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CL Answer

Can any vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores or cold sores?

Find out which, if any, supplements, including iron, L-lysine, monolaurin, olive leaf extract, vitamin B-12, and zinc, may be beneficial for canker sores or cold sores.

Lip of woman with a cold sore

Product Review

L-Lysine Supplements Review

Read L-Lysine Labels Carefully. Some Can Fool You.

Product Review

B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)

See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing

B Vitamins Review 2024

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

Zinc Supplements, Lozenges, and Melts Review

Find the Best Zinc Supplements, Including Lozenges for Colds.

Zinc Review 2024

CL Answer

I'm over 50 and looking to take a vitamin B-12 supplement. Many contain a form of vitamin B-12 called cyanocobalamin, yet I read on the Internet that this form is toxic. Should I be concerned?

Looking to see if the cyanocobalamin form of vitamin B-12 is safe? Read research and safety information on ConsumerLab's report.

Vitamin B-12

CL Answer

Can beetroot juice or supplements lower blood pressure or improve exercise performance, and are they safe?

Learn more about beetroot juice and beetroot supplements and if beetroot can really help lower blood pressure.

Beetroot Juice for Lowering Blood Pressure? -- Glass of beetroot juice and blood pressure monitor

CL Answer

Does Arthrozene help with joint pain, and is it safe?

Arthrozene by Fisico is promoted for joint stiffness, soreness and discomfort. Find out if it is likely to help and if it is worth the cost.

Container of Arthrozene supplements

Product Review

Bone Broth Review

Find the Best Bone Broth for Quality, Taste, and Value. Four of 10 Products Fail to Get CL Approval.

Bone Broth Review 2025

Product Review

Collagen Supplements Review

See our Top Picks for Wrinkles and Joints

Product Review

Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)

See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs

News Release

May 12, 2025

Best & Worst Manuka Honey Identified by ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, NY, May 12, 2025 -- Manuka honey is often promoted for wound healing, and for soothing sore throats, cough, acid reflux, and other conditions, due to its high concentration of the antibacterial compound methylglyoxal (MGO), and other compounds derived from the manuka bush.

CL Answer

Sugar Substitutes: Pros, Cons, and Best Choices

Learn about the pros and cons of using sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners in place of table sugar. Sweeteners discussed include stevia, monk fruit, and other high-intensity sweeteners; xylitol, erythritol, allulose and other low-calorie sweeteners; and agave syrup, black sugar, coconut sugar, honey, molasses and other sugar alternatives.

Stevia Health Benefits & Safety -- stevia leaf spoonful of stevia

CL Answer

Can taking too much vitamin B-12 be dangerous? The label on my B-complex states it contains 50,000% of the Daily Value!

Find out the daily value for vitamin B-12 and the potential side effects of taking too much B-12. ConsumerLab explains why taking too much vitamin B-12 can be harmful.

The danger of taking too much vitamin B-12 -- bottle of vitamin B-12 with pills on the table spelling out 'B-12'

CL Answer

What is monolaurin? Can it really prevent colds, cold sores, or other infections?

Lauricidin (monolaurin) information for preventing colds, immune system function, and safety.

Lauricidin (monolaurin) for Colds -- jar of Lauricidin

CL Answer

Is ingesting colloidal silver helpful for any condition and is it safe to use?

Find out if there is evidence showing colloidal silver can help to treat infections, boost the immune system, help with arthritis and more, plus find out if colloidal silver can cause blue skin or other side effects.

Benefits and Risks of Colloidal Silver? -- dropper bottle of colloidal silver

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

News Release

August 31, 2023

Some L-Lysine Supplement Labels May Be Misleading, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, August 31, 2023 —  Lysine (L-lysine) supplements may help prevent cold sores, genital herpes lesions, and canker sores, and are also promoted to slow hair loss, and treat herpes infections in cats.

Recalls & Warnings

August 14, 2023

Liver Injury Linked to "Immune Booster" Supplement Sold on Amazon

A 27-year-old woman in Pennsylvania was admitted to intensive care for drug-induced liver injury after taking Prodigy Life HRP-AID, a supplement sold on Amazon and promoted as an "immune system booster" to reduce the intensity and frequency of cold sore outbreaks, according to a ...

Recalls & Warnings

September 26, 2014

Seller Warned for Promoting Essential Oils to Treat Flu, MRSA, Measles and More

On September 22, 2014, the FDA issued a warning to doTERRA International, LLC.

Recalls & Warnings

February 10, 2018

Warning to D-Limonene, Vitamin C Seller

On January 31, 2018 the FDA issued a warning letter to Long Life Unlimited, LLC following a review of the company's website which found promotional statements and testimonials made about products including Balance 600, D-Limonene, Rapha Remedy, Rapha Remedy w/ p73 Wild Oregano, Vitamin C, ...

News Release

September 01, 2022

Big Differences in Strength of Olive Leaf Supplements in ConsumerLab Tests

  White Plains, New York, September 1, 2022 — Unlike olive fruit and olive oil, olive leaf contains significant concentrations of oleuropein, a potentially beneficial compound. Olive leaf extract supplements are often promoted for lowering blood pressure and blood sugar.

Recalls & Warnings

February 20, 2025

Maker of Zicam Agrees to Pay $6 Million to Settle Lawsuit Over Claims to “Shorten Colds”

The maker of Zicam Cold Remedy products, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., has agreed to pay up to $6 million to settle a class action lawsuit that charged it with promoting the products to reduce the severity of cold symptoms and reduce the duration of colds without reliable scientific evidence.

News Release

February 09, 2016

Lysine: Does It Work for Cold Sores and Which Brands Are Best? -- ConsumerLab.com Reviews the Evidence and Tests Supplements Often Used to Prevent Herpes Eruptions

White Plains, New York, February 9, 2016 — Lysine is an essential amino acid often taken as a supplement to prevent cold sores, genital herpes lesions, and canker sores. It's also given to cats with feline herpesvirus 1.

News Release

February 19, 2015

Only 50% of Aloe Products Pass ConsumerLab.com Tests

White Plains, New York, February 19, 2015 — "Choose aloe products carefully," cautions ConsumerLab.com president Tod Cooperman, M.D. after recent tests found only five of 10 aloe pills, gels and drinks selected for review to contain what the company expected based on labels.

Recalls & Warnings

February 11, 2012

Herbal Sprays for Colds and Cold Sores Recalled

On February 10, 2012 the U.S. FDA posted a notice announcing the recall of all "Koff & Kold" and "Kold Sore" sprays by Wholistic Herbs Inc. The products were distributed throughout the United States.

Recalls & Warnings

February 20, 2013

Cold, Flu and Stress Supplement Company Warned For Adulteration, Drug Claims And More

On October 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Wholistic Herbs, Inc. following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including At-Ease, Morning Calm, Aller-Ban, Stomach Flu, Kold & Koff, Kold Sore, and L.

Recalls & Warnings

December 21, 2016

Seller of 5-HTP, Chromium, Curcumin and More Warned for Drug Claims

On December 1, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Aurora Health and Nutrition following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about its products, 5-HTP, Alpha Lipoic Acid, the Argentyn 23 product line, Artecin 90 Vegetarian Capsules, ...

Recalls & Warnings

June 05, 2012

Many "Grapefruit Seed Extracts" Adulterated

On June 4, 2012, the American Botanical Council (ABC) announced the publication of a review of scientific literature regarding “grapefruit seed extracts,” raising concerns about apparent adulteration of products in the US and international marketplaces.

Recalls & Warnings

October 24, 2012

Garlic Supplement Maker Warned For Misbranding and Drug Claims

On October 10, 2012, the FDA issued a letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Garlic Wise because statements made in a brochure about the company’s Alli-C garlic supplement promote the product as a drug. Alli-C was also found to be misbranded due to inadequate directions for use.

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

April 17, 2018

Seller of Osha and Cayenne Supplements & More Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On March 21, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Secret Garden of Health & Healing, LLC, following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's products, including Osha Root and Cayenne, to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under conditions that ...

Recalls & Warnings

May 03, 2013

Homeopathic Company Warned For Drug Claims and Improper Labeling

On March 12, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Natural Medicine Associates, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

October 18, 2017

FDA Warns Seller of Arthritis, Blood Pressure, Diabetes Supplements For Making Drug Claims

On August 15, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Years to Your Health, Inc., following an inspection of the company's website which found a number of their products to be misbranded, as they contained drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

August 13, 2016

Seller of Omega-3, Ginkgo, Vision Supplements & More Warned for Drug Claims

On July 22, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Viva Nutraceuticals (J & E International Corporation) following a review of the company's website and promotional literature, which found statement made about its products, Eyestonia, Ginkgo Biloba 60mg, Golden Omega-3 Max, ...

Recalls & Warnings

February 06, 2016

Seller of Turmeric, Milk Thistle and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On January 15, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Terra Firma Botanicals, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

May 30, 2015

Seller of Supplements for Herpes, Prostate Cancer & More Warned for Drug Claims

On May 7, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Strictly Health Corporation, following a review of the company's websites which found statements made about FENVIR, Prosta Pep and Tonalin brand CLA to be drug claims.