025

Protein & Pilates

Did taking whey protein improve body composition, core endurance, or joint flexibility among women participating in Pilates exercise? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review, which includes our Top Picks for protein powders.

Clinical Update

12/23/2024

Urolithin A For Muscle?

Does supplementing with urolithin A (Mitopure by Timeline) improve muscle strength and endurance? Find out what a recent study showed in our article about urolithin A.

Clinical Update

3/17/2018

L-Arginine for Workouts?

A recent study assessed whether taking L-Arginine before a high-intensity workout decreased muscle soreness after the workout. Get the results and more details in the Exercise Endurance and Recovery section of the L-Arginine Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products).

Clinical Update

6/05/2018

Krill Oil for Strength?

Evidence from several studies suggests that fish oil can help modestly improve muscular strength and/or endurance and enhance the effects of training. A recent study investigated whether krill oil can do the same. See the results in the What It Does section of the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Fish, Krill, and Algal Oils). Also see our Top Picks among products in this category.

Clinical Update

7/28/2013

Resveratrol May Blunt Positive Effects of Exercise

Although experiments in animals suggest that resveratrol improves athletic endurance, a new, placebo-controlled study in men found it to blunt some of the positive effects of exercise. Get the details plus test results for 20 resveratrol supplements and more information about resveratrol's effects in the updated Resveratrol Supplements Review >>  

Clinical Update

2/07/2014

Vitamins C & E Blunt Exercise Effect

A recent study found that giving high-dose vitamin C or vitamin E to people involved in intensive exercise training blunted cellular changes thought to be important for improving muscular endurance. These and similar results recently reported with resveratrol raise concerns about high-dose antioxidant supplementation during exercise training. For details, see the updates to the "Concerns and Cautions" sections of the Vitamin C Supplements Review >>  and the Vitamin E Supplements Review >> 

Clinical Update

9/14/2021

Citrulline for Strength?

Find out if citrulline supplementation improved muscle strength or endurance in older people in recent study. (This information is in the Citrulline section of our L-Arginine Supplements Review, as citrulline is converted to arginine in the body and it is often sold in combination with arginine).

CL Answer

I do moderate exercise for about an hour a few times a week. Which supplements might help me, and which should I consider avoiding?

Info on what supplements are best for work out & exercise regimens, including electrolytes, protein, creatine, and BCAAs.

Supplements for Moderate Exercise

CL Answer

What are the side effects of ashwagandha supplements?

Learn about the safety and side effects of ashwagandha supplements, including headache, sleepiness, upset stomach, blood pressure and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

ashwagandha side effects

CL Answer

Are Pyruvate Supplements Helpful and Safe?

Pyruvate supplements have been promoted for weight loss, boosting athletic performance, and lowering cholesterol. Find out if they work, if they're safe, and how to choose a pyruvate supplement.

Pyruvate powder and capsules

CL Answer

Do supplements like Marine-D3 with Ecklonia cava extract live up to anti-aging claims?

Learn about the evidence for Marine-D3, a supplement from Marine Essentials that contains Seanol, including evidence from clinical studies on aging.

Marine D3 2025 2

CL Answer

Are antioxidant supplements good or bad for you?

Learn more about whether antioxidants like astaxanthin, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10, curcumin, resveratrol, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are safe and if they help prevent chronic diseases.

Can Antioxidants Cause You to Die Sooner? -- antioxidant supplements and carrots

CL Answer

ConsumerLab’s Review of The 'Pause Nutrition Supplements by Dr. Mary Claire Haver – Are They Worth It?

Looking into The 'Pause Nutrition supplements by Dr. Mary Claire Haver? ConsumerLab examines the value of products like Omega-3 + Vitamin D3 & K2, Fiber GDX, Skin Boost Plus, and more. Find out if these supplements are worth the price and discover affordable alternatives.

The Pause

CL Answer

Is it possible to take too much vitamin C?

Find out the daily value of vitamin C, along with possible side effects of excessive vitamin C intake. ConsumerLab explores the topic of proper vitamin C supplement usage, and why taking too much can be harmful.

Bottles of vitamin C pills

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

May 08, 2025

Male Endurance Supplement Sold on Amazon Recalled

On May 6, 2025, EnShiShiXiangNiShangMaoYouXianGongSi recalled one lot of Endurance Boost With Horny Goat Weed capsules because they were found to contain sildenafil and propoxyphenylsildenafil (a sildenafil analogue), drugs that are not permitted in dietary supplements.

News Release

October 17, 2024

Not All B Vitamin Supplements Contain What They Claim, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, NY, October 17, 2024 —  Recent ConsumerLab tests revealed that 19% of popular B vitamin complexes and individual B vitamin supplements selected for testing contained far less, or far more of one or more B vitamins than claimed on the label.

News Release

June 08, 2023

Best Muscle and Workout Supplements With Creatine or BCAAs, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, June 8, 2023 — Creatine supplements are promoted to increase muscle size, strength, and endurance, while supplements with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are promoted to improve exercise recovery.

Recalls & Warnings

August 20, 2024

Two Sexual Enhancement Supplements Sold on Amazon Recalled

On August 20, 2024, Veata LLC Endurance Pro Energy Boost capsules and Boulla LLC Boom Max capsules were recalled because they contain sildenafil, a prescription medication which is not permitted in dietary supplements.

News Release

June 14, 2022

Best B Complexes, B12, and Other B Vitamin Supplements Revealed by ConsumerLab Tests: Beware of High Doses

  White Plains, New York, June 14, 2022 — Recent ConsumerLab tests of over 30 popular vitamin B complexes and supplements revealed that four products contained either much less, or much more, of at least one B vitamin listed on the label.

News Release

July 23, 2021

Best Astaxanthin Supplements Identified In Testing by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, July 23, 2021 —Astaxanthin supplements are promoted for a wide range of uses, such as increasing physical endurance, reducing inflammation and wrinkles, protecting from sunburn, and lowering triglyceride levels.

News Release

September 11, 2017

ConsumerLab.com Tests L-Arginine "Blood Flow" Supplements, Identifying Its Top Picks

White Plains, New York, September 11, 2017 — L-arginine supplements are often promoted to increase exercise endurance, reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions, and improve sexual function.

News Release

November 03, 2016

Is Astaxanthin Helpful for Inflammation or Other Conditions -- and Which Brands Are Best? -- ConsumerLab.com Reviews the Evidence and Tests the Quality of Popular Astaxanthin Supplements

White Plains, New York, November 3, 2016 — Astaxanthin is the red carotenoid and antioxidant which, through the food chain, provides the pink coloration of shrimp, krill salmon and trout.

News Release

October 11, 2016

What Are the Benefits of Resveratrol and Which Brands Are Best? -- ConsumerLab.com Reviews the Evidence and Tests the Quality of Popular Resveratrol Supplements

White Plains, New York, October 11, 2016 — Resveratrol supplements have been popular since 2006, when studies in animals showed "life-extending" and "endurance-enhancing" effects, among other potential benefits.

News Release

September 19, 2013

What's Really in Resveratrol Supplements? Some Contain Little Resveratrol or Do Not Meet Quality Standards According to ConsumerLab.com

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — September 19, 2013 — Resveratrol supplements have been popular since 2006, when studies in animals showed "life-extending" and "endurance-enhancing" effects, among other potential benefits. In fact, a recent survey by ConsumerLab.

News Release

November 14, 2011

ConsumerLab.com examines whether nitric oxide supplements make muscles bigger and increase endurance

White Plains, New York — November 14, 2011 — Nitric oxide supplements are widely used for bodybuilding and athletic performance, but do they really work? "They won't pump up your muscles — their main claim, but ‘nitric oxide' supplements may help you exercise intensely a little ...

News Release

December 02, 2010

ConsumerLab.com Finds Lower-priced Resveratrol Supplements Pass Tests While Some Higher-priced brands flunk

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — DECEMBER 2, 2010 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that tests of supplements containing resveratrol — a compound promoted as "life-extending" — revealed that two products provided only 43.4% and 86.

News Release

May 05, 2010

Tests of protein powders and drinks show some lead contamination but no melamine -- New report covers whey, soy, and rice protein supplements for body building, endurance/recovery, meal-replacment and dieting

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MAY 5, 2010 — New tests by ConsumerLab.com found most protein powders, shakes and drinks to meet their nutrient claims, but two products were contaminated with lead (6 to 18 mcg per day) and a third product contained four extra grams of sugar.

News Release

November 13, 2007

ConsumerLab.com finds some "red wine" supplements deliver less resveratrol than expected; Wide range in dose and price

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — NOVEMBER 13, 2007 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that its tests of supplements containing resveratrol — a compound promoted as "life-extending" — revealed two products providing only 27% and 58% of their listed amounts of resveratrol.

News Release

August 20, 2007

ConsumerLab tests products in booming nutrition drink market — most deliver what's promised but extra cholesterol found in some — New report covers drinks and powders for endurance/recovery, body building, meal-replacement and dieting

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — AUGUST 20, 2007 — A new report from ConsumerLab.com finds most nutrition powders, shakes and drinks meet their nutrient claims, but three products — two sports drinks and a meal supplement — contained more cholesterol than claimed.

Recalls & Warnings

February 03, 2025

Four Male Enhancement and Energy Supplements Found to Contain Drugs

On January 16, 2025, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Mihon Corp. d/b/a VitalityVita and Boulla, LLC after FDA analysis found four of the company’s supplements, VitalityXtra, PeakMax, ZapMax, and ZoomMax, to contain undeclared sildenafil.

Recalls & Warnings

January 03, 2024

FDA Warns Amazon for Selling Men’s Supplements Containing Prescription Drugs

On December 20, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Amazon.com, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

June 14, 2013

Protein And Nutrition Bars Recalled Due To Undeclared Milk Allergen

On June 13, 2013, the U.S. FDA alerted consumers that Sequel Naturals Ltd., dba Vega, issued a voluntary recall of a variety of Vega One and Vega Sport protein bars because the bars contain undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

April 06, 2018

Workout Supplements Recalled Due To Allergen Risk

On April 5, 2018, Independent Nutrition Inc, dba Back to Health of Eugene., issued a recall of certain lots of Ignite High Endurance Pre-Workout Supplements because they may contain undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

June 07, 2013

Nutrition Bars Recalled Due To Undeclared Milk Allergen

On June 6, 2013, Sequel Naturals Ltd. issued a recall of Vega sports, nutrition and energy bars because they contain undeclared milk. Consumption of these bars can cause serious or life-threatening reactions in people with an allergy to milk.

Recalls & Warnings

September 25, 2012

Whey Protein Supplements Recalled Due To Undeclared Allergens

On September 21, 2012, Maine Natural Health, which also sells supplements under the brand name Stronger Faster Healthier, issued a recall of several Whey Protein Concentrate products because the labels do not list the allergens milk, shellfish and coconut.

Recalls & Warnings

December 05, 2015

FDA Warns Companies Selling Products Containing Picamilon

On November 30, 2015, the FDA issued warning letters to five supplement companies selling products containing picamilon, which is not a lawful dietary supplement ingredient in the U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

September 25, 2018

Seller of B Vitamins, Multis, Glucosamine & More Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On August 31, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Independent Nutrition Inc., following a facility inspection which the company's products, including  B-50 Complete, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Complex (a.k.a.

Recalls & Warnings

June 24, 2014

CELLFOOD Recalled in Canada

On June 23, 2014, Health Canada recalled CELLFOOD (Nu Science), a supplement promoted for improved energy, endurance and natural health, because it was found to be an unauthorized health product.