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Clinical Updates
2022
January
Some Foods Provide Less Calcium Than You Think
1/03/2022
You may not be getting as much calcium from certain foods as you think due to natural compounds that reduce calcium absorption. Find out which foods are most affected in our Calcium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for calcium supplements.
Vitamin D for Diabetic Nerve Pain?
1/03/2022
Can vitamin D supplementation reduce nerve pain or other symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as numbness and tingling, in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the Diabetes section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
For information about other supplements that may help, see our answer to the question: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica or diabetic neuropathy?
Caution With Stinging Nettle
1/03/2022
Stinging nettle is promoted to reduce seasonal allergies and is a common ingredient in prostate supplements. Rarely, however, it may cause breast changes in both men and women, as was recently reported. Get the details in our updated article about Supplements for Seasonal Allergies. Also see the Concerns and Cautions section of our Prostate Supplements Review.
Two New Antigen Tests Reviewed
1/03/2022
The FDA recently authorized two new, home antigen tests (from Roche and Siemens). We evaluated the data for each. Find out how they compare to seven other antigen tests on the market, and see our Top Pick among antigen tests.
Rapid, Home PCR Tests Compared
1/06/2022
Should you use a home PCR test for COVID-19 instead of a home antigen test? Find out and learn which of three authorized home PCR tests is our Top Pick.
Testing After Isolation?
1/06/2022
The CDC and American Medical Association have differing views on whether you should test negative before ending isolation due to COVID-19 infection.
Omicron Symptoms and Testing
1/06/2022
Find out how quickly symptoms develop after Omicron exposure. Also learn when you should get tested.
Vaccination Efficacy Against Omicron
1/06/2022
Omicron v. Delta Hospitalization
1/06/2022
Find out how Omicron infection compares to Delta in terms of the risk of hospitalization and death, based on recent data.
Booster Expansion
1/06/2022
Airocide APS-200 Air Purifier Review
1/06/2022
We’ve added a review of the Airocide APS-200 Air Purifier to our reviews of nearly 60 air purifiers. See which devices we recommend and which we don’t as well as our Top Picks based on room size.
Bacteria Build-up in Water Filters?
1/06/2022
Water filter pitchers help remove contaminants and unpleasant taste from water, but can the filters harbor illness-causing bacteria? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.
Soy Versus Whey Protein
1/10/2022
Can soy protein help increase muscle mass and strength as well as the same amount of whey protein? See what a recent study showed in the Soy section of our Protein Powders and Drinks Review, which includes comparisons of whey, casein, soy, rice, pea and other forms of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.
Ginkgo and Cistanche for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
1/10/2022
Does supplementing with ginkgo and cistanche extracts help reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome? See what a recent study showed in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements help to improve energy and decrease fatigue?
Booster After COVID?
1/10/2022
Find out if you should get a booster after getting COVID.
Fourth Dose for Immunocompromised Individuals
1/10/2022
Moderna Wait Time Reduced
1/10/2022
The waiting time before getting a Moderna booster has been reduced from six months. See the latest recommendations.
COVID-19 and Menstrual Cycles
1/10/2022
Do COVID-19 vaccines affect menstrual cycles? Find out what the latest research shows.
Supplement for Thinning Hair?
1/10/2022
A reader asked if taking Hair La Vie Clinical Formula can help with thinning hair. Find out in our updated article about Supplements for Hair Loss.
Taking Vitamin K With Vitamin D?
1/10/2022
Is it necessary to take vitamin K when taking vitamin D? Find out in our updated answer to the question: Do you need to take vitamin K when taking vitamin D?
Magnesium for Lowering Blood Pressure?
1/13/2022
The FDA recently allowed supplements and foods that provide magnesium to make a claim regarding blood pressure reduction. But there is more to the story. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.
Curcumin for Knee Pain?
1/13/2022
Can curcumin reduce knee pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis? See what a recent study found in the Osteoarthritis section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks among turmeric and curcumin supplements.
Liver Injury With Reishi
1/13/2022
Although very rare, liver injury has occurred in people taking reishi mushroom. Learn more, including details of a recent report, in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Reishi Mushroom Supplements Review.
Does Vitamin K2 Reduce Artery Calcification?
1/13/2022
In response to communications from several readers about the role of vitamin K2 supplementation in reducing artery calcification, we added information this week to our answer to the question: Do you need to take vitamin K when taking vitamin D?
Rapid Antigen Testing for Omicron
1/13/2022
A new study showed the benefits and limitations of rapid antigen testing for the Omicron variant.
Mouth v. Nose Swabs for COVID Antigen Testing
1/13/2022
Some evidence suggests that samples from the mouth or throat may be better than from the nose but the FDA advises against this with current antigen tests.
At-Home COVID Tests Without Charge
1/13/2022
Find out where to get COVID tests without charge in your area and how to get reimbursed for buying at-home antigen tests (which starts tomorrow).
Moderna Effectiveness Against Omicron
1/13/2022
Find out how effective the Moderna vaccine and booster is against infection with the Omicron variant, and how this decreases over time, according to recent analyses.
Withholding Immunosuppressive Drugs Boosts Immune Response to Vaccine
1/13/2022
Temporarily withholding an immunosuppressive drug before and after an mRNA vaccine can boost immune response, according to a recent study.
Vaccine Dosage for Individuals with Cancer
1/13/2022
Some people being treated for cancer may benefit from three, rather than two, initial vaccine doses, according to a recent study.
Which Vaccine Booster is Best?
1/17/2022
Is the Pfizer or Moderna booster better at protecting against symptomatic Omicron infection? See what new data shows.
Probiotics for COVID-19 Symptoms?
1/17/2022
Can a probiotic help resolve COVID-19 symptoms? Learn what a recent study showed in the COVID-19 section of our Probiotic Supplements Review.
Colzer 142C Air Purifier Review
1/17/2022
We’ve added a review of the Colzer 142C Air Purifier to our reviews of 60 air purifiers. See which devices we recommend and which we don't, and our Top Picks for air purifiers based on room size.
B-12 Vitamin Deficiency and Darkening of the Skin
1/17/2022
Low levels of vitamin B-12 can cause darkening of the skin, as evidenced in a recent case. Get the details and learn about other symptoms of B-12 deficiency in our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among B-12 supplements.
Curcumin After Knee Surgery?
1/17/2022
Does supplementing with curcumin after knee surgery reduce pain? See what a recent study found in the Osteoarthritis section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks for curcumin and turmeric.
Krill Omega-3s to Lower Triglycerides?
1/17/2022
Does taking krill-based omega-3s help lower high triglycerides? Find out what a recent analysis showed in the Krill oil section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for krill oil.
New Top Picks for Antigen Tests
1/20/2022
We have a new Top Pick among antigen tests based on superior performance in detecting the Omicron variant in a recent evaluation – and it’s also inexpensive.
Rapid COVID-19 Tests At No Charge
1/20/2022
People in the U.S. can now order 4 at-home rapid COVID-19 tests at no charge. Get the details.
New N95 Top Pick
1/20/2022
We evaluated two more N95s masks, and one is a new Top Pick. Get the details in our article about Finding the Best Masks.
Also see our Top Pick among KN95 masks.
CDC Mask Guidelines
1/20/2022
Be aware that, this week, the CDC advised that properly fitted N95 and KN95 respirators provide the highest level of protection against COVID. So it’s best to use these masks in place of cloth masks. It was also announced that N95s will soon be made available at no charge at community centers and retail pharmacies across the U.S. Get the details.
Is Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivated By COVID-19 Vaccines?
1/20/2022
Supplement Interactions with Paxlovid
1/20/2022
Certain supplements may interact with Paxlovid, the antiviral pill authorized for COVID-19 patients at high risk for severe disease. Find out which may interact.
Backpack Extract for ADHD?
1/20/2022
Can taking bacopa extract improve symptoms of ADHD in children? Find out what a recent study suggests in our answer to the question: Does Bacopa extract improve memory, mood, or sleep? Is it safe?
Seller of Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid Warned by FDA
1/20/2022
FDA Warns Seller of Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid
Melatonin, Sleep & Nighttime Asthma
1/20/2022
There is some concern about the use of melatonin among people with nighttime asthma. Get the facts in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Melatonin Supplements Review.
Probiotic to Lower Cholesterol?
1/24/2022
Can taking a probiotic lower elevated cholesterol levels? See what a new study found in the Cholesterol-lowering section of our Probiotics Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.
For other approaches to lowering cholesterol, see our answer to the question: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy?
Goji Berries for the Eyes?
1/24/2022
Goji berries are a good source of zeaxanthin, an anti-oxidant compound that, like lutein, may help protect the retina of eye. But does eating goji berries improve a measure of macular health (macular optical density) or improve vision? See what recent research showed in the Getting Lutein and Zeaxanthin from Food section of our Vision Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vision supplements.
Urolithin-A – A New Supplement for the Elderly?
1/24/2022
Urolithin-A can improve the function of mitochondria (the “powerhouses” inside our cells). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked with various age-related diseases. Find out if taking urolithin-A improved muscle function in recent study of elderly people in our new article: Does urolithin A reduce age-related muscle decline?
Booster Protection Against Omicron
1/24/2022
Find out how well booster vaccines protect against symptomatic Omicron infection as well as against hospitalization, based on recent data.
Timing Vaccines Around COVID Drugs
1/24/2022
Learn how long you need to delay vaccination after receiving drug therapy for COVID-19, including antivirals (such as remdesivir and Paxlovid) and antibody treatments.
Air Purifiers
1/24/2022
We’ve added a review of the Smart Health S air purifier (also called the Sqair Air Purifier) to our list of more than 60 devices. See which we recommend, which we don't, and our Top Picks for air purifiers based on room size.
Eggs and Heart Risk
1/24/2022
Does eating one or two eggs daily increase the risk of heart attack? Find out what recent studies suggest in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Choline Supplements Review (eggs contain choline). Also see our Top Picks among choline supplements.
Wait for Omicron Booster?
1/27/2022
If you haven’t been boosted, find out if you should wait for an Omicron-specific booster.
Myocarditis After Vaccination
1/27/2022
A new study provided more data about the risk of myocarditis after vaccination with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
How Good Are COVID Tests From the Government?
1/27/2022
Readers have started to receive rapid antigen tests, such as iHealth, from the government. See how this compares to other antigen tests and our Top Picks.
Let us know which test you received by mail from the U.S. government – we'll review it if we haven't already.
If you need to order tests at no charge, here's how.
Treatment Against Omicron
1/27/2022
What's BA.2?
1/27/2022
A subvariant of Omicron called BA.2 has been identified in the U.S. Find out if it's more contagious or causes more severe disease.
CBD To Reduce COVID Risk?
1/27/2022
Use of a prescription formula was associated with lower risk of COVID-19 infection in a recent analysis, but there are important caveats to this finding. Get the details in the Colds, Flu, and Viral Infections section of our Review.
Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency
1/27/2022
Although not common, be aware of signs of vitamin A deficiency involving the eyes, skin, and nails, as exemplified by a recent case. Get the details (including medical conditions which can cause it) in the What It Does section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin A supplements.
B-12 From Chlorella and Spirulina?
1/27/2022
A reader asked if chlorella and spirulina are good sources of B-12. The answer is both "yes" and "no," as explained in our Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills Review, which includes our recent tests result and Top Picks for chlorella and spirulina supplements.
