Product Reviews and Information for Hydration & Electrolyte Balance
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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.
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.
Product Review
Coconut Waters Review
Best Coconut Water? See Our Tests and Comparisons of Popular Brands Looking at Sugar, Electrolytes, Taste and Price.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
CL Answer
Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?
Find out which supplements, and topical products such as magnesium creams, can help reduce muscle pain, leg cramps, and nighttime leg cramps, and which may worsen muscle cramps. Also, learn about vitamin and mineral deficiencies and common medications that can cause muscle cramps and nocturnal leg cramps.
Product Update
4/13/2026
Electrolyte Labels Miss the Mark
Many electrolyte powders don’t match what’s listed on the label. See which products over- or under- deliver on sodium, magnesium, and potassium in our Electrolyte & Sports Drinks Review, which includes our Top Picks among electrolyte powders, pills, and drinks.
CL Answer
Can eating almonds reduce wrinkles or have other health benefits?
Find out if eating almonds can reduce wrinkles or improve aging skin.
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.
Clinical Update
7/22/2022
Electrolytes for Hangovers?
Electrolyte drinks are often recommended to reduce hangover symptoms after drinking alcohol, but do they really help? Find out in our new answer to the question: Do electrolyte supplements, like Pedialyte, help with hangovers?
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.
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.
Clinical Update
2/23/2024
Konjac Ceramides for Skin?
Does taking konjac ceramides (found in the ingredient SkinCera) improve skin appearance? Find out what a study showed in the skin hydration and wrinkles section of our article about phytoceramides.
Clinical Update
9/07/2021
Collagen for Wrinkles
Can taking hydrolyzed collagen in low daily doses reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration in older women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for skin wrinkles.
Clinical Update
8/29/2025
Collagen for Wrinkles?
Does taking collagen reduce wrinkles or improve skin hydration and elasticity? Find out what a recent analysis concluded in the Aging skin and wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for collagen for skin and for joint pain.
Product Update
10/06/2025
Concerns with IV Therapy Spas
A recent study evaluating practices at intravenous (IV) therapy spas (offering hydration and, typically, vitamin therapies) in the U.S. identified potential safety issues at most facilities. Get the details in our article about IV vitamin therapy.
Also learn why IV glutathione therapy is not advised for restoring glutathione levels after Tylenol use, despite celebrity endorsements.
Clinical Update
10/16/2025
Can HyaCera Really Reduce Wrinkles?
Does Ritual’s HyaCera reduce wrinkles and improve skin smoothness, hydration, firmness or elasticity? We break down the latest study results in our Phytoceramides article.
Also see our article: Do any supplements reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin?
Clinical Update
10/07/2024
Ceramides for Skin Benefits?
Does having ceramides in topical skin products (such as those from QV Intensive and CeraVe) make them better for skin hydration? Find out what research suggests in our article about phytoceramides.
Also see our article about supplements for wrinkles.
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 ...
Clinical Update
11/16/2019
Concern With Ginkgo
The use of Ginkgo biloba has been associated with an electrolyte imbalance. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Ginkgo Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick for Ginkgo.
Clinical Update
9/02/2022
What’s in Gatorade?
We were surprised by what we found testing Gatorade Gatorlyte and DripDrops ORS which we added this week to our Electrolytes Review.
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.
Clinical Update
4/28/2017
Vitamin D for Muscle and Balance?
Why did a recent study show that both high and low-dose vitamin D didn't improve muscle strength or balance in women despite the fact that other studies have shown vitamin D to help? The likely answer has to do with the vitamin D status (i.e., blood levels) of the people chosen to participate in these studies. To find out what you should do to improve your balance and reduce your chance of falling, see the "Muscle, Balance and Falls" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
12/10/2021
How to Improve Balance & Reduce the Risk of Falls
Find out how to improve balance with simple exercises, and get tips for reducing the risk of falls in your home. Also, find out which supplements may decrease or increase the risk of falls in our updated answer to the question: Do any supplements improve balance or reduce the risk fo falls?
Clinical Update
11/21/2023
Balance of Nature Shut Down
A court ordered the manufacturer and owners of Balance of Nature supplements to stop producing and selling its products. Find out why in our Fruits, Veggies, & Greens Supplements Review, which includes our tests of Balance of Nature, and our Top Picks among fruits, veggies, and greens supplements.
Clinical Update
12/08/2023
Balance of Nature Back in Business
Balance of Nature has been allowed to resume operations after being shut down for failing to comply with good manufacturing practices. Get our take on Balance of Nature and other products in our Fruits, Veggies, & Greens Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
9/30/2012
Do Spreads Lower Heart Risk?
Buttery spreads like Smart Balance and Benecol claim to lower the risk of heart disease due to their phytosterols/stanols. These plant compounds can certainly help (by lowering cholesterol levels), but recent lawsuits challenge whether Smart Balance and Benecol provide enough sterols/stanols to claim a benefit. It turns out that one may, and one may not. Find out more and get our quality ratings of cholesterol-lowering supplements in the updated Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
7/24/2018
Vitamin D and Leg Muscle Strength
Giving a moderate amount of vitamin D to women deficient in vitamin D was shown to improve leg muscle strength. A much higher dose did not. Get the details, including dosage, and learn about vitamin D for strength and balance in the Muscle, Balance, and Falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.)
Clinical Update
6/02/2018
Melatonin and Balance
If you take melatonin, be aware that it can potentially affect balance for a period of time, as demonstrated in a recent study. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for melatonin.
Clinical Update
7/22/2022
Fruits & Veggies from Capsules?
A member asked if Balance of Nature's "Fruits" and "Veggies" capsules are good replacements for the real thing. See our assessment in the article: Are Balance of Nature products good dietary supplements?
Clinical Update
9/30/2024
Coffee & Balance
Does drinking coffee affect balance in older men and women? Find out what studies have shown in our article about potential health benefits and risks of drinking coffee.
Clinical Update
12/09/2020
Too Much Vitamin D
A 2-year study suggests risks with vitamin D at daily doses of 1,000 IU and higher. Get the details in the Muscle, balance and falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Clinical Update
6/15/2021
Vitamin D May Increase the Risk of Fractures from Falls
Taking doses of vitamin D above the RDA when not necessary may increase the risk of first-time falls with fractures, according to a recent analysis. Get the details in the Muscle, Balance and Falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for low, moderate and high-dose vitamin D supplements.
Clinical Update
8/10/2021
Vitamin D & Risk of Falls
A recent study showed that high-dose vitamin D may increase the risk of falls for certain people. Get the details in the Muscle, Balance, and Falls section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
12/25/2018
Vitamin D for Muscle
Vitamin D increased muscle mass in older men and women with low levels of vitamin D in a recent study. Get the details in the Muscle, balance and falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.)
Clinical Update
12/07/2019
Vitamin D & Muscle
If you are looking to increase muscle mass, make sure you're getting adequate vitamin D. Raising deficient levels has been shown to increase muscle in seniors, and more recently, in men and women in their 40s. For details see the Muscle, balance and falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Clinical Update
11/26/2017
Signs of B12 Deficiency
B12 deficiency is not uncommon, most often affecting older people. Symptoms include anemia, fatigue, tingling in the arms and legs and loss of balance -- but a recent case report highlights a lesser-known sign of B12 deficiency. Find out more, plus how much B12 you should get in the "B12" section of the B Vitamins Review >> (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.)
Clinical Update
3/11/2012
Strength Improves with Vitamin D
A review of 13 studies found that vitamin D supplements may improve balance and muscle strength, but not gait, among older individuals. See the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review for details, including dosage. More >>
Clinical Update
9/02/2015
Vitamin D Increases Strength
A recently published review of clinical studies found that supplementing with vitamin D can improve muscle strength in young, healthy men and women. This has also been found in older individuals and may relate to the fact that vitamin D receptors occur in skeletal muscle. However, this benefit may be limited to vitamin D deficient individuals. Get the details in the "Muscle, balance and falls" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
6/23/2018
Vitamin D for Strength?
Muscles contain vitamin D receptors, but does giving high-dose vitamin D to women deficient in vitamin D improve their muscle strength? Get the answer in the recent update to the Muscle, balance and falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
2/18/2022
Do Vitamin D & Whey Protein Help After a Stroke?
Can taking vitamin D and whey protein after a stroke help improve muscle strength and physical function? Find out what a recent study suggests in the Muscle, balance and falls section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Also see our article about supplements and stroke risk.
Clinical Update
11/11/2022
Aspirin Causing Falls
Taking low-dose aspirin increased the risk of serious falls in a recent study. Get the details in our article: Do any supplements improve balance or reduce the risk of falls?
Clinical Update
8/04/2023
Fruits & Veggies in a Capsule?
We said it was too good to be true, and now the distributor of a fruits & veggies supplement will pay over $1 million to settle a false advertising lawsuit. Get the details and our reviews of products sold by Balance of Nature, Juice Plus, Dr. Berg’s, and Nutrilite.
Also see our Top Picks among other greens supplements, including mixed greens powders, chlorella, and spirulina products.
Clinical Update
3/03/2025
Vitamin D for Vertigo?
Did taking vitamin D help people with a common form of vertigo? See what a recent study found in our Vitamin D Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Also see: Do any supplements improve balance or reduce the risk of falls?
Product Update
1/15/2026
Fruits & Veggies in a Pill?
We said it was too good to be true, and now the distributor of a popular supplement will pay over $9 million to settle a false advertising lawsuit. Get the details in our Fruits, Veggies, & Greens Supplements Review, which covers products sold by Amazing Grass, Athletic Greens, Balance of Nature, Juice Plus, Nutrilite, and Vibrant Health.
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.
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
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.
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
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 ...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
