Product Reviews and Information for Canker Sores
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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.
Product Review
L-Lysine Supplements Review
Read L-Lysine Labels Carefully. Some Can Fool You.
Clinical Update
1/30/2025
Canker Sore Triggers and Treatments?
We added information about foods and chemicals that can trigger canker sores, as well as information about possible treatments for canker sores, in our article about canker sores and cold sores.
Product Review
B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)
See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing
Clinical Update
7/20/2019
Zinc for Canker Sores?
We've added information about zinc to our answer to the question: Can lysine, vitamin B-12, or other vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores?
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.
Product Review
Zinc Supplements, Lozenges, and Melts Review
Find the Best Zinc Supplements, Including Lozenges for Colds.
Clinical Update
9/06/2023
Supplements for Cold Sores
Do lysine, monolaurin, or olive leaf extract help prevent or treat cold sores? Find out in our updated article about supplements for canker sores and cold sores.
Clinical Update
9/08/2023
Arginine & Cold Sores
Can arginine supplementation trigger cold sore outbreaks? Find out what research suggests in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Arginine Supplements Review.
Also see: Can any vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores or cold sores?
Clinical Update
9/12/2023
Green Tea for Cold Sores?
Does green tea help prevent or treat cold sores? Find out what research suggests in our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.
Also see: Can any vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores or cold sores?
Clinical Update
1/27/2025
Tea Tree Oil for Cold Sores?
Tea tree oil has been traditionally used for healing cold sores, but does it work? Find out what research suggests in the Tea tree oil section of our Essential Oils Review, which includes our Top Pick for tea tree oil as well as for lavender oil.
Also see: Can any vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores or cold sores?
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.
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.
Product Review
Bone Broth Review
Find the Best Bone Broth for Quality, Taste, and Value. Four of 10 Products Fail to Get CL Approval.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
Clinical Update
8/25/2023
Tart Cherry for Sore Muscles?
Did tart cherry extract reduce muscle soreness after exercise in a recent study? Find out, plus, see the evidence for tart cherry juice and supplements for improving sleep and memory, and other uses, in our article about the health benefits of tart cherry.
Clinical Update
3/11/2022
Olive Leaf Extract for Herpes?
Does olive leaf extract taken orally or applied topically help heal cold sores or genital herpes? Find out in our article about the Health Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract.
Clinical Update
6/14/2022
Curcumin for COVID?
Does curcumin supplementation reduce symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath in people with mild to moderate COVID-19? See what a recently published study found in the What It Does section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review.
Also see our article about other supplements proposed to help prevent or treat COVID-19.
Clinical Update
12/19/2024
When Taking Niacin Is Crucial
Although not common, be aware that niacin deficiency can cause pellagra – a condition characterized by delusions, diarrhea, and scaly skin sores. Taking niacin can rapidly reverse these symptoms. Learn more, including conditions that can cause niacin deficiency, in the Niacin section of our B Vitamins Review, which includes our Top Pick for niacin.
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.
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 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.
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
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
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
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.
