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CL Answer

Here’s What You Should Look For In Toothpaste and Mouthwash, and Our Top Picks

Learn about ingredients you want in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products and which ingredients you may want to avoid.

Toothpaste in the shape of question mark coming out from toothpaste tube

Product Review

Garlic Supplements Review

Find the Best Garlic Supplements. CL Tests Reveal Big Differences in Garlic Strength -- Some Have Little to No Garlic!.

Garlic Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Mangosteen Juice and Supplements Review Article

What Are the Benefits of Mangosteen Juice and Supplements? Find Out What Mangosteen Can and Cannot Do For Your Health.

Product Review

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review

Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

CL Answer

Mullein Tea: Possible Health Effects and Safety

Mullein tea is often promoted for relieving symptoms of lung conditions, including coughing, hoarseness, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Find out if there is evidence to support these uses, and learn about possible side effects of mullein.

a cup of mullein tea on a table next to mullein flowers and leaves

CL Answer

Is the theobromine in chocolate and cocoa good or bad for me?

Find out the benefits and risks of theobromine -- and how much is in dark chocolate.

Broken Bar of Chocolate on Pink Background

CL Answer

Does garlic lower cholesterol?

Does garlic lower cholesterol? Learn more about the link between garlic, garlic supplements and cholesterol.

Garlic to Lower Cholesterol -- garlic cloves and pills

CL Answer

Does glucosamine raise "bad" LDL cholesterol?

Learn more about the link between glucosamine and cholesterol, including evidence from clinical studies.

Supplements and Water in Hand

CL Answer

What is lactoferrin and will it really strengthen my immune system?

Info about lactoferrin supplements, clinical evidence for strengthening the immune system, preventing or treating colds, gut health and treating H.

What is Lactoferrin? -- lactoferrin capsules and bottle

CL Answer

Which supplements can help treat anemia? Do any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?

Find out which vitamin and nutrient supplements can help prevent and treat anemia in people who are nutrient deficient and learn which supplements may cause low blood cell counts, especially when used in excess.

Woman holding various vitamins and supplements in her hands

CL Answer

Is it true that taking a statin drug negates the benefits of taking fish oil supplements?

Information on the interaction between statins and fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids.

Taking Statins & Fish Oil -- fish oil capsules and stethoscope

CL Answer

Are there any serious side effects with Lovaza or Epanova (prescription fish oil)? If so, would these also apply to generic versions of these drugs and to fish oil supplements?

Understand the side effects of prescription fish oil like Lovaza and Epanova, and find out if the generic fish oils are effective and safe.

Fish Oil and Other Marine Oil Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

How to Reduce Lightheadedness and Dizziness When Standing Up (Orthostatic Hypotension)

Learn about movements that can reduce lightheadedness and dizziness that can occur from a drop in blood pressure upon standing (initial orthostatic hypotension). Plus find out if supplements such as vitamin D and CoQ10 may help.

Orthostatic Hypotension

CL Answer

How can I tell if my fish oil supplement is rancid (oxidized) or spoiled? And if it is spoiled, is it still safe to take?

Find out how to tell if your fish oil supplement is rancid (oxidized) or spoiled and how to store fish supplements to keep them fresh. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Fish Oil

CL Answer

Which oils can help lower my cholesterol and risk of heart attack? How are coconut oil, olive oil, and fish oil for example?

Find out which fats and oils, such as coconut oil and fish oil, lower cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Oils and Heart Health

CL Answer

Do collagen supplements impact cholesterol levels or reduce risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Collagen has been studied for its effects on cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis risk factors, but its effects are still not clear.

Collagen powder and collagen pills

CL Answer

I heard the S-form of alpha-lipoic acid is bad for me. Why is it in my supplement?

Learn more about R-form alpha-lipoic acid and S-form alpha-lipoic acid and their activity, as described by experts at ConsumerLab.com.

Chemical Structure of Alpha Lipoic Acid on Pink Background

CL Answer

Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?

Find out if supplements such as turmeric, fish oil, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), boswellia, ginger, white willow bark or arnica may, or may not, be helpful to people sensitive to NSAIDs.

Woman with NSAID-hypersensitivity looking at two supplement containers and wondering if they are safe to take

CL Answer

Is canola oil good or bad for you? I heard it can be toxic.

Find out if canola oil is bad for you or good for you, and whether it helps heart health. Clinical evidence and how it compares to other oils.

Is canola oil good or bad? -- bottle of canola oil

CL Answer

How important it is to reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water from my tap?

Removing dissolved solids (TDS) may be desirable if your tap water is known to contain large amounts of dissolved solids that negatively affect taste, but you may also be removing essential minerals. Learn more about our tests of water filter pitchers.

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

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

What is the difference between the "Best By" date and the "Date of Manufacture" on a supplement label? How do I know how long my supplement will last before it "goes bad"?

To understand if your vitamins and supplements expire, learn more about the "Best By" and "Date of Manufacture" dates on labels.

Blue Supplement Bottle with Best By Date on Lid

CL Answer

Can taking too much fish oil be dangerous?

Find out if too much fish oil can be dangerous, and if taking too much fish oil can cause effects such as suppressing the immune system, thinning the blood (increasing the risk of bleeding), increasing levels of LDL cholesterol and liver enzymes or increasing the frequency in episodes atrial fibrillation. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Taking Too Much Fish Oil -- bottle of fish oil and fish oil capsules

CL Answer

Which supplements can help lower my triglycerides?

Find out whether fish oil supplements, or plant-based oil supplements, such as flaxseed oil and echium oil are best for lowering triglyceride levels. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Supplements to Lower Triglyceride Levels -- fish oil capsules and stethoscope

News Release

January 04, 2018

ConsumerLab.com Reveals Its Top Picks for Best Iron Supplements

White Plains, New York, January 4, 2018 — Iron supplements not only treat iron deficiency, but can help reduce unexplained fatigue in women and symptoms of some forms of restless legs syndrome. But choosing an iron supplement and knowing how to use it can be difficult.

Recalls & Warnings

April 25, 2024

Drug Found in Umary Supplement

On April 18, 2024, CTV News in Canada reported tests suggesting that Umary Hyaluronic Acid Dietary Supplement may be adulterated with the prescription anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac, which may explain side effects that have been reported with its use.

News Release

February 08, 2005

ConsumerLab.com reports on nutrition bars — Highlights major differences, inaccuracies, and urges consumers to "know your bar"

WHITE PLAINS, NY — February 8, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com reported test results today for 34 nutrition bars, including those designed for high protein, low-carb/diet, energy, or meal-replacement.

Recalls & Warnings

February 25, 2022

Similac, Other Infant Formulas Recalled, Linked to Illness and One Death

Update: (3/7/22) This recall has been expanded to include one lot of Similac PM 60/40 following the death of an infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazaki and consumed Similac PM ...

Recalls & Warnings

October 09, 2023

Organifi Settles Charges of Unsupported Claims

Organifi, LLC has agreed to pay $150,000 in civil penalties and $50,000 in investigative costs as restitution to settle charges that the company made unsupported claims that its Gold, Pure, Green Juice, and Red Juice products could balance hormone and cortisol levels, regulate the ...

Recalls & Warnings

March 16, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Essential Oils

On March 12, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ravenscroft Apothecary, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

April 18, 2022

Moringa Concern: Blood Clots

A 63-year-old woman in New York with type 2 diabetes developed a blood clot in the lungs (i.e. pulmonary embolism) that her physicians suspect may have been caused by the use of a supplement containing Moringa oleifera extract (Ebhohon, Int J Emerg Med 2022).

Recalls & Warnings

May 03, 2010

FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Breath Supplement Contaminated with Lead

On May 3, 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to purchase nor consume Vita Breath, a dietary supplement manufactured by American Herbal Lab Inc. of Rosemead, Calif.

Recalls & Warnings

March 05, 2021

FTC Takes Further Action Against Deceptive CBD Claims

On March 5, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it has approved final administrative consent orders against six companies for selling CBD products with unsupported and deceptive health claims that they can treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, ...

Recalls & Warnings

January 24, 2020

Fat-Burning, Energy Supplement Linked to Heart Trouble

A 33-year-old woman in Australia developed cardiac ischemia (a lack of blood flow to the heart) after taking the "fat burning" supplement Alpha Lean-7, according to a recent report in the Journal of Sports Sciences.

Recalls & Warnings

July 10, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Omega XL

On June 31, 2021 the FDA issued a warning letter to Great Healthworks, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about Omega XL and ProbioticXL supplements to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

July 06, 2021

CBD Products Were Promoted to Treat Cancer and Alzheimer's Without Proof, Says FTC

On July 6, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it has approved a final administrative consent orders against Kushly Industries LLC and the company's owner, Cody Alt, for allegedly making unsupported health claims about its CBD products.

Recalls & Warnings

November 10, 2020

FDA Warns Immusist for Drug Claims

On October 16, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Immusist, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products IMMUSIST Original and IMMUSIST Natural to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

October 12, 2020

NutraClick to Pay $1.04 Million for Illegally Billing Consumers

On September 22, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that NutraClick LLC agreed to pay $1.04 million to settle FTC charges that the company was deceptively selling and billing consumers for supplements and beauty products.

Recalls & Warnings

September 09, 2018

Higenamine -- A Potentially Dangerous Stimulant -- Found in Some Supplements

A recent study found concerningly high doses of the stimulant higenamine in some weight loss, energy and sports supplements sold in the U.S. Higenamine is a naturally-occurring stimulant which is permitted to be sold as a dietary supplement ingredient in the U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

October 09, 2013

Use of Chinese Supplement Linked to Rare But Serious Condition

On October 9, 2013, Health Canada warned consumers that Compound Danshen Dripping Pills, manufactured by Tianjin Tasly Pharmaceutical Co., have been associated with a case of methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition which may result in coma or death.

Recalls & Warnings

January 24, 2013

Food for Health Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims on Supplements

On October 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Food for Health International, LLC following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Activz brand Vitamin D, Potassium Iodine, Organic Vitamin C, Whole 9 (a fruit and vegetable meal replacement shake) Control and VMA ...

Recalls & Warnings

July 24, 2013

USPLabs Destroys $8 Million Worth of Supplements Containing DMAA

On July 16, 2013, the FDA announced that USPLabs voluntarily destroyed its inventory of OxyElite Pro and Jack3d, workout supplements that contain DMAA. DMAA has been linked to a number of adverse effects and is not allowed to be sold as a dietary supplement ingredient.

Recalls & Warnings

June 23, 2013

Weight Loss Supplements Containing DMAA Recalled

On June 15, 2013, dietary supplement retailor Beta Labs, LTD issued a recall of certain lots of "fat burner" and weight loss supplements Oxyphen XR, Phentalene, Phen FX and Red Vipers because they contain 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA).

Recalls & Warnings

April 12, 2013

FDA Warns Consumers About The Dangers Of DMAA

On April 11, 2013, the FDA warned consumers about the dangers of dietary supplements containing the ingredient 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA).

Recalls & Warnings

September 27, 2013

Company Warned For Distributing Weight Loss Supplement Containing DMAA, Drug Claims

On September 6, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Pure Energy Products, Inc., following a facility inspection which found that the company distributes a weight loss supplement, called obestrim, which contains dimethylamylamine, or DMAA.

Recalls & Warnings

September 15, 2013

Creatine Powder Containing DMAA Recalled

On September 12, 2013, Ge Pharma, LLC issued a recall of grape and fruit punch flavors of Creafuse Powder because they contain 1,3 dimethylamylamine (DMAA).

Recalls & Warnings

January 31, 2014

Weight Loss Supplement Containing DMAA Recalled

On January 30, 2014, YoungYou International ("YoungYou") issued a voluntary recall of Mega Slim Herbal Appetite Management capsules because they were found to contain DMAA.

Recalls & Warnings

November 20, 2013

$2 Million In Weight Loss and "Fat-Burning" Supplements Seized

On November 12, 2013, U.S. Marshals seized more than $2 million worth of supplements from Georgia-based Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

December 08, 2017

Limbrel Capsules for Osteoarthritis Linked With Potentially Life-Threatening Health Risk, FDA Warns

On December 4, 2017, the FDA urged consumers not to take Limbrel (Primus Pharmaceuticals), a capsule marketed to manage the metabolic processes associated with osteoarthritis, because it has been associated with serious adverse events, including drug-induced liver injury and a lung ...

Recalls & Warnings

October 18, 2017

Total Body Nutrition Warned for Banned Stimulant in Supplements

On September 28, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Total Body Nutrition following a facility inspection which found some of the company's products to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under conditions that violate Current Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary ...

Recalls & Warnings

July 20, 2017

Jail Time for Seller of Spiked Supplements

On July 18, 2017, Derek Vest, the former president of Gentech Pharmaceutical located in Fort Meyers, Florida, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for introducing misbranded food into interstate commerce.

Recalls & Warnings

February 09, 2017

Federal Court Orders Dietary Supplement Distributor to Stop Selling Its Products

On February 9, 2017, the FDA announced that VivaCeuticals Inc, doing business as Regeneca Worldwide, has been ordered by a federal court to stop selling its products, which were found to contain unsafe ingredients including DMAA.

Recalls & Warnings

November 25, 2016

DMAA Product Recalled

On November 23, 2016, NutriVitaShop (a dba of Naturecom Inc.) issued a recall of its DMAA net weight 500g because it may contain DMAA.

Recalls & Warnings

May 14, 2016

Xylitol in Supplements Poses Danger for Dogs

On May 12, 2016, the FDA warned consumers that xylitol, a popular sweetener found in chewable vitamins, chewing gum, breath mints, toothpaste and a variety of other products, is toxic to dogs.

Recalls & Warnings

September 13, 2014

Three Weight Loss Supplements Found to Contain Drugs

On September 12, 2014, the FDA warned consumers not to buy or use the weight loss supplements listed below because they were found to contain drugs.

Recalls & Warnings

September 02, 2014

Recall of Weight Loss Supplement Expanded

On August 27, 2014, Regeneca Worldwide expanded its previous recall of two lots of appetite control supplement RegenESlim to include two more lots because FDA tests found them to contain DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine).

Recalls & Warnings

August 08, 2014

Weight Loss Supplement Found to Contain DMAA Recalled

On August 6, 2014, Regeneca Worldwide issued a recall of two lots of appetite control supplement RegenESlim because FDA tests found them to contain DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine).

Recalls & Warnings

July 23, 2019

FDA Warns Seller of CBD Lotions, Patches, Tinctures and Pet Products

On July 22, 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to Curaleaf, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

July 15, 2014

Vita Springs Health Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On June 24, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Albert Max Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

July 29, 2009

FDA Warns Against Body Building Supplements with Steroid-like Compounds

On July 28, 2009, the U.S. FDA notified the public about new safety information concerning products marketed for body building and increasing muscle mass.

Recalls & Warnings

August 01, 2013

Fat Loss and Muscle Enhancement Supplements Found To Contain DMAA

On June 17, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Formulife, Inc., dba Purus Labs, Inc., following a facility inspection which found the dietary supplements Fat Smack XR Thermolipolytic, Muscle Marinade Fresh Fruit and Muscle Marinade Cherry Limeade to contain DMAA.

Recalls & Warnings

April 29, 2012

FDA Says DMAA Can't Be Sold as a Supplement -- Warns Sellers

On April 27, 2012, the U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

November 28, 2014

Seller of Herbal Extracts Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On November 3, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Avena Botanicals, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

April 17, 2012

FDA Warns Seller of Diabetes Supplement Marketed with Rx Claims

The FDA has posted a Warning Letter (dated April 4, 2012) to Leaner Living regarding the marketing of its Glycosolve product.

Recalls & Warnings

September 18, 2012

Maker of Noni, Nopal, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding, and Manufacturing Violations

On August 27, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Naturavit, Inc. for making statements about dietary supplements Noni Imperial Hawaiian, Garlic and Parsley, Cholestol, Nopal and Diatrin that constitute drug claims.

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

August 01, 2017

FDA Warns Seller of Acai, Garcinia & More for Drug Claims

On July 25, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Absonutrix, following a review of the company's website, www.absonutrix.com, which found statements made about some of its products to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

February 13, 2014

Maker of Cholesterol and Workout Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims and Unapproved Ingredient

On January 31, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Exclusive Supplements Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

September 05, 2015

Maker of Multivitamin and Fish Oil Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On July 22, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Westar Nutritional Corp. dba Viva Life Science, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

March 06, 2015

Seller of Tea Drinks Warned for Drug Claims

On February 26, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to the seller of Anamu CancerHerb Tea Box, Anamu CancerHerb Tea Box with Honey and Organic Bottled Tea Drinks because statements made about these products on the websites, www.cancerherbtea.com and www.anamucancerherbtea.