ConsumerLab.com reports on supplements for bone health containing calcium and vitamin D— Results posted for 32 supplements for adults and children; One found contaminated with lead

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — MARCH 13, 2006 — ConsumerLab.com announced test results today from its new Product Review of Supplements for Bone Health covering 32 adult and children's products containing calcium and vitamin D. Sales of calcium supplements in the U.S. were $993 million in 2004 according to Nutrition Business Journal, making them the most popular supplements after multivitamins. Calcium is needed to build and maintain strong bones, and vitamin D is necessary for enhancing calcium absorption. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can improve bone density and reduce hip fractures in post-menopausal women. Results recently published from the Women's Health Initiative suggest that benefits are greatest in women otherwise deficient in these nutrients and when use is continual.

Seven calcium-only products passed the review, as did eighteen calcium-vitamin D combination products. One combination product, however, failed the review due to lead contamination -- containing more than twice the lead allowed by the State of California without a warning label. Six other combination products had the correct amount of calcium, but levels of vitamin D could not be accurately established.

Brands selected by ConsumerLab.com for testing were Andrew Lessman Calcium Intensive Care (YourVitamins), Barefoot Coral Calcium Plus™ (Bentley Hubbell International), Baywood Solutions® Cal-Mag FIZZ™, Citracal® (Mission Pharmacal), Coral Complex2™ (Coral Inc.), Estroven® Calci-Fresh™ Calcium Gum (Amerifit Nutrition, Inc.), Kaire Essentials, Viactiv (McNeil Nutritionals), Li'l Critters® Calcium Gummy Bears (Northwest Natural Products), Kids Rhino (Nutrition Now), and One-A-Day® Kids Scooby-Doo Plus Calcium (Bayer HealthCare), as well as products from Berkley & Jensen (BJ Wholesale Club), Doctor's Best, Lane Labs, LifeWise Naturals, Organika, Schiff, Standard Process, and Twinlab.

In addition to the products selected by ConsumerLab.com for testing, twelve products are included in the report for passing the same testing through ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. These products are from Enzymatic Therapy, Inc., GNC, Nature Made, Nature's Bounty, Nutrilite, Puritan's Pride, Sundown, and Vitamin World. Two other products from Vitamin World are also noted in the report for being identical to other products that passed testing.

Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com, advised people seeking to maintain bone strength with calcium and vitamin D to consider the following points:

• Because women are most susceptible to osteoporosis, it is particularly important that young girls develop strong bones — getting adequate calcium, vitamin D and exercise.
• Older individuals have the greatest daily requirements for vitamin D. A cup of milk provides half the required vitamin D amount for a person up to age 50, but only 15% of the amount needed by a person over 70.
• It is possible to get enough calcium from food and vitamin D from food and short amounts of sun exposure several times a week. If you choose supplements, keep in mind that products vary enormously in strength. Choose one with the right dose for your intended use factoring in your age, gender, and other daily intake. Check ConsumerLab.com's list for Quality Approved products. Intake needs to be continual for the greatest benefit.
• Don't exceed 2,500 mg of calcium per day or 2,000 IU of vitamin D (excluding that from sun exposure). Too much calcium can cause kidney stones and too much vitamin D can cause constipation and weakness.

The new report is available at https://www.consumerlab.com/results/calcium.asp. The report provides results for each product, ingredient comparisons, extensive information on buying and using these supplements, and potential side effects. Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available at www.consumerlab.com. New Reviews to be released in coming weeks will cover probiotics, garlic, melatonin, green tea, selenium, and lycopene supplements. The paperback ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements: What's Really in the Bottle? is available in bookstores, online, or through 800-431-1579.

ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com, an evaluator of online pharmacies, and MedicareDrugPlans.com, which reviews and rates Medicare Part D plans. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. For group subscriptions or product testing contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com.



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