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Product Review

Nitric Oxide Supplements (Bodybuilding and Athletic Performance) Review Article

Do Nitric Oxide Supplements Really Work? Find Out If Nitric Oxide Supplements Really Build Muscle or Improve Performance.

Nitric Oxide Supplements Review

News Release

June 29, 2023

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices

White Plains, New York, June 29, 2023 —  Turmeric and curcumin (a key compound in turmeric) are promoted for uses including osteoarthritis, seasonal allergies, and ulcerative colitis, as well as improving cognition and reducing symptoms of depression.

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

News Release

December 16, 2022

Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? ConsumerLab Finds Major Differences Among Products.

White Plains, New York, December 16, 2022 — Although dark chocolate and cocoa can be good sources of potentially heart-healthy, antioxidant flavanols, they can also be contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead – and consumers can’t judge products from their labels.

News Release

June 30, 2022

Best Protein Shakes & Drinks According to ConsumerLab Tests. Lead, Excess Sodium Found in Some

White Plains, New York, June 30, 2022 — Consumers may get more sodium, fat, calories, or even lead, than they bargained for from some protein supplements, according to recent ConsumerLab tests of over 20 popular protein powders and shakes.

News Release

February 09, 2022

Caution With Spirulina Supplements: ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Lead Contamination, Quality Concerns

White Plains, New York, February 9, 2022 — Problems were discovered in three out of four spirulina supplements recently tested by ConsumerLab. One product was found to be contaminated with lead, and two other products, which were tablets, failed to disintegrate within the expected time.

News Release

January 23, 2020

We Found the Best Dark Chocolates and Cocoas With the Least Contamination

White Plains, New York, January 23, 2020 — Dark chocolate and cocoa contain antioxidant flavanols that may be good for the heart and mind, but they can also contain high levels of the heavy metal cadmium, which is toxic to kidneys and can soften bones.

News Release

January 31, 2019

Contamination Still an Issue in Some Greens and Whole Food Products, ConsumerLab Tests Reveal

White Plains, New York, January 31, 2019 — Powders and capsules containing ingredients such as wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, and fruits and vegetables are a popular way to get vitamins, minerals and other plant-based nutrients, but past tests by ConsumerLab have found that these products ...

News Release

April 04, 2017

ConsumerLab.com Reveals Best and Worst Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices -- 31% Fail ConsumerLab.com Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, April 4, 2017 — Turmeric and its key compound, curcumin, may be help reduce symptoms of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and may be helpful in treating depression, diabetes, and indigestion.

News Release

March 01, 2016

Does Echinacea Really Help With Colds and Which Brands Are Best?

White Plains, New York, March 1, 2016 — Echinacea supplements are a popular choice for preventing colds and treating cold symptoms, but do they really work? And, with so many different types of Echinacea marketed, how do you know which one to choose? To answer these questions, ConsumerLab.

News Release

October 08, 2013

ConsumerLab.com Reports Problems and “Top Picks” Among Bars for Energy, Fiber, Protein, Meal-Replacement, and Whole Food

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — October 8, 2013 — Which nutrition bars provide the best combination of nutrition and taste, and are accurately labeled? ConsumerLab.com recently set out to answer this question by purchasing popular bars in the U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

February 21, 2013

FDA and FTC Warn: Supplements Cannot Prevent, Treat Or Cure Cold And Flu

On February 11, 2013, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) jointly issued warning letters to three dietary supplement companies regarding their potential illegal marketing of products to prevent, treat or cure flu virus.

News Release

March 05, 2013

CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Should Be Chosen Carefully, Cautions ConsumerLab.com -- Less Than 4% of Listed Ingredient Found in Widely-Sold Product

White Plains, New York — March 5, 2013 — A new report from ConsumerLab.com highlights the difficulty consumers have in selecting a supplement containing the anti-oxidant CoQ10 or its activated form, ubiquinol. ConsumerLab.

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

May 08, 2012

Lead Contamination and Mislabeling in Joint Health Supplements with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM According to ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York, May 8, 2012 — Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are popular dietary supplements for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis — worn joint cartilage.

News Release

July 10, 2009

Nine joint health supplements fail ConsumerLab.com quality review -- Lead contamination, missing ingredients and other problems found in supplements for people as well as for dogs, cats and horses; Many others approved

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JULY 10, 2009 — Nine supplements for osteoarthritis that ConsumerLab.com recently selected for testing were found to be contaminated with lead, lack all or some of a key ingredient or have other quality problems.

News Release

August 05, 2008

ConsumerLab.com Find Fifty Fish Oil Supplements Pass Quality Testing -- New Report Helps Consumers Choose Among Pills, Liquids, Foods and Beverages with Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — AUGUST 5, 2008 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that testing of fifty omega-3 fish oil supplements, foods or beverages (including two marketed for pets) found all to have safe levels of mercury, lead and PCBs.

News Release

April 11, 2007

Many arthritis supplements lack key listed ingredient — ConsumerLab.com finds chondroitin missing or low in eight supplements; Glucosamine and MSM also tested

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — April 11, 2007 — Forty percent of the supplements for osteoarthritis that ConsumerLab.com recently selected for testing were found to lack all or some of their key ingredients. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 20.

News Release

May 18, 2006

Court denies vitamin trade group's motion to stop defamation suit brought by ConsumerLab.com

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — MAY 18, 2006 (UPDATED APRIL 7, 2006) — ConsumerLab.com announced that the Supreme Court of the State of New York has denied a motion by a trade group of vitamin and supplement makers to dismiss the defamation suit brought against it by ConsumerLab.com.

News Release

July 12, 2005

ConsumerLab.com finds some supplements lower in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than claimed — Report available for 23 products made from oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose and flax

WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 12, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of supplements made from the seed oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose, and flax.

News Release

June 10, 2003

ConsumerLab.com finds lead in coral calcium product; Product also charged with false advertising by FTC — Calcium supplement product review published online today

WHITE PLAINS, NY — June 10, 2003 — (Updated August 8) — ConsumerLab.com today reported finding problems among the calcium products recently tested in its Product Review of Calcium Supplements.

Recalls & Warnings

May 23, 2020

FTC Warns 50 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On May 21, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 50 companies for selling products such as herbal products, immune system boosters, and vitamin C, with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

August 11, 2015

Company Ordered to Stop Making and Selling Supplements

On August 4, 2015, a federal court ordered a permanent injunction against dietary supplement company Atrium Inc., and two companies under the same ownerhship, Aspen Group Inc., Nutri-Pak of Wisconsin Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

May 09, 2022

$149 Million in Refunds from AdvoCare Settlement

On May 5, 2022, the FTC announced it will be returning more than $149 million to individuals who sold AdvoCare supplements as distributors through the company’s multi-level-marketing (MLM) plan.

Recalls & Warnings

November 21, 2012

Maker of Blood Pressure, Probiotic, Resveratrol and Hormonal Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On November 2, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Atrium, Inc. following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's dietary supplements to be adulterated or promoted as drugs.

Recalls & Warnings

June 04, 2004

FTC Charges Marketers of Two Supplements with False Claims to Cure Range of Diseases

On June 3, 2004 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged marketers of two dietary supplements with falsely claiming that their products can prevent and cure cancer and other diseases. According to the FTC’s complaint, Boston-area marketers Direct Marketing Concepts, Inc. (DMC), ITV Direct, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

October 06, 2005

Deceptive Marketing of “Supreme Greens" -- Settlement with FTC

On October 6, 2005, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that three individuals and two companies have settled FTC charges over their roles in the deceptive marketing of Supreme Greens, an herbal supplement.

Recalls & Warnings

October 15, 2020

FDA Warns Five Sellers of Dangerous Cesium Salt Supplements

On October 9, the FDA issued warning letters to five companies for selling products containing cesium chloride. The FDA has previously warned consumers not to use dietary supplements containing cesium chloride or any other cesium salt.

Recalls & Warnings

August 31, 2009

Court Orders Marketers of Supreme Greens and Coral Calcium to Pay Nearly $70 Million for Consumer Refunds

On August 27, 2009, a federal district court ordered the marketers of two dietary supplements – "Supreme Greens" and "Coral Calcium" – who claimed the products would cure ailments ranging from cancer and Parkinson’s disease to heart disease and autoimmune diseases to pay nearly $70 million for ...

Recalls & Warnings

February 21, 2013

Pet Supplement Company Issues Recall Due To Potential Bacterial Contamination

On February 20, 2013, animal supplement company Nutri-Vet, LLC issued a recall of Nutri-Vet and NutriPet Chicken Jerky Products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

December 12, 2018

Seller of Protein Powder, Spirulina & Other Products Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On October 31, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to DynaPro International, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

May 17, 2013

Maker of Cardio, Arthritis, Cleanse Supplements and More Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On May 8, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Entrenet Nutritionals, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

January 26, 2016

Seller of CoQ10, SAM-e, Vitamin D, and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On January 15, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nutri-Dyn Midwest, Inc., following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Cardioauxin BP, Zinc Lozenge, Oliver, Pau D'Arco, Petadolex, Chondro Jointaide, Dynagesic, SAMe-200, Gugulipid.

Recalls & Warnings

October 05, 2011

FDA Warns Nutrition Center Inc (Nutri-West) of Manufacturing Violations

The FDA published a Warning Letter dated September 9, 2011 to Nutrition Center Inc. (dba Nutri-West) informing the firm of manufacturing violations found during an inspection of the firm's facility in Douglas, Wyoming in April, 2011.

Recalls & Warnings

February 28, 2017

Multivitamin Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On February 14, 2017, Licata Enterprises issued a recall of all lots of its Supreme One and Theravits 100 multiple vitamins because they contain fish liver oil but is labeled as containing "no common allergens.

Recalls & Warnings

November 11, 2016

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Weight Loss Supplement

On November 9, 2016, the FDA warned consumers not to buy or use the weight loss supplement Supreme Slim 5.7 because it was found to contain sildenafil and phenolphthalein.

Recalls & Warnings

August 30, 2012

FDA Warns of Medical Claims Made For Numerous Chinese Herbal Products

On August 15, 2012, the FDA warned Dragon Herbs that promotional statements made on the company's website constitute drug claims for twenty herbal products, including CardioPro 2000, Cordyceps, Duanwood Reishi, Gynostemma, Ginseng and Astragalus Combination, Dang Gui and Gelatin, Sweet Relief, ...

Recalls & Warnings

December 30, 2014

Maker of Aloe, Weight Loss Supplements and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On December 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Dandy Day Corporation, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Aloe Pearl, Alfalo, Aloespring, Crave Away, Original Supreme Energy, Ener "G," Can G, Flora G, Flora G Plus, and Garolic, to be adulterated ...

Recalls & Warnings

November 21, 2014

Seller of Diabetes, Prostate Supplements and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On October 7, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement distributor Windmill Health Products, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Nutri-Betic caplets, Vita-betic caplets, ProstrinRx tablets, Polyflavanol capsules, and Glucoflex Joint ...

Recalls & Warnings

August 28, 2018

FDA Warns Seller of Goldenseal and Parasite Supplements

On August 15, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Healthy Healing dba Crystal Star, following a facility inspection which found certain statements product labels, including product labels for Women's Best Friend and Para Purge, to be drug claims. 

Recalls & Warnings

April 23, 2016

More Multis Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On April 21, 2016, MagZuma Nutrition issued a recall of the following multivitamin supplements because they contain the undeclared allergens soy and milk:

Recalls & Warnings

September 25, 2018

FDA Warns Seller of Digestive Enzyme Supplements

On March 6, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Uckele Health & Nutrition, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

May 23, 2013

Seller of Sexual Enhancement, Cholesterol, Resveratrol Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims

On May 2, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Alternative Health Supplements, following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about several dietary supplements, including Regenerect, Alligin, Astaxanthin Advantage, HDL Cholesterol Management, Resveratrol, Coral Calcium ...

Recalls & Warnings

June 04, 2020

FTC Warns 35 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On June 4, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 35 companies for selling products such as herbal products, immune system boosters, and vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

December 19, 2012

Sexual Enhancement Supplements Recalled Due To Undeclared Drugs

On December 17, 2012, Performance Plus Marketing, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

August 08, 2016

Turmeric Spice Recall Expanded to Include More Brands

On August 5, 2016, Gel Spice, Inc. expanded its recall of one lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder to include other turmeric spices sold under different brand names due to elevated levels of lead.

Recalls & Warnings

January 17, 2015

Maker of Magnesium and Potassium Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On December 23, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nutri Spec, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

July 30, 2004

FTC Sues Florida Man for Illegal Spam and False "Human Growth Hormone" Product Claims

On July 29, 2004, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that a federal court in Chicago has issued a court order halting illegal spamming and deceptive product claims, and has also frozen the assets of Creaghan A. Harry, a resident of Boca Raton, Florida.

Recalls & Warnings

March 12, 2016

FDA Finds Problems at 58% of Supplement Manufacturing Sites in U.S. and Abroad

ConsumerLab.com has obtained results of the FDA's inspections in Fiscal Year 2015 (ending September 30) of 483 dietary supplement manufacturing facilities, showing that most -- 58.2% -- received letters indicating noncompliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).