11/28/2023

Coconut Oil for Oral Health?

Can rinsing with coconut oil (known as coconut oil “pulling”) prevent plaque buildup and reduce bleeding gums? Find out in our article about finding the best toothpastes and other dental products.

Also see our Top Picks for coconut oil in our Coconut and MCT Oils Review.

11/23/2023

Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s?

Does supplementing with coconut oil improve cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Cognitive Impairment section of our Coconut Oil and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

9/06/2023

Coconut Oil for Blood Sugar Control?

Does coconut oil control blood sugar levels? See what a recent analysis of clinical studies concluded in the Blood Sugar and Insulin Control section of our Coconut and MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.

6/18/2024

Phthalates in Coconut Oils

A recent study detected phthalates (plasticizer chemicals) in popular coconut oils, most of which were labeled as organic. Get the details by brand, and find out if you should be concerned, in the Quality Concerns section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.

Also see how this compares to amounts of phthalates recently found in extra virgin olive oils.

7/14/2020

Coconut Oil for Lowering Weight and Cholesterol?

Can adding coconut oil to dinner lower weight and/or lower cholesterol levels? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Coconut and MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut oils and MCT oils.

8/03/2019

Coconut Oil In Coffee?

Does adding coconut oil to caffeinated coffee boost physical performance? Find out what a recent study showed in the Sports Performance section of the Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks among tested coconut and MCT oils.

4/11/2020

Coconut Oil and Cholesterol

Coconut oil is known to raise levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol but also increase levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. Is one more important than the other? Find out the latest information in the Cautions and Concerns section of the Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for coconut and MCT oils.

1/21/2020

Coconut Oil Impact on Cholesterol

Coconut oil can significantly affect cholesterol levels according to a new report. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Coconut & MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks for coconut and MCT oils.

3/10/2021

Coconut Oil for Lowering Blood Pressure?

Can coconut oil lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.

9/22/2023

Take Coconut Oil With Statins for Cholesterol?

Does taking coconut oil enhance, or diminish, the cholesterol-lowering effect of atorvastatin (Lipitor)? Find out what a recent study showed in our Coconut and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy?

3/23/2021

MCT Oil for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Can medium chain triglycerides (MCTs – from coconut oil) boost brain energy and improve thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Coconut and MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.

10/27/2020

MCTs for Cognitive Impairment?

Can medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) improve memory and cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for MCT and coconut oils.

7/26/2019

MCT Oil for Strength?

Does adding MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) to the diets of elderly people enhance the benefit they get from exercise? See what a recently published study found in the What It Does: Muscle Strength and Function section of the Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for coconut and MCT oils.

3/18/2022

Alzheimer's Disease: Does MCT Oil Help?

Can medium-chain triglycerides slow cognitive decline among people with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

5/11/2019

MCT Oil for Cognition?

It has been speculated that people with certain forms of cognitive impairment may benefit from consuming medium chain triglycerides (MCT oils). See what a recent clinical trial found in the What It Does section of the Coconut and MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

2/06/2025

MCT Oil for Dandruff?

Is there evidence that applying medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil to the scalp reduces dandruff? Find out in the Skin and hair section of our Coconut Oil and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

12/16/2024

Turmeric for Whitening Teeth?

Applying turmeric and coconut oil to teeth has been promoted on social media for whitening stained teeth, but is this a good idea? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Turmeric Supplements Review.

Also see our article about toothpaste and other dental products, which includes our Top Picks for whitening toothpastes and whitening strips.

12/19/2023

Coffee Creamers

We recently explained why milk might slightly reduce the heart health benefits of coffee. We were asked if this concern exists with products such as Lactaid, half-and-half, cream, coffee creamers, or non-dairy milks such as coconut, almond, or rice milk. See the answer.

3/17/2023

Lycopene and Lutein Absorption

Carotenoids, such as lycopene and lutein, are best absorbed when taken with a meal with oils -- but the type of oil matters, according to a recent study that compared the effects of olive oil and coconut oil. See the details in the What to Consider When Using section of our Lycopene Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among lycopene supplements.

Also see our Top Picks among lutein and vision supplements and our answer to the question: Which supplements should be taken with food?”

9/08/2023

Filtering PFAS from Tap Water

Using a water filter pitcher or other home water filter was linked to significantly lower blood levels of PFAS in a recent study. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, and find out how water filter pitchers compare on removing PFAS, our Top Picks for removing PFAS, and our Top Picks for removing other substances in water.

7/14/2023

PFAS in Tap Water

A study of tap water in U.S. homes found that, in many cases, both public supply and private well water exceed the EPA’s proposed limits for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Get the details in our article about PFAS.

Find out which water filter pitchers claim to remove PFAS from water in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

11/18/2024

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water

Is bottled water or tap water better for you? Find out in our new article: Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap Water?

11/01/2024

Arsenic in Water Linked to Heart Disease

Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water was linked to increased risk of ischemic heart disease in women, according to a recent study. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see how popular water filter pitchers compare on their ability to remove arsenic from water -- some remove at least 90%, while other remove less than 15%.

Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

1/07/2022

Bacteria Build-up in Water Filters?

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.

11/29/2024

Fluoride in Bottled Water

How does the amount of fluoride in bottled water compare to that in tap water? Find out in the Minerals section of our article comparing bottled water vs. tap water.

6/03/2025

Water Filter Odor

There are occasional complaints that water from water filter pitchers can smell fishy. Find out what can cause this and if it's a health risk in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

5/05/2023

Do Water Filter Pitchers Really Remove PFAS?

In many parts of the U.S., drinking water exceeds proposed limits for potentially toxic PFAS compounds. How well do water filter pitchers remove PFAS? Find out in the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

Also see our Top Picks for water filter pitchers.

4/21/2023

Five More Water Filter Pitchers Tested

We tested five more water filter pitchers (Aquagear, Berkey, Brita, Kirkland, and LifeStraw) and found surprising results.

While all did an excellent job of removing the heavy metals lead, cadmium, and mercury, pitchers varied dramatically in their ability to remove chlorine, (which affects taste), fluoride, arsenic, total dissolved solids (TDS), and microplastic particles. Be aware that some pitchers actually increase the amount of microplastics in water after filtering!

See our Top Picks for:

• Removing Chlorine Taste
• Reducing Fluoride
• Removing Arsenic
• Reducing Earthy Taste (due to high TDS)

6/21/2022

Drinking Water & PFAS

The EPA indicated last week that it intends to slash the amount of PFAS that can safely be in drinking water. Get the details in the Drinking Water section of our CL Answer about PFAS. Also see our information about water filters to remove PFAS.

6/08/2019

Avoiding Microplastics in Bottled Water

There is increasing evidence of microplastics appearing in water -- including a study of popular bottled water brands. See the results in our answer to the question: Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water and specialty salts? How concerned should I be?

8/30/2019

Microplastics in Food and Water

How many microplastic particles do we consume each year from our food and water? Find out in the updated answer to the question: Do water filters remove microplastics from tap water?

10/11/2022

Removing Radium From Water?

A CL Member asked if water pitcher filters can remove radium from drinking water. Find out in the What to Consider When Using section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

9/19/2023

Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher & PFAS

Does Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher do a good job removing PFAS ("forever chemicals") from tap water? Find out in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks for removing PFAS as well as chlorine, arsenic, microbes, and more.

12/01/2023

Avoid Fake Water Filters

Counterfeit water filters have been sold in the U.S. Learn how to avoid buying one online. See our list of authorized water filter sellers.

Also see:

• Our review of Water Filter Pitchers
• How to avoid counterfeit supplements online

12/05/2024

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters?

How well do reverse osmosis water filters remove toxic PFAS from water? Find out in the Water filters section of our article about PFAS, which includes our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter based on our review of these filters (although we have not directly tested these products).

5/31/2024

Have Kidney Disease? Watch What’s In Your Water

People with chronic kidney disease are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals. Even low levels of lead in drinking water may be harmful, according to a recent study. See our Water Filter Pitchers Review for details. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

4/16/2024

PFAS Toxins in Drinking Water

Separately, the EPA recently finalized limits on PFAS in drinking water, but this gives water districts until 2029 to take corrective action. Learn more and see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing PFAS.

6/25/2024

"Double" Filtering Water?

We were asked if it is “overkill” to use a Brita filter on water already filtered by a reverse osmosis system. See our answer in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitcher Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

6/28/2024

Has PUR Water Filter Changed?

A ConsumerLab member asked if the current PUR 7-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is different from what we tested 2020, so we put the question to PUR. See their answer in our Water Filter Pitcher Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

10/11/2019

Risk from Reusing Plastic Water Bottles

Repeatedly opening and closing plastic water bottles can pose a risk, according to a new study. Get the details in our updated answer to the question: Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water and specialty salts? How concerned should I be?

12/16/2024

Oats and PFAS

Could consuming oat β-glucan reduce levels of toxic PFAS in the body? See what a recent study in mice found in the Benefits of Oats section of our new Oats Review, which includes our Top Picks for rolled ("old-fashioned") and steel-cut oats.

Also see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing PFAS from water, and our article about avoiding PFAS in food, water, and other products.

12/06/2024

Is Distilled Water Okay to Drink?

Is it okay to drink distilled water? Find out in our article about Tap vs. Bottled Water.

11/25/2024

ZeroWater's Loss of Filtration

If you use a ZeroWater pitcher to filter fluoride from your water, be aware that it can lose this ability fairly quickly. For details, see the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

6/21/2024

Water Pitcher Filters Compared

Recent tests of Aquagear, Brita, Clearly Filtered, and Zerowater filter pitchers revealed big differences in how well they remove PFAS ("forever chemicals") from tap water. Get the details in the Top Picks section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

4/12/2024

Top Pick Water Filters

We’ve chosen an overall Top Pick among water filter pitchers based on test performance, cost, and certification. We have also changed our Top Picks for certain uses due to changes in products and availability. See our current Top Picks in our Water Filter Pitcher Review.

3/27/2025

A Way to Remove Forever Chemicals?

Does consuming oat β-glucan reduce levels of toxic PFAS ("forever chemicals") in the body? See what a recent analysis found in the Benefits of Oats section of our Oats Review, which includes our Top Picks for rolled ("old-fashioned") and steel-cut oats.

Also see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing PFAS from water, and our article about avoiding PFAS in food, water, and other products.

10/10/2023

Berkey Filters

Find out why water filters for Berkey filtration devices are not currently available. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

11/14/2023

Berkey Filters & Aluminum

Concerns have been raised that Berkey Fluoride filters may add aluminum to water. Find out if this is true, and if you should be concerned, in our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

12/16/2023

Discount Water Filters?

We found that sites that sell water filters at a discount actually charge more for some brands. Get the details in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.

3/01/2024

Loss of Minerals with Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis water filtration depletes water of minerals. Is it necessary to add minerals back? Find out in our article about reducing exposure to PFAS, which includes our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter.

Also see our Water Pitcher Filters Review.

7/18/2023

Filtering Out Forever Chemicals

PFAS, or “forever chemicals” are now in many water supplies and can have adverse health effects. Recent tests show how effective water filter pitchers are in filtering them out. See the results and our suggested Top Pick among them in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

7/21/2023

More "Forever Chemicals" In U.S. Tap Water

Concentrations of "forever chemicals" in tap water samples from 18 states in the U.S. were recently reported. Learn more in our article about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

For removing PFAS, see our Top Pick water filter pitcher and our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter.

5/09/2023

Filtering Out PFAS

We’ve added information about an add-on to Brita filters that claims to remove potentially dangerous PFAS from drinking water. See the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

5/02/2023

Clearly Filtered vs. Other Water Filters

After publishing our recent review of water filter pitchers, several readers asked us about the Clearly Filtered pitcher, which was not tested. We’ve added information about this product – including a questionable claim – to the ConsumerTips section of the review. Also see our Top Picks among tested water filter pitchers.

10/28/2022

Microplastics in Salt

A recent study found high concentrations of microplastics in certain sea salts. Get the details, and learn how levels vary across salts in our article about microplastics in water and salt.

Also see if popular water filter pitchers removed microplastics in our Water Filter Pitcher Review. (We’re currently testing additional pitchers, so stay tuned for more results.)

11/15/2022

Does Bottled Water Expire?

Find out what the dates printed on bottled water really mean and the best ways to store water in disposable and reusable bottles.

4/11/2023

PFAS in Drinking Water

The EPA recently proposed federal limits on PFAS, chemicals with potentially negative health effects, in drinking water. Get the details in our updated answer to the question: How can I avoid PFAS in dental floss, food, water, and other products?

3/14/2023

"Hydrogen Water" Tablets?

Are "hydrogen water" or "H2 tablets" effective for any medical condition? Find out in our article about hydrogen water.

6/13/2023

Hard Water & Soap

If you have hard water, learn which soap ingredient may be particularly irritating.

6/24/2022

Salt Water for Gums?

Can rinsing with salt water reduce plaque build-up or help with bleeding gums?

3/29/2024

Microplastics Cardiovascular Concern

Microplastic particles were recently found in arterial plaque in many people, and this was associated with much higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and death. Get the details in the Microplastics section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing microplastics.

3/01/2024

Berkey Filter Replacement?

With Berkey water filters no longer being sold, how do replacement filters compare (such as those from Boroux, Kainasch, and ProPure)? Find out in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

1/27/2024

Alkaline Water for Kidney Stones?

People who have had kidney stones may be advised to consume foods and supplements that alkalize their urine. Find out if “alkaline water” might help in our article about supplements, foods, and kidney stone risk.

12/08/2023

Lower-Cost Filter Sellers?

Is it smart to use lower-cost sellers of water filters? We checked into two popular sellers. See what we found in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.

Also see a video we added to our article about how to avoid buying counterfeit supplements.

12/27/2023

Water Filters From AllFilters.com?

Find out which filter brands AllFilters.com is authorized to sell and which it is not. It’s all in our article about avoiding counterfeit water filters.

6/27/2023

Should you worry about fluoridated drinking water?

A recent study showed an increase in dental fluorosis in children in areas with fluoridated water. Should you be concerned? Learn more in the Fluoride section our article about toothpaste and other dental products.

8/22/2023

Brita Lawsuit

A recently filed lawsuit alleges that Brita products do not live up to claims of removing hazardous contaminants from drinking water. Learn more and ConsumerLab’s take on the suit in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

9/06/2023

Brita Responds to Lawsuit

Brita responded to the recent lawsuit alleging that its products do not remove all hazardous contaminants. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, and see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

2/14/2023

Green Tea: More EGCG and Less Caffeine?

A CL member asked how steeping green tea in cold water rather than brewing in hot water affects levels of polyphenols and caffeine in the tea. See what a study found in the ConsumerTips section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.

12/09/2024

Microplastics in Rice

Microplastics have been found in packaged rice, but some types of rice seem to contain higher concentrations of microplastics than others. There is also a way to reduce microplastics in rice before cooking. Get the details in our article about microplastics in foods and beverages.

Also see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing microplastics from water.

7/11/2024

Bottled Water & Teeth

Some popular brands of bottled water may be acidic enough to contribute to enamel demineralization, according to a recent study. Get the details by brand and learn which other beverages may be harmful to teeth in our article about other beverages may be harmful to teeth.

6/11/2024

Are Water Flossers Better?

Find out if water flossers (e.g., Waterpik) are better than using string floss in our article about toothpaste and other dental products.

4/10/2025

Does H2TAB Work?

We took a look at a list of studies that supposedly support the use of H2TAB hydrogen water tablets. See our take on these studies in our article about hydrogen water.

4/24/2025

Microplastics Linked with High BP, Stroke

Exposure to higher amounts of microplastic was associated with increased risk of several chronic diseases, according to a recent study. Get the details in article about Microplastics in water, salt, foods, and beverages. Also see our Water Filter Pitchers Review for our Top Pick for removing microplastics.

3/24/2025

How Much Calcium from Water?

How much calcium do you get from drinking water? Find out in our article: How much calcium do you need each day, what forms are best, and how much is too much?

Also see our Calcium Supplements Review for our Top Picks for calcium supplements.

8/16/2022

Water for Dry Eye?

Does drinking extra water help with dry eye? Find out in our updated article about dry eye -- which includes information about supplements and lifestyle habits than can help.

6/01/2022

Bug Sprays Around Pets & Laundry Water Disposal

We answered the following questions from our readers:

Are bug repellents or insecticides for humans safe for use on or around pets?

Is it safe to dispose of laundry water used to wash permethrin-treated clothing?

9/28/2022

Microplastics & Blood Clots

A recent study raised concern about microplastics causing blood clots. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

7/14/2023

Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filters

Although not tested, we also reviewed countertop reverse osmosis water filters for removing PFAS. See which is our Top Pick.

5/26/2018

Do We Really Need More Lithium?

Studies have shown higher rates of mental illness and dementia in areas with the lowest levels of lithium in the water, suggesting that people supplement with lithium. However, a new study raises doubts about this. For details, see the What It Does section of the Low-Dose Lithium Supplements Review.

8/27/2017

Does Lithium Prevent Dementia?

A new study found the risk of developing dementia to be significantly lower in areas with higher levels of lithium in the drinking water. This finding is consistent with a study that found low-dose lithium to stabilize patients with Alzheimer's disease. Details about these studies are in the "What It Does" section of the Low-Dose Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among low-dose lithium supplements.

1/30/2019

Getting the Most from Green Tea

If you drink green tea to get beneficial compounds like EGCG, learn about a recent study that suggests that the type of water you use to brew tea drastically affects the amount of EGCG you get. Get the details in the How to Take section of the Green Tea Review. Also see our Top Picks for green tea.

10/29/2021

More Toothpaste Tips

Find out if you need fluoride in toothpaste if you already get it from your drinking water or other sources, if people prone to tooth sensitivity should avoid tartar control toothpaste, and whether xylitol in toothpaste helps prevent cavities.

12/30/2021

Hand Sanitizer vs. Soap

How do hand sanitizers or disinfectant hand wipes compare to washing hands with soap and water to remove microbes without causing skin dryness and redness? Find out what a recent study showed in the Hand sanitizer section of our answer to the question: Does heat kill coronavirus (COVID-19)?

8/31/2021

PFAS in Processed Foods?

Researchers recently measured amounts of toxic chemicals called PFAS in processed foods sold throughout the U.S. See what they found in our updated article about PFAS in dental floss, water and foods.

9/21/2021

PFAS Effects in Breast Milk

Higher concentrations of toxic chemicals known as PFAS in mothers appears to alter the fat composition of breast milk, according to a recent study. Learn more, including how this may affect infant growth, in our updated article about How to Avoid PFAS, which includes information about PFAS in dental floss, foods and bottled water.

3/01/2022

Heart Risk With Fizzy Pills and Powders

Be aware that supplements that "fizz" in water may be exposing you to potentially dangerous amounts of sodium. This was associated with higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in a recent study.

6/01/2022

Help for Hair Growth?

Is there evidence that applying onion juice, castor oil, rice water, or aloe vera to the scalp aids in hair growth? We’ve added information about these approaches to our article about Supplements for Hair.

3/18/2022

Iodine Pills for Radiation Protection

Due to concerns relating to the safety of nuclear reactors and potential use of nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine, demand for radioprotective iodine products has jumped.

Potassium iodide and potassium iodate can help protect the thyroid from the effects of radioactive iodine from the air, water, and foods after a nuclear event. But who should be taking these products, when should they be taken, and how much should be taken?

Find out in our review of Potassium Iodide and Iodate Radioprotective Pills, and see our Top Picks among products (and where to currently get them).

3/31/2022

Quinine for Leg Cramps?

Is quinine (a compound in tonic water) helpful and safe for nighttime leg cramps? Find out in our updated answer about supplements for leg cramps and muscle pain.

9/23/2022

Humidifiers & Heavy Metal Exposure

Using the wrong kind of water in some humidifiers can cause exposure to heavy metals, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Potential problems with humidifiers section of our CL Answer about air purifiers.

11/21/2023

Vinegar or Baking Soda for Washing Produce?

Is vinegar or baking soda more effective than water for cleaning fruits and vegetables? See what research suggests in our article about fruit and veggie washes.

Also see which method experts recommend for cleaning mushrooms.

11/14/2023

Fruit & Veggie Washes

Are fruit and vegetable "washes" more effective than water for cleaning produce and removing pesticides? Find out in our new article about fruit and veggie washes.

1/05/2024

Probiotics in Hot Tea?

Some teas now include probiotics, but are probiotics likely to remain viable if steeped in hot water? Find out in the What to Consider When Using section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements.

2/13/2024

Exposure to Forever Chemicals

Learn about a tool to help you estimate your exposure to PFAS ("forever chemicals") and ways to reduce exposure. For details, see the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks for removing PFAS.

1/30/2024

More Phytate Questions Answered

After posting about how to reduce phytate and lectins (which are anti-nutrients) in foods, we received and answered the following related questions:

• Do lentils or split peas need to be soaked to remove phytate or lectin?
• Does cooking dry beans in slow cookers or pressure cookers, or baking in casseroles deactivate lectins?
• Are dietary phytates linked with any health benefits?

1/20/2023

Creatine & Weight Gain?

Does supplementation with creatine cause water retention or weight gain? Find out what a recent study suggests in the updated Concerns and Cautions section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for creatine and BCAA workout supplements.

11/01/2022

Why is Plastic Found in Salt?

Microplastic particles are showing up in many types of salt, even salt from ancient mines. A CL member asked why. Find out in our updated article about microplastics in water and salt.

5/02/2023

Sunscreens: Chemical vs. Mineral

Tests of water-resistant sunscreens by Consumer Reports found that, despite health concerns with chemical sunscreens, they performed better than mineral sunscreens. Find out why this might be in our article about sunscreens.

6/30/2023

Fluoride Supplement?

Should people who drink water that has little fluoride take a fluoride supplement? Find out in the Fluoride section of our CL Answer about toothpaste and other dental products.

2/27/2025

Lead & Tea

Although some teas are contaminated with lead (as we have shown), a recent study demonstrated that tea can also remove lead from the water in which is it brewed or steeped. Get the details in the Brewing section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks among green teas.

8/26/2024

Fluoride and Child IQ

Does high fluoride exposure from water affect the IQ of children? Find out in our article about fluoride exposure and neurodevelopmental risks in children.

4/03/2025

Should You Clean Produce with Ozone and Ultrasound Devices?

Find out if ozone water or ultrasound cleaners are a smart way to remove bacteria and pesticides from produce in our article about cleaning fruits and vegetables.

4/07/2025

Hydrogen Peroxide for Washing Produce?

Is it better to use hydrogen peroxide, rather than water, to wash produce? Find out what research suggests in our article about fruit and vegetables washes and devices.