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Product Review

Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review

See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes

CL Answer

I do moderate exercise for about an hour a few times a week. Which supplements might help me, and which should I consider avoiding?

Info on what supplements are best for work out & exercise regimens, including electrolytes, protein, creatine, and BCAAs.

Supplements for Moderate Exercise

CL Answer

Do electrolyte supplements, like Pedialyte, help with hangovers?

Find out if electrolyte supplements and drinks, like Pedialyte, help with hangovers. See the clinical evidence about the effects of drinking alcohol on the balance of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, plus, other tips for staying hydrated.

Hangover Pic

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

CL Answer

What is the ingredient zeolite I see in Natural Cellular Defense and other detox supplements? Does it help in any way?

Learn what zeolite is and why it is found in many detox supplements like Waiora's Natural Cellular Defense, Get Healthy Again Zeolite, and Ultra Liquid Zeolite.

Natural Cellular Defense

CL Answer

I am 70 a year male in relatively good health. I plan on walking the Camino in France (500 miles). I am looking for a multivitamin that would best supply me with my needs during this walk/hike. What would be the best product or combination of products to use?

Find out if older adults who walk or hike should take a multivitamin, vitamin C, vitamin D, or other supplements, like electrolytes, when hiking. Plus, see our advice for choosing a good sunscreen.

Hiking 8

News Release

February 25, 2024

Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2024 Based on Consumer Satisfaction

White Plains, New York, February 25, 2024 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on over 10,000 responses collected in November/December 2023.

CL Answer

Does coconut water help re-hydrate as well as sports drinks?

Find out how coconut water compares to sports drinks, including rehydration and possible side effects.

Coconut Waters Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Do any supplements improve balance or reduce the risk of falls?

Find out which vitamins & supplements may improve your balance to help reduce the risk of falling, including vitamin D and protein.

Supplements to Improve Balance & Reduce the Risk of Falls -- older woman walking up stairs

CL Answer

What are phytoceramides? Do phytoceramide supplements really work to improve aging skin?

Phytoceramide supplement information, including what they are, what they claim to do, and if they have anti-aging effects.

Phytoceramides for Aging Skin? -- woman looking at skin up close in mirror

CL Answer

Does taking a laxative interfere with the absorption of vitamins or minerals?

Information on laxative interactions with other medications and supplements such as Maalox, antibiotics, and statins and diabetes medications.

Laxatives and vitamin and mineral absorption

CL Answer

Can eating almonds reduce wrinkles or have other health benefits?

Find out if eating almonds can reduce wrinkles or improve aging skin.

Eating Almonds to Reduce Wrinkles? -- woman with handful of almonds

CL Answer

Do any supplements reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin?

Learn about collagen, biotin, CoQ10, cocoa, soy isoflavones, phytoceramides, and other supplements for reducing wrinkles and improving aging skin.

Elderly Woman Smiling Looking in Mirror

CL Answer

Are Balance of Nature products good dietary supplements?

Do Balance of Nature supplements "Fruits" and "Veggies" supplements really provide the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, and are they worth the cost? Find out.

Balance of Nature

CL Answer

Are intravenous (IV) vitamin infusions safe and effective?

Intravenous (IV) vitamin infusions are touted by celebrities and promoted by wellness clinics for numerous conditions. Find out if they work and if they are safe.

Woman holding her phone while getting an iv vitamin infusion

CL Answer

Should I be concerned about phytic acid in oat cereals? I've heard that it can be harmful, but also that it can have health benefits.

Get information on phytic acid levels found in oats and oat cereals.

Phytic Acid in Oat Cereal -- bowl of oatmeal

News Release

November 02, 2023

Spirulina and “Greens” Supplement Tests Show Some Problems

White Plains, New York, November 2, 2023 —  ConsumerLab tests of spirulina, chlorella, and “greens” supplements revealed that tablets of three brands of spirulina failed to disintegrate within the allotted time, and several other products contained amounts of lead unsuitable for regular consumption ...

News Release

July 20, 2022

Best Electrolyte Drinks for Hydration? Note: Some Contain 20 Times More Sodium Than Others

  White Plains, New York, July 20, 2022 — It's important to stay well hydrated, and electrolyte products can help.

Recalls & Warnings

April 10, 2024

Powerade Variety Packs Recalled

On February 27, 2024, the Coca-Cola Company issued a recall of various lots of Powerade Zero Fruit Punch, Powerade Zero Mixed Berry, and Powerade Mountain Berry Blast electrolyte drinks because the products may contain a foreign metal object, namely a stainless-steel ring.

News Release

April 25, 2019

Best Coconut Water? ConsumerLab Tests Popular Products, Reveals Top Pick

White Plains, New York, April 25, 2019 — Coconut water is often promoted as a healthy way to stay hydrated and a natural alternative to sports drinks.

News Release

July 26, 2016

36% of Meal Replacement Powders and Shakes Fail ConsumerLab.com's Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, July 26, 2016 — [Note: This review has been archived and is no longer available online. For ConsumerLab's most recent tests of meal replacement shakes, drinks and mixes, please see our Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review.

Recalls & Warnings

January 16, 2024

NOW Recall of Phosphatidylserine Prompted by ConsumerLab Findings

On January 10, 2023, NOW Health Group issued a voluntary recall of two lots of NOW Phosphatidyl Serine Extra Strength 300 mg Softgels and Protocol For Life Balance Phosphatidyl Serine Extra Strength 300 mg Softgels after a company investigation confirmed some of the products were ...

News Release

August 04, 2011

Some coconut waters don't deliver on promises according to ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York — August 4, 2011 — Coconut water—the natural juice from green coconuts— is often touted as a natural alternative to sports drinks. But does it really deliver? "It depends on the brand," says ConsumerLab.com President, Tod Cooperman, M.D. ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

December 14, 2023

Pain Relief Tea Recalled, Found to Contain Prescription Drugs

On December 13, 2023, WS Global issued a recall of all lots of the company’s Himalayan Pain Relief Tea after products were found to contain diclofenac and dexamethasone, prescription drugs that are not listed on the product’s label.

Recalls & Warnings

April 03, 2024

FDA Warns Ambaya Gold for Promoting Products for Depression, Cancer, & Arthritis

On December 5, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Ambaya Gold Health Products, LLC following review of the company’s website and social media, which found statements about the company’s Brain Balance, Immune System Boost, Dentist In A Bottle, Essensiac, Fulvic Green, Silver ...

Recalls & Warnings

July 11, 2011

Use of "Sports Drinks" and "Energy Drinks" Discouraged by Pediatric Group

A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics outlines how sports and energy drinks are being misused and provides guidance to decrease or eliminate consumption by children and adolescents.

Recalls & Warnings

July 31, 2020

FDA Warns Seven Sellers of "Hangover Cures"

The FDA recently issued warning letters to seven companies for promoting hangover relief products with drug claims (use the links below to read the full warning letter):

Recalls & Warnings

June 23, 2020

BioPure Healing Products Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On June 17, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to BHP Holdings Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

January 04, 2020

Hormonal Balance Supplement Tied to Liver Failure

An otherwise healthy 23-year old woman in Texas is reported to have recently developed liver failure (requiring a liver transplant) after taking the supplement Balance (from Alani Nu) for four months.

Recalls & Warnings

April 17, 2020

Seller of Vitamin D, MSM, Selenium & More Warned for Drug Claims

On March 31, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to KetoKerri LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about some of the company's products, including Dr.

Recalls & Warnings

June 16, 2020

Seller of Silver, Arginine, and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On June 1, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Morningstar Minerals LLC, which found the company's products, including Silver Boost, to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under conditions that violate Current Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary ...

Recalls & Warnings

June 04, 2020

FTC Warns 35 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On June 4, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 35 companies for selling products such as herbal products, immune system boosters, and vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

December 16, 2015

Maker of Red Yeast Rice, St. John's Wort, Valerian and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On December 2, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nature's Health, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's product, including Ginkgo & Rhodiola, Blood Sugar Balance IV, Cinnamon Extract, Choles-Balance Red Yeast Extract, Lecithin, Milk Thistle Seed Extract, ...

Recalls & Warnings

February 10, 2018

Warning to D-Limonene, Vitamin C Seller

On January 31, 2018 the FDA issued a warning letter to Long Life Unlimited, LLC following a review of the company's website which found promotional statements and testimonials made about products including Balance 600, D-Limonene, Rapha Remedy, Rapha Remedy w/ p73 Wild Oregano, Vitamin C, ...

Recalls & Warnings

May 14, 2014

Maker of Mood, Smoking Cessation Supplements and More Warned for Violations, Drug Claims

On April 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to CDJ Holding, Incorporated, d.b.a.

Recalls & Warnings

December 08, 2011

HCG Diet Products Don't Work and Are Illegal Says FDA

On December 6, 2011, the U.S. FDA warned consumers to avoid homeopathic HCG weight-loss diet products because they don't work, often make unsupported claims, and are illegal for sale. In addition, some of these products direct user to follow a potentially dangerous diet.

Recalls & Warnings

July 18, 2017

FDA Warns Seller of "Quick Slim with pure Hoodia Gardonii" and "Diabalance Herbal Blood Sugar Balance"

On July 11, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Black Seed Herb, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

September 08, 2011

FDA Warns Several Supplement Manufacturers Not Following Good Manufacturing Practices

In recent weeks, the U.S. FDA has sent warning letters to several supplement manufacturers regarding deficiencies identified during audits of their facilities and not adequately corrected. Use the links below to access the Warning Letters on the FDA website.

Recalls & Warnings

November 30, 2013

"Diuretic" Weight Loss Supplement Recalled

On November 29, 2013, IQ Formulations issued a recall of all lots of diuretic weight loss supplement HYDRAVAX because one lot of the supplement was found to contain an undeclared prescription diuretic drug.

Recalls & Warnings

August 29, 2013

Seller of CELLFOOD Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On August 1, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to supplement retailer Lumina Health Products, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

March 29, 2013

Prescription Drugs Found In Prostate and Sexual Enhancement Supplements

October 24, 2012 the FDA issued a warning letter to USA Far Ocean Group Inc./ Health & Beauty Group Inc. because a number of the company's dietary supplements were found to contain pharmaceutical drugs, or were promoted with statements that constitute drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

October 24, 2012

FDA Seizes Many Supplements from New York Company Due To Drug Claims

On October 23, 2012, U.S. Marshalls, acting on behalf of the FDA, seized dietary supplements and unapproved drugs from Confidence, Inc., a supplement manufacturer in Port Washington, N.Y. The products included dietary supplements Dr.

Recalls & Warnings

October 18, 2012

Natural Product Manufacturer Warned For GMP Violations, Misbranding, Unapproved Devices and Drug Claims

On August 28, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Creation's Garden Natural Products, Inc. following an inspection of the company's manufacturing facility, which found violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) for dietary supplements.

Recalls & Warnings

February 13, 2018

American College of Sports Medicine Warns of Energy Drink Dangers

A new statement released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) highlights the dangers of energy drinks when consumed by children and adolescents, and calls for more studies on the safety and efficacy energy drinks.

Recalls & Warnings

February 02, 2018

Seller of Vitamin D, Omega-3's, Whey Protein & More Warned for Drug Claims

On January 24, 2018 the FDA issued a warning letter to Young Health Products, LLC following a review of the company's website which found promotional statements and testimonials made about the certain products, including Lugol's Solution 2%, Liquid Vitamin D3, Probimune, Flax Seed & Omega ...

Recalls & Warnings

May 10, 2013

Seller Of Sexual Enhancement and Hormonal Balance Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations

On April 26, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Pristine Bay, L.L.C.

Recalls & Warnings

March 15, 2013

Maker of Liquid Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On January 31, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Liquid Health, Inc.