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Product Review

Wellbutrin vs. Generic Bupropion Review

Generic Bupropion Is Not Always The Same As Name-Brand Wellbutrin. CL Tests Reveal Differences Between Generic Bupropion and Name-Brand Wellbutrin.

Product Review

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review

Many Extra Virgin Olive Oils Don't Seem to Make the Grade

Product Review

Whole, Ground, Milled, and Cracker Flaxseed Review

High Levels of Cadmium Found in Flaxseed Products – Testing Expanded

Recalls & Warnings

2/06/2023

Recalled Eye Drops Linked to Vision Loss and One Death

On February 2, 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare issued a nationwide recall of its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops due to potential contamination with bacteria that can cause serious infection, blindness, and death.

Product Review

Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review

Big Differences in Strength Found Among Digestive Enzyme Supplements. CL Tests Reveal Which Are Best.

CL Answer

Which supplements have been shown to be helpful for autism?

Find out which supplements may help reduce symptoms of autism, including multivitamins, probiotics, and melatonin.

Bottle and Pills Spread Out on Blue Background

Product Review

Aloe Juices, Gels, and Supplements Review

How Much Aloe is Really in Aloe Products? Find Out and See Our Top Picks.

Product Review

Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) Supplements Review

Find the Best Fish Oil & Compare to Prescription Omega-3 Drugs. See Our Top Picks Among Fish Oil & Other Omega-3 Supplements for Adults, Children and Pets.

Fish Oil and Other Marine Oil Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Recalls & Warnings

12/01/2021

Probiotics Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination, May Be Life-Threatening to Some

On December 1, 2021, Livia Global, Inc issued a voluntary recall of two lots of probiotics due to potential contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium, if ingested, can cause life-threatening infection in immunocompromised individuals.

Product Review

Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders, Nibs, and Supplements Review -- Sources of Flavanols

Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? Find the Best Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Powder and Cocoa Supplements Based On Our Tests.

Clinical Update

3/31/2023

Olive Oil Review Expanded: Many Do Not Make the Grade

We tested three new olive oils based on reader requests, and the results are in! Our new tests included two olive oils that claim to be high in polyphenols, and the results were surprising:

-- One olive oil was rated so poorly by our professional taster it was considered to be "lampante" -- i.e., not fit for human consumption.

-- The other high-polyphenol oil delivered a good amount of polyphenols, rated well for taste, and is now our new Top Pick for a very high-polyphenol olive oil.

We also tested California Olive Ranch Global Blend but were somewhat disappointed.

See the results now for 13 popular olive oils in our updated Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review.

CL Answer

Is echium oil a good alternative to fish oil? I am allergic to fish.

Echium oil as an alternative to fish oil. Learn more for those with fish allergies, including information on omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish Oil Tablets and Liquid on White Background

CL Answer

What is hesperidin, what is it used for and is it safe?

Learn about hesperidin, including whether its beneficial for heart health, problems with circulation, stroke, cognitive function, depression, cancer and other conditions, and find out if it is safe.

A glass of orange juice sitting on a table and surrounded by sliced and whole oranges

CL Answer

Pros and Cons of Stevia and Other Sugar Substitutes

Learn about the pros and cons of sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners summarized in our table within this article.

Stevia Health Benefits & Safety -- stevia leaf spoonful of stevia

Recalls & Warnings

3/13/2020

FDA Finds Problems at 52% of Supplement Manufacturing Sites in U.S. and 42% Abroad

ConsumerLab.com has obtained results of the FDA's inspections in Fiscal Year 2019 (October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019) of 598 dietary supplement manufacturing facilities in the U.S.

CL Answer

Can I get the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from supplements from China?

Information about catching the coronavirus from supplements from China, plus info on contamination with heavy metals like lead and more.

Coronavirus Risk With Supplements from China? -- 'Coronavirus' written on paper surrounded by supplements capsules and tablets

CL Answer

Do any supplements naturally suppress appetite and help with weight loss?

Learn which natural ingredients can suppress appetite and find if these natural appetite suppressants help with weight loss.

Container of natural appetite suppressant supplement with measuring tape and scale in background

CL Answer

Which is the best mask to prevent COVID-19 and how do cloth, disposable, N95, and KN95 masks compare? How can I stop glasses from fogging?

See our Top Picks for masks. Learn how to make COVID-19 masks from materials at home that can be almost as effective as surgical mask and N-95 masks.

Four masks shown for comparison

CL Answer

Is there a risk of liver toxicity with certain supplements?

Find out if there is risk of liver damage from supplements such as green tea, niacin, red yeast rice and vitamin A.

Liver Shape Made From Paper with Pills and Bottle Against Blue Background

Recalls & Warnings

3/02/2021

FDA Warns Seller of Vitamin C, Silver Spray

On March 1, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ageless Global, LLC following a review of the company's websites for selling Immunoral, Immune Plus, MD Immune Support Spray, and MD CVK-365 Mouth Spray with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

2/02/2021

Seller of Aloe Products Warned for Claiming to Treat Joint Stiffness

On January 22, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to American Global Health Group, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products AloeCure VeraFlex, AloeCure Advanced Formula Capsule, AloeCure Pure Aloe Vera ...

CL Answer

Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water and specialty salts? How concerned should I be?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that can end up foods and beverages. Learn about microplastics found in drinking water and specialty salts. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Microplastics in water, plastic bottle of water pouring water into glass

News Release

4/10/2023

Best and Worst Olive Oils According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, April 10, 2023 — Extra virgin olive oil can be a heart-healthy alternative to saturated fats in the diet, providing antioxidant polyphenols and plenty of oleic acid, a “healthy” monounsaturated fat.

News Release

4/16/2008

FDA's investigation of generic antidepresssant called inadequate by ConsumerLab.com and The People's Pharmacy

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK AND DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — APRIL 16, 2008 — After waiting more than six months for results of the FDA's investigation of a generic version of Wellbutrin XL 300 (Budeprion XL 300), ConsumerLab.

News Release

3/17/2008

As problems surface, Consumerlab.com and the people's pharmacy ask FDA to disclose differences between generic and original drugs

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK AND DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — MARCH 17, 2008 — An investigation by ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

8/18/2020

Seller of Immune Shot Criminally Charged With Making Coronavirus Claims

On August 10, 2020, prosecutors in Georgia charged Matthew Ryncarz and his company Fusion Health and Vitality, LLC d/b/a/ Pharm Origins with selling the misbranded product Immune Shot.

News Release

10/12/2007

ConsumerLab.com finds generic antidepressant behaves differently from original drug. May explain complaints by patients. — Generic drug equality questioned

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK AND DURHAM, NORTH CARLOLINA — OCTOBER 12, 2007 — ConsumerLab.

News Release

8/15/2001

Problems and ambiguity among alternative estrogen products reported by ConsumerLab.com — Results of soy and red clover isoflavone product testing released online today

WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 15, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, today released results of its Phytoestrogen Product Review. The review focused on dietary supplements made from soy and red clover isoflavones.

Recalls & Warnings

5/02/2020

Seller of Botanical and CBD Oil Patches Warned for Coronavirus Claims

On April 27, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Santiste Labs LLC for promoting its transdermal patches containing botanical oils and/or CBD with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

7/30/2014

Chocolate and Carob Drink Mix Recalled Due To Salmonella Risk

On July 25, 2014, CaCoCo, Inc. issued a recall of CaCoCo Original and Global Warrior chocolate drink mixes because they contain organic carob powder which has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

11/02/2012

Maker of Joint Health, Blood Sugar, Prostate, Ginkgo Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding and Adulteration

On September 10, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Global Source Management & Consulting for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Scientific Joint Program capsules, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Healthy Blood Sugar Diabetic Support, Dr.

Recalls & Warnings

7/19/2011

Recall of Enhancement Supplement for Men - Contains Drug Compounds

On July 13, 2011, Global Wellness, LLC announced an expanded voluntary nationwide recall of Via Extreme Ultimate Sexual Enhancer Dietary Supplement for Men. The product was distributed throughout the U.S. Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Canada to internet and retail consumers.

Recalls & Warnings

1/02/2012

Manufacturing Violations for Multivitamin, Vitamin K and Other Supplements

On December 19, 2011, the U.S. FDA sent a Warning Letter to Milk Specialties Global regarding manufacturing violations. Affected products include PrimaForce Proliver Capsules, Dr. Mercola Vitamin K2, Active Women’s Multivitamin/Multimineral, Cremagnavol, Immune Support, and HPF Women’s Multi.

Recalls & Warnings

4/23/2019

"Brain Boosting" Supplements Were Promoted With Non-Existent Clinical Studies

On April 10th, 2019, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) announced the marketers of cognitive enhancement supplements Geniux, Xcel, EVO, and Ion-Z have agreed to settle charges that they made false claims about the product, including fake research references and celebrity ...

Recalls & Warnings

4/27/2016

Multivitamin Recalled Due to Undeclared Allergens

On April 19, 2016, Nuvi Global Corporation issued a recall of StemVitae 30oz liquid multivitamin because they contain the undeclared milk and soy lecithin. 

Recalls & Warnings

3/04/2003

U.S. Marshalls Seize Supplements Claiming to Prevent Cancer and Treat Arthritis

On February 12, 2003, at the request of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized dietary supplement products from Global Source Management and Consulting, Inc., in Sunrise, Florida. U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

7/14/2020

Forty-Six More Hand Sanitizers May Contain Toxic Ingredient, Ten More Recalled

Between July 6 and 10, 2020, the FDA announced that forty-six more hand sanitizers may contain methanol, which is toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

Recalls & Warnings

3/02/2016

Seller of Hoodia and Other Supplements Admits Fraud

On March 1, 2016, The United States Department of Justice announced that David Romeo, principal of several New Jersey- based dietary supplement companies, including Global Nutrients, Stella Labs and Nutraceuticals International, LLC, has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute three kilograms or ...

Recalls & Warnings

3/13/2015

Problems Found with New Zealand Fish Oil Supplements, Concerns Raised About Testing Methods

On January 21, 2015, a study was published which reported that only 3 of 32 fish oil supplements commercially available in New Zealand contained the amount of EPA and DHA listed on their labels (Albert, Sci Rep 2015).

Recalls & Warnings

5/01/2014

Weight Loss Supplement Recalled

On April 29, 2014, dietary supplement distributor Bacai Inc. issued a voluntary recall of one lot of weight loss supplement LiteFit USA because it was found to contain sibutramine.

Recalls & Warnings

1/18/2013

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

4/29/2012

FDA Says DMAA Can't Be Sold as a Supplement -- Warns Sellers

On April 27, 2012, the U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

2/27/2009

$4 Million Settlement by Supplement Maker for False Claims

On February 26, 2009, the Texas Attorney General announced that an agreement was reached with Mannatech Inc. and its former CEO, Samuel L. Caster, both of which had been charged with orchestrating an unlawful marketing scheme that exaggerated their products’ health benefits.

Recalls & Warnings

3/12/2016

FDA Finds Problems at 58% of Supplement Manufacturing Sites in U.S. and Abroad

ConsumerLab.com has obtained results of the FDA's inspections in Fiscal Year 2015 (ending September 30) of 483 dietary supplement manufacturing facilities, showing that most -- 58.2% -- received letters indicating noncompliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).