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CL Answer

Can drinking coffee prevent gallstones? Can supplements help?

Information about the impact coffee has on gallstone disease. Plus, supplements that have been proposed to help with gallstone pain.

Coffee and Gallstones -- coffee in cup and coffee beans

Product Review

Potassium Supplements Review

Be Careful with Potassium Supplements! Problems Found. Tests and Reviews of Potassium Supplements & CL's Top Picks.

Potassium Supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review

See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products

CL Answer

I read that turmeric may be a GI irritant. I have GI problems and wonder if I should avoid turmeric and curcumin?

Find out if turmeric/curcumin supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritability.

Is turmeric a stomach irritant? -- Turmeric Supplement

CL Answer

Can turmeric or curcumin with black pepper extract cause constipation? I had this problem, but it resolved when I switched to a curcumin supplement without piperine (black pepper extract).

Learn more about black pepper extract, why it is added to turmeric/curcumin supplements, and if it can cause gastrointestinal effects.

Turmeric or Curcumin

Product Review

Calcium and Bone Health Supplements Review (Including Vitamins D & K, Magnesium and Boron)

See Which Bone Health Supplements Are Top Picks and Which Fail

Calcium Review 2024

Product Review

Coconut Waters Review

Best Coconut Water? See Our Tests and Comparisons of Popular Brands Looking at Sugar, Electrolytes, Taste and Price.

Coconut Waters Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Vitamin C Supplements Review

Find the Best Vitamin C Supplements

Vitamin C Review 2023

Product Review

Choline and Lecithin Supplements Review (Including Phosphatidylcholine, CDP-Choline, and Alpha-GPC)

Choose the Best Choline Supplement. Find Out How Much Choline Popular Supplements Really Provide.

CL Answer

Can lemon juice, lemonade, or other juices reduce my chances of getting kidney stones?

Information about lemon juice, lemonade, orange juice, cranberry juice and other juices for increasing urinary citrate and reducing the risk of kidney stones.

Lemon juice for kidney stones? -- glass of lemon juice and lemons

CL Answer

Which supplements and foods reduce or increase the risk of kidney stones?

Find out which supplements, foods and beverages may increase or decrease the risk of kidney stones, including information about potassium, calcium, choline, turmeric and curcumin, vitamin C, as well as foods and beverages such as green tea, lemon juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, chocolate and almonds.

Supplements for Kidney Stones

CL Answer

Are cranberry supplements helpful for men? Can they help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or urinary tract infections?

Learn more about how cranberry pills, cranberries, cranberry juice and supplements can help prevent urinary tract infections.

Cranberry Supplements for Men? -- Bottle of cranberry capsules

CL Answer

Do turmeric and curcumin supplements contain significant amounts of oxalates? Can this increase my risk of kidney stones?

Find out if turmeric and curcumin supplements can increase the risk of kidney stones. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Oxalate in Turmeric & Curcumin -- turmeric capsules and powder, close-up

CL Answer

What is TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid)? Does it have any proven health benefits, and is it safe?

TUDCA information, including its potential health benefits, safety, possible interactions, and cost.

What is Tudca - white capsules poured out of container

CL Answer

Is it possible to take too much vitamin C?

Find out the daily value of vitamin C, along with possible side effects of excessive vitamin C intake. ConsumerLab explores the topic of proper vitamin C supplement usage, and why taking too much can be harmful.

Bottles of vitamin C pills

CL Answer

How does turmeric spice compare to curcumin (turmeric extract) in supplements? I sprinkle it on my foods and wonder if that's equivalent to taking a supplement.

What is the difference between turmeric spices used in the kitchen and turmeric supplements? Is sprinkling turmeric on my food equivalent to taking a turmeric supplement? ConsumerLab's answer explores this question.

Turmeric Spice vs. Turmeric Supplements

CL Answer

Do supplements help with Parkinson’s disease treatment or prevention?

Learn what has been shown with vitamins D and E, niacin, CoQ10, melatonin, creatine, SAMe, NAC, valerian, CoQ10, and CBD, as well as with coffee and the Mediterranean and MIND diets for treating and/or preventing Parkinson's disease.

Elderly man with parkinsons holding trembling hand while eating

CL Answer

8 Supplements That May Help Treat Peptic Ulcers – And Some to Avoid

Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection are typically treated with antibiotics, but certain supplements may also help. Find out which 8 supplements might be beneficial - and which should be avoided.

Supplements for peptic ulcer disease - young man with stomachache

CL Answer

How likely are Americans to be deficient in vitamins or minerals?

Read info based on the CDC about vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin A, B-6, B-12, C, D, and E, folate, and iron in the United States.

Vitamin Deficiency in Men and Women -- doctor's clipboard with information about vitamin deficiency

CL Answer

Is canola oil good or bad for you? I heard it can be toxic.

Find out if canola oil is bad for you or good for you, and whether it helps heart health. Clinical evidence and how it compares to other oils.

Is canola oil good or bad? -- bottle of canola oil

CL Answer

Do any supplements help with gum disease or periodontitis?

Supplements for healthy gums may help with gum disease or periodontitis. Learn more about omega fatty acids, lycopene, and probiotics.

Smiling Woman Taking White Supplement with Glass of Water

CL Answer

How can I find supplements that are gluten-free on ConsumerLab.com?

Gluten-Free supplements & vitamin information including other dietary features like vegetarian, vegan, and kosher on ConsumerLab.com. Our answer explains.

Finding Gluten-Free Supplements -- gluten-free seal

CL Answer

Is Relief Factor likely to relieve aches and pains, and is it safe?

Find out if the dietary supplement Relief Factor is likely to help relieve aches and pains, if it is safe, and if it is worth the cost.

Packet of Relief Factor Quickstart

CL Answer

Body Odor: Supplements & Foods That May Help, or Make It Worse

Some people with adequate personal hygiene still experience body odor. Learn if taking supplements such as activated charcoal, champignon extract, copper chlorophyllin, L-carnitine, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), or other ingredients might help or make body odor worse.

Woman holding her nose and pointing to a man with body odor

Recalls & Warnings

May 30, 2024

Young Living Essential Oils Agrees to Pay $5 Million to Settle Lawsuit

Young Living Essential Oils has agreed to pay up to $5 million to settle a class action lawsuit that charged the company with promoting its essential oils to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and other health-related claims without reliable scientific evidence.

Recalls & Warnings

April 04, 2025

Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Bars Recalled

On April 1, 2025, Tony’s Chocolonely Inc. recalled seven lots of its Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bar and Everything Bar due to the potential presence of small stones.

Recalls & Warnings

January 06, 2025

ZOE Prebiotic Blend Recalled Due to Metal Pieces, Stones

On December 4, 2024, Zoe US, Inc. recalled 142 units of ZOE Daily 30+ Prebiotic blend because it may contain foreign objects such as small metal pieces and/or stones.

News Release

March 15, 2017

ConsumerLab.com Reveals Best and Worst Vitamin C Supplements -- 20% Fail ConsumerLab.com Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, March 15, 2017 — Many people take large doses of vitamin C believing it will improve their health, prevent colds or reduce the risk of disease — but will it really? And when choosing a vitamin C supplement, can consumers be sure it contains what it claims? To ...

News Release

February 13, 2014

Calcium, Vitamin C, and Fish Oil Supplements Drop in Use, Probiotics Rise According to ConsumerLab.com Survey

White Plains, New York, February 13, 2014 — A recent survey of over 10,000 people who use dietary supplements shows that the use of calcium, vitamin C and fish oil supplements fell during 2013 while the use of probiotics increased.

News Release

November 26, 2012

Tests Show Many Milk Thistle Supplements Low in Key Component -- Seven of Eleven Products Fail ConsumerLab.com Testing of Herb Used in Diabetes and Liver Diseases

White Plains, NY, November 26, 2012 — Recent tests by ConsumerLab.com of eleven milk thistle supplements show that only four met ConsumerLab.com's quality standards.

News Release

December 02, 2009

Tests show many milk thistle supplements low in key component -- Nine of ten products fail ConsumerLab.com testing of herb used in diabetes and liver diseases

TESTS SHOW MANY MILK THISTLE SUPPLEMENTS LOW IN KEY COMPONENT

Recalls & Warnings

July 21, 2022

Young Living Warned for Promoting Essential Oils to Treat Seasonal Allergies, Kidney Stones & More

On June 10, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Young Living Essential Oils Corporate after an inspection of the company’s website and social media found statements about the company’s essential oil and CBD products to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

March 23, 2023

FDA Warns Herbal Vitality for Promoting Supplements to Treat Cold & Flu, Kidney Stones & More

On March 7, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Herbal Vitality, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

June 27, 2024

“Authentic” Rose Oil Often Is Not

Damask rose essential oil (Rosa × damascene) and products claiming to contain this oil, or “authentic rose oil” may often be adulterated or contain less expensive oils instead, according to a recent bulletin from the American Botanical Association (ABC).

News Release

October 29, 2002

Enormous variation found in strength of garlic supplements — most popular herb in U.S. — ConsumerLab.com releases results online today

WHITE PLAINS, NY — October 29, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com's Product Review of Garlic Supplements found strength to vary by as much as 1500% across products. Strength was based on each product's ability to generate allicin, a chemical associated with the efficacy of non-aged garlic.

Recalls & Warnings

July 22, 2022

FDA Warns Seller of Vision, Calcium & Magnesium Supplements and More

On June 14, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to New Sun Inc. following inspection of the company’s website which found statements about the company’s products to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

August 16, 2023

FDA Warns Hekma Center, LLC for Promoting Products to Treat Anemia, Diabetes, Depression, & More

On June 2, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Hekma Center, LLC following review of the company’s website and social media, which found statements about the company’s Natural Supplements for Anemia, Lymf (Galium aparine), Natural Supplements for Cardiomyopathy, Magic1 (Moringa ...

Recalls & Warnings

April 27, 2023

Seller of Magtein, Veggie Caps, & More Warned for Drug Claims, Manufacturing Violations

On March 8, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Spartan Enterprises Inc., dba Watershed Wellness Center, after a review of the company’s website found statements about its Dr. Bob’s Naturals Spirulina, Dr. Bob’s Naturals Magtein, Dr.

Recalls & Warnings

August 16, 2023

FDA Warns Sun Ten Laboratories for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On April 7, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to STPCA Inc. dba Sun Ten Laboratories because products were found to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under conditions that do not meet Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP).

Recalls & Warnings

April 10, 2021

Companies Deceived Consumers About Fish Oil for Liver Disease, Says FTC

On April 1, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that fish oil supplement manufacturer BASF SE and its U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

March 30, 2021

Real Water Alkaline Water Recalled for Possible Link to Liver Illness

On March 24, 2021, Real Water, Inc. recalled all sizes of Real Water bottled alkaline water because it may be linked to multiple cases of non-viral hepatitis that occurred in Las Vegas, NV in November of 2020.

Recalls & Warnings

March 18, 2021

Don't Drink Real Water Alkaline Water, FDA Warns After Reports of Liver Illness

On March 16, 2021, the FDA warned consumers not to drink or use Real Water bottled alkaline water while it investigates reports of hepatitis associated with the product.

Recalls & Warnings

April 08, 2017

Woman Dies After Receiving Turmeric Infusion

On March 16, 2017, a San Diego, California woman died days after receiving an IV infusion of turmeric.   Jade Erick, age 30, suffered a brain injury and cardiac arrest after receiving the first 5 mL of a 250 mL infusion of turmeric in the office of a naturopathic doctor.

Recalls & Warnings

October 29, 2019

Publisher Sued for Promoting "Phony Diabetes Cure"

On October 24, 2019 the FTC filed a lawsuit against the publisher of books, newsletters, and other publications aimed at seniors that falsely promise to cure type 2 diabetes.

Recalls & Warnings

December 21, 2019

Supplement Company Continues to Make False Claims About Its Products, Says FTC

The FTC has filed a motion of contempt against two supplement companies that, according to the motion, have continued to promote their products with false claims despite being barred from doing so by a previous court order.

Recalls & Warnings

November 02, 2019

Brain Supplement Claims to Treat Brain Injuries, Alzheimer's Are Deceptive, Says FTC

On November 1, 2019 the FTC filed a lawsuit against Neora LLC (formerly Nerium International) for making false claims that the supplement Neora EHT (formerly called Nerium EHT) can treat concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy caused by repetitive brain trauma, Alzheimer's ...

Recalls & Warnings

November 28, 2006

FTC Targets Seller of Pills Promoted for Height, Weight, and Bone Improvement

On November 28, 2006, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that a Florida business and its owner, who marketed purported height-enhancing pills for kids and young adults, will pay $375,000 to settle charges that their advertising claims were deceptive.

Recalls & Warnings

January 18, 2013

FTC Upholds Ruling, POM Wonderful Health Claims Were Deceptive

On January 16, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it will uphold a judge’s ruling that makers of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and POMx supplements made deceptive and unsubstantiated claims that the products could treat, prevent, or reduce the risk of heart disease, prostate ...

Recalls & Warnings

March 06, 2009

"The Truth About Nutrition" Marketers Agree to Pay $3 Million to Settle Charges of Deceptive Advertising of Dietary Supplements and Devices

On March 6, 2008, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that marketers of dietary supplements and health-related devices have agreed to pay $3 million in consumer redress to settle FTC charges that they deceptively claimed their products treated or prevented a wide variety of serious ...

Recalls & Warnings

August 31, 2009

Court Orders Marketers of Supreme Greens and Coral Calcium to Pay Nearly $70 Million for Consumer Refunds

On August 27, 2009, a federal district court ordered the marketers of two dietary supplements – "Supreme Greens" and "Coral Calcium" – who claimed the products would cure ailments ranging from cancer and Parkinson’s disease to heart disease and autoimmune diseases to pay nearly $70 million for ...

Recalls & Warnings

May 23, 2013

Seller of Sexual Enhancement, Cholesterol, Resveratrol Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims

On May 2, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Alternative Health Supplements, following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about several dietary supplements, including Regenerect, Alligin, Astaxanthin Advantage, HDL Cholesterol Management, Resveratrol, Coral Calcium ...

Recalls & Warnings

December 01, 2015

Weight Supplements Found to Contain Antidepressant and Other Prescription Drugs

On November 19, 2015, the FDA warned consumers not to buy or use the weight loss supplements listed below because they were found to contain prescription drugs. Each was identified during an examination of international mail shipments:

Recalls & Warnings

February 24, 2015

Seller of Antioxidant Water, Energy Drops Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On February 18, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Better Health Lab, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

October 09, 2013

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use OxyElite Pro As It Investigates Link With Hepatitis

On October 8, 2013, the FDA warned consumers not to buy or use USPLabs’ weight loss supplement OxyElite Pro because it has been linked with 24 cases of acute non-viral hepatitis in Hawaii.

Recalls & Warnings

October 10, 2014

Seller of Multivitamin Warned for Drug Claims

On September 25, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Multimmunity, Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about the dietary supplement Multimmunity to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

May 20, 2015

Gluten Found in More Than Half of Popular Probiotic Supplements Tested

Tests of 22 popular probiotic supplements revealed that 12 contained detectable amounts of gluten, according to researchers at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center.

Recalls & Warnings

March 25, 2002

FDA Advises Consumers of Risk of Severe Liver Toxicity with Kava

On March 25, 2002 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)issued a Consumer Advisory, as well as a letter to health care providers, advising of the potential risk of severe liver injury associated with the use of kava-containing dietary supplements.