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January

Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

January 01, 2011
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A recent study of children with IBS found that eight weeks of treatment with a probiotic greatly reduced the frequency and severity of abdominal pain. See the Probiotic Supplements Review for the type and dose of probiotic used and more >>

Does Echinacea Help Treat a Cold?

January 01, 2011
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Very little, it seems. A new large, well-controlled study of a commercially sold echinacea supplement failed to show a substantial benefit when given shortly after the first sign of a cold. Evidence tends to be better (although not robust) for echinacea used to prevent a cold before it begins, as opposed to once symptoms start. Find out more (including the product that was tested) in the Echinacea Supplements Review.  More >>

Insulin Sensitivity and Magnesium

January 10, 2011
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A recent study found that magnesium supplementation improved fasting glucose levels in insulin insensitive, obese people. While a similar effect has been seen in magnesium deficient people, the new study found benefit in people who had normal magnesium levels. The research suggests that magnesium may help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in some people. See the Magnesium Supplements Review for the type and dose of magnesium used and more >>

February

Calcium and Vitamin D for Girls

February 01, 2011
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In a recently published study, girls ages 9 to 13 were given, twice a day, a supplement with calcium and vitamin D. After 6 months, significant increases were found in bone density and strength compared to girls who received placebo. Get the amounts and types of calcium and vitamin D taken, as well as more information, in the Review of Calcium Supplements or the Review of Vitamin D Supplements.

Zinc for Colds -- Be Careful

February 26, 2011
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The use of zinc for colds has been in the news lately due to a study indicating benefit. Some of the coverage, however, might suggest the wrong conclusion. Be aware that taking zinc pills won't help with a cold; only forms that allow zinc to act directly in the throat or nose can help — and only when taken appropriately. See the Zinc Product Review for details on formulations and dosing that can help with colds. More >>

Vitamin D and Allergy?

February 26, 2011
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Recent analyses of data from thousands of individuals across the U.S. show an association between serum vitamin D levels and certain allergies. The association was found in children and adolescents for 11 different allergens, but no association was found in older individuals. See the Vitamin D Product Review for the types of allergies and level of vitamin D at which risk was reduced. More >>

March

Antacids and Magnesium -- Be Careful!

March 08, 2011
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There is a new alert that long-term use (over a year) of proton pump inhibitors can cause low magnesium levels. Magnesium supplements can usually help. See the Magnesium Product Review for details including symptoms of magnesium deficiency and a list of affected products. More >>

Fish Oil Helps in Chemotherapy

March 08, 2011
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A recent study in lung cancer patients showed that those using fish oil supplementation during initial chemotherapy tended to maintain their muscle and total weight while those who did not lost 5 lbs of weight on average (2.2 lbs of which was muscle). See the Fish Oil (Omega-3) Product Review for more details, including the dosage used. More >>

April

Fish Oil and the Eye

April 09, 2011
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A study of over 30,000 women showed that the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was reduced by up to 42% among those consuming the most fish and highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Find out the specific types and amounts of fish and the amounts of DHA and EPA associated with the greatest reductions in the risk of AMD. See the Fish Oil Supplements Review for more >>

Do Multivitamins Help You Live Longer?

April 09, 2011
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Based on recent analysis of a study following over 180,000 people aged 45-75 years for about 11 years, the use of multivitamins was not associated with a reduced risk of dying over that period. However, the results were not analyzed by specific type of multivitamin. See the Multivitamin/Multimineral Review for more >>

May

Did you hear that DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil) might raise the risk of prostate cancer?

May 08, 2011
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This was recently in the news. Higher levels of DHA in the blood were associated with increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. However, the findings do not mean that you should stop taking fish oil or eating fish. We talked with the researcher of this study and learned more. Get the facts in our Fish Oil Supplements ReviewMore >>

Does folic acid affect the risk of colon cancer?

May 08, 2011
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Supplementation with higher amounts of folic acid (vitamin B-9) has been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer, but its effect on the risk of colon cancer has been unclear. A new study found no increase in colon cancer due to folic acid supplementation. But if you supplement with folic acid, be careful. See the B Vitamin Supplements Review for more >>

Fish Oil Helps Treat Depression

May 21, 2011
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A recent study showed that fish oil taken daily was associated with a remission of depression in 41% of people taking the supplement. The patients were women in a nursing home setting. The dose given was fairly high but treatment was well tolerated. The amounts of EPA and DHA taken daily and more information are found in our Product Review of Fish Oil SupplementsMore >>

Niacin Concern Stops Cardiovascular Study

May 30, 2011
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A clinical trial using high dose niacin (vitamin B3) was recently stopped by the National Institutes of Health due to lack of benefit and a small increase in strokes. Patients in the study had cardiovascular disease and were already taking a statin drug to keep LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels low. The addition of high dose niacin was intended to increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, reduce elevated triglycerides, and, most importantly, reduce the risk of heart attacks and stoke. For more information, including the amount and type of niacin used in the study and additional information about niacin and niacin supplements, see the B Vitamin Supplements ReviewMore >>

June

Does Taking Vitamin D Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease?

June 21, 2011
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Earlier research has suggested an association between higher vitamin D levels in the blood and reduced risk of heart attack. But blood levels are affected by both sun exposure as well as intake of vitamin D. A new study shows that men with higher vitamin D intakes from foods and supplements have a 14% reduction in their risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, the study found no reduction among women. The amount of vitamin D intake shown to be beneficial and possible reasons why a benefit was not found in women are provided in the updated "What It Does" section of our Product Review of Vitamin D SupplementsMore >>

July

Kidney Stones Linked to Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

July 19, 2011
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A recent report showed that women taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement over a period of several years were 17% more likely to develop kidney stones than women who did not take the supplement. ConsumerLab.com reviewed this study. While the findings are correct, there seems to be no reason to give up vitamin D supplements and a small concern with calcium supplementation. Get the details in the update to the Calcium Supplements Review >>. The new information is also found in an update in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>.

August

Vitamin D and Diabetes Risk

August 01, 2011
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A recent report showed that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases when vitamin D intake is low. The increased risk of diabetes is even more dramatic when vitamin D in the blood is below adequate levels. Get the details in the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>.

Fish Oil and Anxiety

August 06, 2011
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A study using a specially concentrated fish oil supplement showed a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to placebo. An update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review includes the dose and type of fish oil used. More >>

DHA in Pregnancy

August 06, 2011
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The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is known to be important to fetal development and is recommended for pregnant woman. A new study suggests that DHA during pregnancy may reduce early colds in some infants. An update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review includes the dose and type of DHA used. More >>

Suicide and Omega-3

August 30, 2011
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A new study found the risk of suicide was 62% higher among people with low levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA in their blood as compared to those with higher levels. An update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review includes the details. More >>

September

Vitamin D - Depression Link

September 10, 2011
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A study of postmenopausal women found the risk of depression to be 21% lower among those consuming higher amounts of vitamin D. For details, including the vitamin D source and amounts associated with decreased risk, see the update to the Vitamin D ReviewMore >>

Better Sleep with Valerian

September 10, 2011
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A recent study evaluated the effect of valerian extract on postmenopausal women with insomnia. Among those women who took valerian, 30% reported an improvement in their sleep compared to only 4% in the placebo group. More details, including the dosage and type of valerian used in the study, is found in an update to the Valerian Supplements Review -- which includes our quality ratings of valerian products. More >>

How to Boost Your Vitamin D!

September 20, 2011
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A study of people whose vitamin D levels did not rise enough despite taking a supplement found that just changing when the supplement was taken boosted vitamin D levels by 50%. To find out how and to get more details, see the recent update to the Vitamin D ReviewMore >>

Chondroitin Improves Hand Arthritis

September 24, 2011
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Do you or someone you know have osteoarthritis of the hand? A new study found that highly purified chondroitin can reduce pain and stiffness and increase function. You need to give it some time, though. Get the details in the update in the Joint Health Supplements ReviewMore >>

Green Tea Extract and Weight Loss

September 24, 2011
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A new study using a high dose of green tea extract showed it to help sedentary overweight men lose weight, while those taking placebo gained weight. This is not the first study to show this potential benefit of green tea extract. The effect may be due to the compound EGCG. Get the facts, including how much EGCG was in the product, in the Weight Loss Supplements Review.  More >>

October

Fish Oil's Impact on Cognitive Decline

October 03, 2011
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Cognitive decline may be a normal part of aging, but a new study suggests that high-dose fish oil particularly rich in DHA may provide some benefit. In people over age 65 with mild cognitive impairment, fish oil was associated with improved verbal skill. Perhaps as important, fish oil also reduced depressive symptoms, which can be a risk factor in the progression to dementia. Get the details, including how much DHA and EPA was used in the study, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement ReviewMore >>

Saw Palmetto May Not Work

October 03, 2011
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It's used by many men hoping to reduce urinary symptoms caused by benign growth of the prostate, or BPH, but a new, well-designed study suggests that it doesn't work. Some other recent research suggest the same. Even when doubling and tripling the standard dose, the high-quality saw palmetto extract used in the new study failed to provide benefit.

What should you do? You may want to consider a different supplement -- beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol. The evidence remains fairly good for beta-sitosterol. To find out more about saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and the supplements we have tested, see the Prostate Supplements ReviewMore >>

Women-Vitamin Study - Key Points

October 11, 2011
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You may have heard this week about a new study which found a higher risk of death among women who used certain supplements. It's a complicated study, but we've summarized some key findings. Bear in mind that only white women ages 55 to 69 were enrolled in the study and they were followed for 22 years.

Those taking calcium supplements had a 3.8% reduced risk of death. The calcium benefit ended, however, when taking more than 900 mg per day from supplements. It's worth noting that experts suggest many older women who take calcium supplements may not need to -- see the Calcium Supplement Review for more.

The mineral most strongly associated with an increased risk of death was iron, which showed a risk increase of 3.9% -- and the risk increased as the dose increased, particularly over 50 mg per day. However, the study grouped dosages of under 50 mg together, making it hard to determine the risk of low dosages of iron, such as those in many multivitamins. However, there is very little reason why a postmenopausal woman should be taking iron -- see the Iron Supplement Review for more.

Although not as statistically meaningful, other supplements were associated with the following increases in the risk of death during the study: multivitamins (2.4%), vitamin B6 (4.1%), folic acid (5.9%), magnesium (3.6%), zinc (3.0%), and copper (18.0%). An abstract of the study is online.

The bottom line: Don't take a supplement you don't need. If you want to know how much of each vitamin and mineral you need from your total diet and how much is too much, see our chart at www.consumerlab.com/rdas/.

Vitamin E Risk

October 22, 2011
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A study of healthy men who had taken a high-dose vitamin E supplement for several years showed a 17% increase in the risk of prostate cancer compared to men who took a placebo. See the Vitamin E Supplements Review for details, extensive information about vitamin E, and our quality ratings of vitamin E supplements.  More >>

Hoodia Fails for Weight Loss

October 22, 2011
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For several years, hoodia has been a popular ingredient in weight loss supplements -- despite a lack of evidence. The first significant study of hoodia was just published. It showed no weight loss benefit compared to placebo. Worse, those who got hoodia experienced more side effects. See our Hoodia Review Article for details and information about hoodia. More >>

B Vitamins May Help Memory

October 29, 2011
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A recently published study of individuals aged 70 years or more with mild cognitive impairment found that a daily dose of three B vitamins (folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6) over 2 years appeared to slow cognitive and clinical decline, particularly in those who started with elevated levels of plasma homocysteine. See the B Vitamin Product Review for details including the dosage used.  More >>

November

Resveratrol Improves Health Measures

November 12, 2011
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A recently published study of obese men given resveratrol (sometimes referred to as "red wine extract") showed improvement in certain parameters of health. The study used a lower dose than often suggested. For details, see the What It Does and What to Consider When Buying and Using sections of the Resveratrol Supplements Review.

No Benefit of Niacin with Statins

November 19, 2011
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According to a recently published study, high dose niacin added to statin drug treatment does not further reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke despite improvements in levels of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In fact, there was a small increase in strokes among those taking niacin. However, a role remains for high dose niacin in lipid treatment. For details, see the update to the B Vitamin Supplements Review.

L-Tryptophan -- Still a Problem?

November 19, 2011
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A woman in Illinois taking L-tryptophan for insomnia developed the same serious problems that resulted in L-tryptophan being temporarily removed from the market several years ago. Is L-tryptophan any safer now than it was before? For more information, see the update to the L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP Review Article.

More Vitamin D for Obese Adolescents

November 28, 2011
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Vitamin D is fat soluble, so obese people who are deficient in it need more than other people to increase their vitamin D levels. A recent study in obese adolescents showed just how much more they need. It also determined that a relatively high dose of vitamin D was safe in these adolescents. For details, including the dosage used, see the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review, which includes ConsumerLab.com's quality ratings and comparisons of vitamin D supplements.

December

Concern with Rancid Fish Oil

December 12, 2011
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As our tests have shown, some fish oils are spoiled by the time you buy them. Spoilage produces a variety of compounds. You can smell and taste some of these (if you take the oil directly by spoon, for example) but others you cannot. An expert panel recently reported on the safety of consuming rancid fish oil. See their conclusions in the Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review, which includes our test results.

Algal Oil vs. Fish Oil

December 19, 2011
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Fish get their omega-3's from algae and many people are now doing the same by taking algal oil, but how does it compare to fish oil? Experts recently reviewed studies of algal oil and concluded that it boosts ("good") cholesterol but it also increases LDL cholesterol -- which is often thought of as "bad" cholesterol. But there's more to the story. Get the details in the recently updated Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review, which includes our test results for algal, krill, and fish oil supplements.