7/05/2014

Dark Chocolate Improves Walking in Peripheral Artery Disease

A new, small study found that people with peripheral artery disease who consumed dark chocolate with a high cocoa content were able to walk further than they normally could. Consuming milk chocolate did not have this effect. The improvement was seen shortly after consuming just one dose. For more details, including dosage, as well as our tests and comparisons of cocoa supplements and chocolate, see the update to the Cocoa Powders, Extracts and Chocolate (Sources of Flavanols) Review >>   

12/12/2023

Beans as Prebiotics

Beans can be a good source of prebiotic fiber. See what happened when one cup of beans was added to a regular daily diet in our Prebiotics Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among prebiotic supplements.

9/09/2024

Best Source of Collagen?

What is the best source of collagen -- fish, porcine (pig), or bovine (cow)? See what a recent study found that compared how well each of these raised blood markers of collagen. It's in the What It Is section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among collagen supplements.

1/10/2021

Magnesium, Niacin and Blood Pressure

Two studies this week showed the risk of high blood pressure to be lowest among people with adequate, but not excessive, dietary intakes of magnesium and niacin.

Also, see which foods are good sources of magnesium and, separately, good sources of niacin.

2/22/2023

Fish Collagen?

A CL member asked whether fish or other marine sources of collagen are good alternatives to collagen from chicken, pigs, or cows, and if there are plant-based sources of collagen. Find out about fish collagen and learn about "plant-based" collagen boosters in our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements.

3/24/2023

Plant-based Sources of B-12?

Find out if there are good plant sources of B-12, if certain foods can increase the availability of zinc, and if vegetarians or vegans should supplement with taurine.

4/22/2022

Why Coffee Lacks Prop 65 Warning

Although coffee is a notable source of acrylamide, it doesn’t need to have a California Prop 65 warning stating this risk. Find out why in our article about dietary sources of acrylamide.

8/02/2022

Increasing Folate from Beans & Peas

Beans and peas are great dietary sources of folate (vitamin B-9), but the right preparation can more than double their folate levels, according to a recent study. Find out how in the Folate section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

Also see our table of Foods Containing B Vitamins to find out other foods that are good sources of folate and other B vitamins.

7/15/2025

Microplastics In Bottled Water

Why did a recent study find more microplastics in water in glass bottles than plastic bottles? Find out in the Bottled water section of our article about sources of microplastics.

6/02/2025

Astaxanthin from Salmon

Salmon is a good source of astaxanthin, an antioxidant. A new study suggests how salmon can be cooked to preserve astaxanthin, and why levels are lower in canned salmon.

Also see our Astaxanthin Supplements Review for information about its potential uses, safety concerns, and our Top Picks among astaxanthin supplements.

2/27/2025

Energy Gels

Energy gels are a convenient on-the-go carbohydrate source, but some products contain much less than claimed on the labels according to a recent study. Get the results in our article about energy gels.

12/09/2024

Vitamin D From Mushrooms?

Specially-grown mushrooms can be a good source of vitamin D, but a recent study showed that cooking may significantly decrease levels, as discussed in the Getting Vitamin D From Foods section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.

Also learn about getting vitamin D from other foods, and see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.

9/13/2024

Alpha-GPC and Stroke Risk?

Does alpha-GPC, a source of choline, increase stroke risk or blood levels of TMAO (which has been linked with adverse cardiovascular effects)? Find out in our article about choline and TMAO.

9/16/2024

Eggshell Membrane for Osteoarthritis?

Did taking an eggshell membrane supplement (a source of collagen) improve symptoms and joint space in people with knee osteoarthritis? Find out what a recent study showed in the Joint Pain and Function section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick collagen for joints and tendons as well as our Top Pick collagen for skin.

10/18/2024

Wellness Formula for Colds?

The product Wellness Formula by Source Naturals is said to support the immune system to help people avoid sick days. Is there evidence of that? Find out in our article about supplements for colds.

Also see: Do any supplements help for flu?

10/21/2024

Pistachio Eye Benefits?

Did eating pistachios, a natural source of lutein, improve macular pigment density in the retinas of people with low density levels (a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration)? Find out what a recent study showed in the Macular Degeneration section of our Vision Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick lutein and AREDS2 supplements

Also see: Do pistachios provide melatonin?

4/19/2024

Collagen Sources

Wondering if your collagen is from pigs, cows, or fish? We have tested them all, as discussed in the Top Picks section of our Collagen Supplements Review.

5/10/2024

Eggs and Risk of Death

A recent study found that eating more than a certain number of eggs (a source of choline) daily carried an increased risk of death among people with a history of heart disease or stroke. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Choline Supplements Review.

5/14/2024

Plant-Based Milks: Iodine Concern

Be aware that almond, oat, and soy milk tend to contain very little iodine compared to cow’s milk, which could increase the risk of iodine deficiency and thyroid problems in people who do not get enough iodine from other sources. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Plant-Based Milks Review. This is particularly important for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding – due to increased iodine requirements, see our Top Pick prenatal multivitamin for more details.

Also see: Top 8 vitamins and nutrients for vegetarians and vegans

12/15/2023

Cricket Protein and Kidneys

Cricket protein may be more environmentally friendly than animal sources of protein, but people with impaired kidney function may want to avoid consuming large amounts. Learn why in the Cautions and Concerns section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also see what we found when we tested cricket powders, and see our Top Picks for whey, soy, and other protein shakes and drinks.

12/12/2023

Lead in Cinnamon Applesauce

Enormous amounts of lead have been found in cinnamon applesauce pouches. The cinnamon appears to be the source of the lead. Get the details in our Cinnamon Review, which includes our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices (which were tested for lead).

1/12/2024

Comparison of Pine Bark Extracts

Supplements containing pine bark extracts, such as Pycnogenol, vary significantly in cost, mainly due to the type of pine bark used. Find out if the source matters, and what to consider when selecting a pine bark extract supplement, in our article about Pycnogenol and other pine bark extracts.

9/22/2023

Nutritional Yeast

Is nutritional yeast really a good source of vitamins and minerals, and is it safe? Find out in our new article about the health benefits and safety of nutritional yeast.

11/17/2023

Calanus Oil for Memory?

Does supplementing with calanus oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, improve memory in older men and women? Find out what research suggests in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

8/22/2023

Sodium Benzoate and Benzene

Vitamin C can promote the conversion of sodium benzoate, a preservative, to benzene, a toxic chemical. Should you be worried about consuming products such as lemon juice (a source of vitamin C) preserved with sodium benzoate? Find out in the Preservatives section of our article about Inactive Ingredients.

9/01/2023

Shilajit

We’ve updated our information about shilajit, which is promoted for a range of health benefits and as a source of essential minerals. Learn more in our article about shilajit.

5/29/2024

Eggs for Alzheimer’s

Weekly consumption of a modest number of eggs, which are a good source of choline, was associated with a dramatic reduction in risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. Choline supplements may also be helpful. Get the details in the Alzheimer's section of our Choline Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among choline supplements.

3/23/2021

Folic Acid and Colorectal Cancer

Do higher intakes of folic acid and other sources of folate increase or decrease the risk of colorectal cancer? It may depend on time, according to a new study discussed in the Folate section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among B vitamin supplements.

12/16/2020

Omega-7s to Lower Cholesterol?

Can taking sea buckthorn, a source of omega-7 fatty acids, lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study found in the Omega-7 Fatty Acids section of our Fish Oil Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

10/23/2021

How Good Is Pea Protein?

How does the amino acid quality and digestibility of pea protein compare to casein? Find out what a new study showed in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Supplements Review, which also explains the differences between whey, soy, rice, and other sources of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders, including our Top Pick for pea protein.

10/26/2021

Trout for Omega-3s?

Is trout a good alternative to tuna or salmon as a source of omega-3 fatty acids? It depends on the type of trout. Get the details in the Getting EPA and DHA from Food section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements and canned fish.

10/29/2021

More Toothpaste Tips

Find out if you need fluoride in toothpaste if you already get it from your drinking water or other sources, if people prone to tooth sensitivity should avoid tartar control toothpaste, and whether xylitol in toothpaste helps prevent cavities.

10/30/2021

Are Brazil Nuts Radioactive?

Brazil nuts contain high concentrations of the radioactive element radium. Find out if you should be concerned in our updated answer to the question: Are Brazil nuts a good source of vitamin E and selenium?

6/27/2021

Whey vs Rice and Potato Protein

Whey, rice and potato proteins were found to have different effects on blood sugar and insulin levels in a recent study. Find out how they differ. You can also learn more about these and other protein sources in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders.

7/31/2021

Juices for Kidney Stones?

Are cranberry juice or apple cider vinegar good sources of citrate to lower the risk of kidney stones? Find out in our updated answer to the question: Can lemon juice, lemonade, or other juices reduce my chances of getting kidney stones?

1/25/2022

Goji Berries for the Eyes?

Goji berries are a good source of zeaxanthin, an anti-oxidant compound that, like lutein, may help protect the retina of eye. But does eating goji berries improve a measure of macular health (macular optical density) or improve vision? See what recent research showed in the Getting Lutein and Zeaxanthin from Food section of our Vision Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vision supplements.

1/28/2022

B-12 From Chlorella and Spirulina?

A reader asked if chlorella and spirulina are good sources of B-12. The answer is both "yes" and "no," as explained in our Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills Review, which includes our recent tests result and Top Picks for chlorella and spirulina supplements.

4/07/2022

Acrylamide in Bread

Bread is a significant dietary source of acrylamide, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of this probable carcinogen. Get the details in our updated answer to the question: What is acrylamide?

4/28/2023

Copper in Chocolate?

Chocolate and cocoa can be good sources of copper, an essential mineral. Find out how much copper is in chocolates and cocoa in the ConsumerTips section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoas Review.

Also find out how much cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, we found in popular products, and see our Top Picks among dark chocolate bars, cocoa powders, and cocoa supplements.

1/10/2023

Phytates in Pea Protein

Is pea protein powder is a significant source of the phytate, which can reduce mineral absorption? Find out what research suggests in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Powders Review.

11/11/2022

Nutritional Yeast for B Vitamins?

Is nutritional yeast a good source of B-12 and other B vitamins? That depends on whether or not it is fortified. Get the details in the Getting B-12 from food section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review, which includes a list of foods containing B vitamins.

10/04/2022

Choline for Cognitive Function?

Did supplementing with egg powder, a source of choline, improve cognitive function in preadolescents? Find out what a recent study showed in the Memory and Cognition section of our Choline and Lecithin Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplements and food for brain function.

10/14/2022

How Much Zinc Causes Copper Deficiency?

High zinc intake can cause copper deficiency. A CL member asked us how much zinc (from zinc carnitine) would require them to supplement with copper. Find out in our Zinc Carnosine article and learn more in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Zinc Supplements Review, which also lists food sources of copper.

8/09/2022

Caution With Mucuna for Parkinson’s?

Mucuna pruriens is a natural source of levodopa (a drug for treating Parkinson’s disease). A recent study in a major journal suggested that labels for Mucuna pruriens supplements were highly misleading – however, we analyzed their data and came to a different conclusion. Learn more in our updated CL Answer about Supplements for Parkinson's Disease.

9/23/2022

Plant "Meats" & Kidney Stones

Some plant-based "meats" may increase the risk of kidney stones, according to a recent study. Find out which sources of plant-based meats pose the greatest risk in our CL Answer about foods and supplements that may increase the risk of kidney stones.

9/28/2022

Beta-glucan Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol?

Beta-glucan from cereals such as oats and barley may help lower cholesterol, but be aware that other sources of beta-glucan (including some supplements) may not. Find out in our CL Answer about supplements for heart health.

7/06/2022

Walnuts for Omega-3s?

Walnuts are often touted as a good source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, but can eating walnuts regularly increase blood levels of DHA and EPA (the omega-3s in fish oil)? Find out in the What It Is section of our Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements Review.

6/07/2022

Eggshell Membrane for Osteoarthritis?

Eggshell membrane – a source of collagen – may reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis if taken at a certain dose, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Joint Pain section of our Collagen Supplements Review.

6/14/2022

Zinc Carnosine: A Better Zinc Source?

Is zinc carnosine more bioavailable than other forms of zinc? Find out what an expert nutrition panel recently concluded in our updated CL Answer about zinc carnosine.

3/06/2015

Green Lipped Mussel Oil Reduces Pain and Inflammation After Exercise

Green-lipped mussel oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) significantly reduced pain and inflammation days after exercise in young healthy men, compared to a placebo, according to a new study. For details, and ConsumerLab.com tests of the product used in the study, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> 

4/13/2014

Does Green Tea Improve Memory?

This week, news sources reported that a study found green tea helps working memory. While green tea may have benefits, a closer look at this study suggests the news was exaggerated and misleading. For details about the study (and information about other effects of green tea and our tests of green tea supplements, teas, and drinks) see the update in the Green Tea Supplements, Drinks and Teas Review >> 

10/01/2017

Paleo Diet and Iodine

The "Paleo" diet excludes table salt and dairy products, which are sources of iodine. A recent study investigated whether or not this causes iodine deficiency (which is also a concern with a vegan diet). Get the details in the "Iodine" section of the Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplements Review >>

1/12/2019

Fiber Benefits

Higher fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of many major diseases in a recent study. However, the average American consumes far below the recommended daily intake of fiber. As oats are a good source of fiber, we’ve added details from the new study in the "Benefits" section of the Oat Cereals Review. (Also see our Top Picks oat cereals.)

1/31/2017

Omega-3s for Arthritis

A review of twenty-two clinical studies using omega-3 fatty acid supplements from various marine sources (fish oil, mussel oil, etc.) found they could be effective in reducing rheumatoid arthritis pain, particularly when the oils had a certain ratio of EPA to DHA. The oils were not effective for osteoarthritis. For more details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

2/02/2019

Whey Protein When Bedridden?

Does substituting whey protein for other sources of protein help bedridden people retain muscle mass and strength? Find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders & Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders.

2/23/2019

Allergic Reactions to Protein Powder

Be aware that allergic reactions to protein powders have recently been reported in people not normally allergic the protein sources of their supplements. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Protein Powders, Shakes, and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein supplements.

11/26/2019

Fish Oil & Colon Cancer

There is new evidence that taking fish oil may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer for certain people. For details see the Cancer section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements and other marine sources of omega-3s.

4/23/2019

Fish Oil During Pregnancy

Does taking fish oil during pregnancy yield children with higher IQs? Find out what studies are showing in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

6/14/2020

Benefit of Eating Fish

Increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids through greater fish intake was shown to provide some cognitive improvements to children according to a recent study. For details, see the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil and Top Picks for canned tuna and salmon (good sources of omega-3s).

7/01/2012

Vitamin D Tests Unreliable

A preliminary report suggests that many vitamin D blood tests are incorrect, often yielding low results. This can lead to the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency when it does not exist. Certain people may be more prone to a false low reading due to their source of vitamin D. Learn more in the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review entitled Vitamin D Tests -- Not Always Reliable >>

2/17/2013

Risk from Too Much Calcium from Supplements

A major study found that adequate intake of calcium from the diet and other sources was associated with a lower risk of men and women dying from cardiovascular disease over the 12-year period of the study. HOWEVER getting over a certain amount of calcium from supplements was associated with 20% higher risk of men dying from cardiovascular disease. For more information, see the recent update to the Calcium Supplements Review >>

9/11/2011

Vitamin D - Depression Link

A study of postmenopausal women found the risk of depression to be 21% lower among those consuming higher amounts of vitamin D. For details, including the vitamin D source and amounts associated with decreased risk, see the update to the Vitamin D Review. More >>