Product Reviews and Information for Bipolar Disorder
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Product Review
SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) Supplements Review
Choose the Best SAMe Supplement and Save Money
Clinical Update
10/25/2022
Myo-inositol for Mood
Myo-inositol supplementation has shown some preliminary benefit for conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder, and, according to a recent study, may reduce side effects of medications commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder. See what research suggests in our updated article about Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) and Myo-inositol.
Also, see our CL Answer: What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?
CL Answer
What is inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) and myo-inositol? Are they helpful in treating cancer or other conditions?
Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6): Find out if IP6 (also known as phytic acid) can prevent or treat cancer. Clinical evidence, dosage, safety and how IP6 differs from myo-inositol. Consumerlab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) Supplements Review
Find the Best Garcinia Cambogia Supplement. Choose Carefully! Most Garcinia (HCA) Weight Loss Supplements Lack Listed Amount of Ingredient .
Product Review
L-Glutamine Supplements Review
Find the Best L-Glutamine Supplements Based on Quality and Value. See our Top Picks.
Product Review
St. John's Wort Supplements Review
Find the Best St. John's Wort Supplement. Only 40% of St. John's Wort Supplements Pass Tests & Strength Varies Widely.
CL Answer
Does methylene blue increase energy, slow aging, or improve memory?
Methylene blue is promoted for increasing energy, slowing aging, and improving memory. Find out if there is evidence for this, plus safety and side effects.
Product Review
Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, Flax and Hemp Seed Oil Review
Choose the Best Flaxseed and Other Oils Based on Our Tests.
Clinical Update
10/28/2022
Medications & Losing Hair
A CL Member asked if lamotrigine, prescribed for seizures and bipolar disorder, can cause hair to fall out. The answer is yes -- it is among a number medications and supplements that can affect hair growth.
CL Answer
Are light boxes effective for preventing and treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as "winter depression," or circadian rhythm disorders such as jet lag? Which light boxes are best?
Learn about the benefits and safety of light boxes (including who is most likely to benefit), how to use these devices, which commercially available products appear to meet the technical requirements, and who should not use light boxes.
Product Review
Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) Supplements Review
See Our Omega-3 Top Picks and Avoid Rancid Fish Oils.
Product Review
Low-Dose Lithium Supplements Review
Choose the Best Low-Dose Lithium Supplement. CL Tests Reveal Which Low-Dose Lithium Supplements Offer the Best Quality and Value.
Product Review
Ginseng Supplements Review
Find the Best Ginseng Supplement. Key "Ginsenosides" Found to Range 10-Fold Across Products.
Product Review
Milk Thistle Supplements Review
3,700% Difference Found Among Milk Thistle Supplements. Find the Best Milk Thistle Based on Our Tests and See Our Top Picks.
Product Review
Muscle & Workout Supplements Review (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids)
Do Creatine and BCAAs Really Improve Strength and Recovery?
CL Answer
What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?
Best natural supplements for depression and anxiety, including the evidence for fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal supplements for depression such as curcumin (from turmeric) and saffron.
CL Answer
Supplements for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Are Any Helpful?
Dietary supplements are often explored as alternative options or add-on interventions for people with ADHD. Learn which, if any, have shown possible benefit and which don’t seem to help or may interfere with ADHD medication.
News Release
January 23, 2025
ConsumerLab Tests Identify Best Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose Flax and Hemp Oils
White Plains, NY, January 23, 2025 — Black currant, borage, evening primrose, flax, and hemp oils contain omega-3, -6, and/or -9 fatty acids that, when replacing saturated fats in the diet, may help reduce cardiovascular risk.
CL Answer
Can fluoride in toothpaste, mouth rinses or drinking water cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children?
Find out if community water fluoridation increases the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or causes lower IQ in children, and learn what the American Dental Association recommends when using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouth rinses in children.
CL Answer
What is Lipo-flavonoid and does it work for tinnitus or other ear problems?
Lipo-flavonoid Plus info, including ingredients & reliability of claims to improve ear ringing (tinnitus), vertigo, ear aches, ear infection, and Meniere's disease.
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.
CL Answer
Are L-carnosine supplements helpful and safe?
Learn about the potential health benefits of L-carnosine, as well as possible safety concerns, drug interactions and cost.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of zinc carnosine, also called polaprezinc, and is it safe?
Find out if zinc carnosine is beneficial for any GI conditions, including stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, taste disturbances, aspirin-induced small-bowel injury and oral mucositis, and learn if it is safe.
Clinical Update
4/19/2019
CBD for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Can moderate doses of CBD help people with post-traumatic stress disorder? See the latest clinical findings in the What It Does section of the CBD Oil and Hemp Extract Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for formulations of CBD.
Clinical Update
9/08/2020
Vitamin D for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Can vitamin D improve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Clinical Update
2/08/2022
Do Light Boxes Work?
Light boxes are commonly promoted for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but do they help treat circadian rhythm disorders such as jet lag? Find out in our updated Answer about light boxes which includes a list of light boxes that we recommend and side effects of light therapy.
Clinical Update
7/22/2022
B-6 or Zinc for Pyrrole Disorder?
Can supplementing with vitamin B-6 or zinc improve psychiatric conditions associated with pyrrole disorder? Find out by using the links.
News Release
September 26, 2024
What’s Really In Shilajit Supplements? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Amounts of Fulvic Acid & Heavy Metals
White Plains, NY, September 26, 2024 -- Shilajit is a tar-like substance created by decomposed plant material and found in mountain rocks.
Clinical Update
10/09/2021
Substance Abuse & COVID
People with substance use disorders, particularly regarding cannabis, may be at increased risk for COVID infection, according to a recent study.
Clinical Update
5/12/2021
Probiotic for Autism?
Can a probiotic supplement improve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for probiotic supplements.
Clinical Update
7/13/2021
Melatonin and Autism
Can melatonin supplementation improve sleep, behavior, or mood in children with autism spectrum disorder? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among melatonin supplements.
Clinical Update
1/15/2019
Anxiety Treatment -- Low-Dose CBD?
Does low-dose CBD (cannabidiol) help with anxiety and sleep disorders? See the results of a recently published case series in the What It Does section of the CBD & Hemp Extract Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick for CBD.
Clinical Update
1/31/2016
Probiotic May Help Prevent ADHD
A study found that none of the children given a specific probiotic around infancy (as well as to their mothers) developed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared to 14% of those given a placebo. Details about this preliminary but intriguing study and the commonly-available probiotic used are found in the Probiotic Supplements and Kefirs Review >>
Clinical Update
2/17/2013
Autism and Folic Acid Supplements
A new study found that women who took folic acid supplements around the time of conception had a significantly reduced risk of bearing a child with autistic disorder. Get more details in the recent update to the folic acid section of the B Vitamins Review >>
Clinical Update
11/19/2014
Ginseng for ADHD
A ginseng extract showed promise in improving the symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without adverse effects in children ages 6 to 15 in a placebo-controlled study. You can get details about this and other studies with ginseng, as well as our test results for ginseng supplements in the Ginseng Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
5/13/2015
Treating ADHD with Omega-3s?
A new study giving boys omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) showed modest improvement in an important aspect of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. For details about this and other studies with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, as well as our tests of products, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
10/31/2017
Fish Oil for Focus in Kids?
Fish oil supplementation was shown to improve executive functioning in children, according to a study that focused on children with mood disorders. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements in the Review.]
Clinical Update
12/17/2017
Vitamin A & Autism
Giving vitamin A to young children with autism spectrum disorders and low blood levels of vitamin A (as retinol) seemed to improve some symptoms of ASD, according to a pilot study. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin A Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
3/26/2016
NAC Reduces Compulsive Picking
A number of studies have shown that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a supplement with wide variety of uses, may also reduce compulsive behaviors. The most recent study showed significant improvement in adults with skin picking disorder. Details about this and other studies with NAC, and our ratings of NAC supplements, are found in the N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
2/25/2018
Folic Acid, Multis & Autism Risk
The use of a folic acid or multivitamin supplement during pregnancy was associated a reduced risk of autism spectrum disorder in children according to a recently published study. Be aware, however, that high-dose folic acid during pregnancy may have negative effects. For details, see the Folic Acid section of the B Vitamins Review.
Clinical Update
9/10/2019
Best Supplement for Depression
Which supplement has the strongest evidence of benefit for treating mental disorders? The answer is a particular form of fish oil to treat depression, according to a new analysis. For details, see the Depression section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
Clinical Update
12/14/2019
SAMe for Depression?
SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) may help some, but not all, people with major depressive disorder, according to a recent study. For details, see the What It Does section of the SAMe Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for SAMe.
Clinical Update
5/20/2019
Vitamin D-Autism Study Retracted
A study that showed a benefit in giving high-dose vitamin D to children with autism spectrum disorder has been retracted due to a lack of confidence in the findings by the editors of the journal in which it appeared. For details, see the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
5/22/2019
Reducing Drug Craving
High-dose CBD may help reduce drug cravings in people with heroin use disorder according to a recent study. For details, see the What It Does section of the CBD Oils and Hemp Extracts Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
Clinical Update
10/18/2019
How to Use Fish Oil for Depression
Guidelines have been published for using fish oil to treat major depressive disorder. For details, see the Depression section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.
Clinical Update
2/15/2020
Help for Substance Abuse?
There is preliminary evidence that high-dose CBD may help people with substance abuse disorder. For details, see the What It Does section of the Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
Clinical Update
8/14/2018
Red Yeast Rice and Diet
Can taking red yeast rice lower cholesterol levels on top of reductions achieved by switching to a Mediterranean diet? See what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Red Yeast Rice Review.
Also, be aware that red yeast rice may aggravate symptoms of a neurological disorder, as described in a recent case report noted in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Red Yeast Rice Review.
Clinical Update
7/12/2022
CBD for Epilepsy?
Did a gel of this ingredient reduce seizures in men and women with the most common form of epilepsy? Find out in the Epilepsy and seizure disorders section of our Review.
Clinical Update
3/24/2025
Fish and Krill Oil for Depression?
Did taking a relatively low dose of fish oil or krill oil reduce depression or anxiety in people with major depressive disorder? See what a recent study found in the Depression section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among fish oil, krill oil, algal oil, and other omega-3 supplements.
Also see: What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?
Clinical Update
2/17/2023
TUDCA for Fatty Liver?
TUDCA supplements are commonly promoted for treating liver disorders, but is there evidence supporting the use of TUDCA for fatty liver disease? Find out in our updated CL Answer about supplements for fatty liver.
Also, see our CL Answer about TUDCA for details about its other uses, potential safety concerns, and cost.
Clinical Update
6/20/2023
PEA for Pain Relief?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is promoted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, as well as for other uses such as tinnitus and mood disorders. But does it really work, and is it safe? Find out in our article about the health benefits of PEA.
Clinical Update
11/17/2023
Melatonin vs. Exercise
Is melatonin or regular exercise more effective at improving sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for melatonin.
Clinical Update
3/12/2024
Help for Jaw Pain?
Does CBD reduce pain in people with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) when applied topically? Find out in our Review, which includes our Top Picks.
Clinical Update
3/19/2024
Bright Light Glasses for Depression?
Did a popular brand of bright light therapy glasses improve symptoms of depression? See what a new study found in our article about light box therapy for depression and sleep disorders.
Clinical Update
7/15/2024
Cocoa & Afib
Did high-flavanol cocoa supplementation impact the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, in a major study? Find out in the Cardiovascular effects section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review, which includes our Top Picks among dark chocolates and cocoa powders, supplements and nibs.
Clinical Update
9/30/2024
Ashwagandha for Stress & Anxiety
Did taking a low daily dose of ashwagandha reduce stress and anxiety for people with generalized anxiety disorder? Find out what a recent study showed in the Anxiety section of our Ashwagandha Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for ashwagandha.
Clinical Update
9/29/2025
Folic Acid for Autism?
Does folic acid or the related medication, leucovorin, help reduce symptoms of autism spectrum disorder? Find out in our article about supplements for autism.
Clinical Update
10/02/2025
Digestive Enzymes for Autism?
Do digestive enzymes, including CM-AT, help reduce symptoms of autism spectrum disorder? Find out in our article about supplements for autism.
Clinical Update
11/27/2025
Sulforaphane for Autism?
Does sulforaphane help with autism spectrum disorder? Read our article about supplements for autism.
Clinical Update
12/08/2025
Supplements for ADHD?
Do any supplements help improve symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Find out in our new article about supplements and ADHD.
Clinical Update
2/12/2026
Retraction of Autism Study
A study supporting the use of a B vitamin for autism spectrum disorder has been retracted. Find out why in our article about supplements for autism.
Clinical Update
6/09/2025
Probiotic for Depression?
Did adding a probiotic to standard medical treatment for major depressive disorder improve outcomes? Find out what a recent study found in the Depression section of our Probiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among probiotics.
Also see our article: What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?
Clinical Update
6/26/2025
Too Much Nitrate from Beetroot
The amount of nitrate in beetroot products may cause a rare blood disorder that reduces oxygen delivery in the body. Learn about risk levels and who is most likely to be affected, in the Concerns and Cautions section of our article about beetroot juice and supplements.
Clinical Update
7/11/2025
Supplements for Autism?
We’ve updated our article about supplements for autism spectrum disorder to include information about folic acid, sulforaphane, and vitamin B-12. Find out if these or other supplements may help reduce autism symptoms.
Recalls & Warnings
May 23, 2015
Seller of Magnesium, Calcium, Silver and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On May 8, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Pick and Pay, Inc.
News Release
August 23, 2017
ConsumerLab.com Tests Reveal Best Low-Dose Lithium Supplements for "Mood"
White Plains, New York, August 23, 2017 — As a prescription medication, the mineral lithium is used to treat bipolar disease and other mood disorders, but some may be surprised to learn that lithium is also sold as a dietary supplement — although in much lower doses than provided by ...
Recalls & Warnings
May 29, 2025
Umary Joint Pain Supplements Recalled
On May 21, 2025, UMARY USA recalled all lots of Unavy Ácido HIALURÓNICO (30 caplets/850 mg) and Umovy Ácido HIALURÓNICO (30 caplets/850 mg).
Recalls & Warnings
May 03, 2013
Maker of Omega-3, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort Supplements And More Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On March 19, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Sunset Natural Products Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
February 22, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Melatonin & Other Sleep Supplements
On February 18, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to SANA Group LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Sleep Sana Sleep Drops and Sleep Shots to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
December 22, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Liquid Magnesium, B-12, Berberine & More
On December 9, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Wholly Liquid Nutritional Supplements LLC because it found statements on the company's website and social media about its products, including SpiroLaze, BioLaze, LiquiLaurin, VIT-B12, DeStress, and Omega Plus, to be ...
Recalls & Warnings
February 16, 2021
Seller of BioCBD+ Products Warned for COVID-19 and Drug Claims
On February 11, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Evolved Ayurvedic Discoveries, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
May 08, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Vitamins B12, C, D, and K
On April 7, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Unived Inc following a review of the company's websites, which found statements made about the company's products Unived brand Colox, CalDveg, B12+D3, and D3+K2-7 to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
August 15, 2017
Protein Supplements Can Be Dangerous in People with Rare Genetic Disorder
It was recently reported by Yahoo Australian News (August 14, 2017) that a 25-year-old woman died after taking protein supplements and eating protein-rich foods such as lean meats and egg whites in preparation for a fitness competition.
Recalls & Warnings
January 13, 2015
Seller of Speech Disorder Supplement Agrees to Settle FTC Charges of Deceptive Claims
NourishLife, LLC, seller of supplements promoted for treating children's speech disorders, has agreed to pay $200,000 in order to settle FTC charges that claims made on the company's website and in brochures were deceptive and not supported by science.
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
March 16, 2006
Garden of Life, Maker of Primal Defense, Settles FTC Charges
On March 9, 2006, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that an operation that marketed dietary supplements sold at Whole Foods Market, GNC, the Vitamin Shoppe, and on the Internet settled FTC charges that they made deceptive advertising claims about their supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
June 27, 2007
Warning Labels to be Required for Green Tea and Black Cohosh Products
On June 26, 2007, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Dietary Supplements Information Expert Committee (DSI-EC) voted to require cautionary statements on the labels for green tea extracts and black cohosh dietary supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
April 17, 2018
FDA Warns Seller of Echinacea, Iron, Aloe Supplements & More for Manufacturing Violations
On March 30, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ozark Country Herbs following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's products, including Echinacea-Goldenseal, Natural Iron, and Aloe-Vera Goldenseal Salve, to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 26, 2018
Seller of Coenzyme-A Warned For Making Drug Claims
On January 5, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Coenzyme A, Inc. following a facility inspection and review of the company's website that found the company made drug claims about its product Coenzyme-A.
Recalls & Warnings
September 10, 2014
Seller of Joint Pain Supplement Warned for Drug Claims
On August 24, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to CreAgri, Inc., following a website review, which found statements made about the company's products, including Olivenol plus Easeflex, Olivenol plus Essence Capsules, and Olivenol plus Essence Elixer, to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
May 14, 2014
Maker of Mood, Smoking Cessation Supplements and More Warned for Violations, Drug Claims
On April 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to CDJ Holding, Incorporated, d.b.a.
Recalls & Warnings
May 10, 2013
Maker of Concentration, Pain, Immune, Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On April 24, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to EuroPharma Co., Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about Calm Kids, CholestCaps, CuraMed 375 mg, CuraMed 750 mg, Curamin, Mental Advantage, Tri-Iodine, and Viragen to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
December 05, 2012
Hydroxycut Class Action Lawsuit To Be Settled
Iovate Health Sciences Inc. has agreed to a settlement of $25.3 million, pending final court approval, in a class action lawsuit that alleged the company deceived consumers about the safety of its Hydroxycut weight loss supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
November 14, 2012
Maker of Vitamin C, Aloe and Sexual Enhancement Supplements Warned for Drug Claims and Misbranding
On October 22, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Health Breakthroughs International, LLC after a review of the company's product labels and website found the dietary supplements Amazing C, MPS-Gold 100 and Power Herbal Formula to be promoted as drugs.
Recalls & Warnings
October 17, 2012
Herbal Supplement Company Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On October 2, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Amazing Herbs Nutraceuticals following a facility inspection which found violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) for dietary supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
June 01, 2012
Homeopathic Manufacturer Settles False Advertising Suit
June 1, 2012 — A federal court in California recently authorized the settlement of a class action lawsuit against Boiron Inc. and Boiron USA, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
May 12, 2018
Seller of Maca Powder Warned for Drug Claims
On April 18, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Herbs America, Inc. following review of the company's website, and the company's Maca Magic store on www.amazon.
Recalls & Warnings
August 08, 2013
Sleep Supplement Recalled Due To Undeclared Drugs
On August 7, 2013, Health and Beyond LLC issued a voluntary recall of dietary supplement Tranquility because it was found to contain traces of undeclared drugs, Doxepin and Chlorpromazine.
Recalls & Warnings
January 17, 2006
FDA Warns Consumers about Brazilian Diet Pills Found to Contain Active Drug Ingredients
On January 13,2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers not to use two unapproved drug products that are being marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss.
Recalls & Warnings
March 17, 2004
Marketers of “Focus Factor” and “V-Factor” Fined for Advertising Claims
On March 17 , 2004 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that the marketers of “Focus Factor,” a dietary supplement that purports to improve concentration, and “V-Factor,” a supplement that purports to enhance sexual performance, have agreed to settle charges that they made numerous ...
