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In The News
ConsumerLab.com is featured in the following:
In "How Healthy Are Gummy Vitamins?" on NBC News TODAY (October 25, 2022), ConsumerLab.com's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., warned that the company's tests have shown that gummy vitamins are more likely to have quality issues than other types of vitamins, and, concerningly, may contain far more ingredient than listed on the label, which can increase the risk of adverse effects. ConsumerLab testing revealed that two gummy multivitamins contained twice their listed amounts of folic acid, putting them close to the upper tolerable limit for daily exposure. It also found that a popular children’s melatonin gummy contained twice as much melatonin as listed on the label.
In "Gummy Vitamins Are Surging in Popularity. Are They Healthy or Just Candy?" in the Wall Street Journal (October 11, 2022), ConsumerLab.com's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., warns that "gummy vitamins are more likely to have quality issues than tablets and caplets." The article cites ConsumerLab's finding that a popular children’s melatonin gummy contained twice as much melatonin as listed on the label. ConsumerLab has also discovered gummy multivitamins that contained twice their listed amounts of folic acid, putting them close to the upper tolerable limit for daily exposure.
In the article "Don't Rely on Amazon for Legitimate Supplements, Study Finds" on VeryWell Health (August 24, 2022), Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian, suggests that consumers look for supplements that have been certified by a third-party, adding that "ConsumerLab also does significant testing." The article reports on a study that found that more than 50% of 30 top-listed immune support supplements purchased on Amazon.com in May of 2021 listed ingredients that could not be found in them with testing (see ConsumerLab's coverage of that study on August 11, 222).
The People's Pharmacy column "Use caution if choosing red yeast rice for cholesterol" in the Winston-Salem Journal (July 21, 2022) cites ConsumerLab.com's tests of red yeast rice supplements, which found that most did not contain enough of the cholesterol-lowering compound lovastatin to be effective, including one product that contained none, and many were contaminated with citrinin, a potential kidney toxin.
ConsumerLab's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D. was honored to be among the experts speaking at the 2022 Office of Dietary Supplements Research Practicum held at the National Institutes of Health. The talks are now available online through the ODS website. Dr. Cooperman participated in the "Meet the Watchdogs" panel on May 25th - Day 3 (his talk starts at 2:33:05). The Practicum is an annual three-day educational opportunity providing fundamental knowledge of dietary supplements to faculty, students, and practitioners. It emphasizes the importance of scientific investigations to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and value of these products for health promotion and disease prevention as well as how to carry out this type of research.
In "What Are Supplements" from the University of California – San Diego (September 4, 2020), Recreation Nutritionist Erin Kukura explains what consumers need to keep in mind before buying and using a supplement and suggests ConsumerLab.com for checking the purity of supplements.
"How 1.5 Million Aloe Vera Leaves Are Harvested A Week" from Business Insider (October 10, 2021) cites ConsumerLab's findings that half of the aloe liquids, gels and supplements it tested in 2015 contained little or no aloe. ConsumerLab's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., also gives tips in the video on what to look for on aloe labels, and what the ingredient list may or may not tell you about the actual content of aloe products.
"Is Turmeric Good Medicine?" in Consumer Reports (September 12, 2021) takes a critical look at turmeric supplements and suggests that consumers check that products have been tested by a third party such as ConsumerLab.com. See our list of Approved turmeric and curcumin supplements, including our Top Picks, in our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review. Our review includes additional details about what turmeric and curcumin have, and have not, been shown to do in clinical studies.
"Is Aloe a Sham?" in The New York Times (August 20, 2021) warns there's no guarantee that aloe products on the market contain what they promise, and cites ConsumerLab's tests of popular aloe liquids, gels and supplements that found half of the products tested contained little to no aloe.
In Good Housekeeping's "The Best Multivitamins for Women of All Ages" (August 5, 2021), ConsumerLab.com's tests of Multivitamins, Choline, and Fish Oil were used by registered dietician, Jaclyn London, in making selections. The article suggests that consumers look for products tested by ConsumerLab.com or other credible third parties.
In "VERIFY: Having trouble sleeping? Melatonin can work, doctor says" on WCNC NBC in Charlotte (July 7, 2021) sleep physician and director of Novant Health Sleep Services Nancy Behrens, M.D., recommends checking the quality of melatonin supplements, and any supplement you may consider taking, at ConsumerLab.com. For our test results and quality ratings of melatonin supplements, including our Top Picks, see our Melatonin Supplements Review.
In "6 of the Worst Things to Buy at Aldi" from MoneyTalksNews (June 17, 2021), #2 on the list is "Avocado Oil" based on ConsumerLab's recent finding that the fatty acid profile of Aldi’s avocado oil did not fully match that of avocado oil, suggesting adulteration with another oil. For our results and quality ratings of this and other popular avocado oils, as well as our Top Pick among them, see our Avocado Oil Review.
"Westchester's Supplement Superhero: How a Scarsdale doctor became one of the nation's leading vitamin watchdogs" in The Hudson Independent (May 17, 2021) explains what inspired Tod Cooperman, M.D. to create ConsumerLab.com, the leading resource of independent testing and information about health and nutrition products. As explained in the article, ConsumerLab has tested over 6,000 products to date. Dr. Cooperman notes that during more than 21 years of testing, "the most surprising thing has been realizing how often a manufacturer is simply unaware its product has a problem."
In "Choosing the Right Multivitamin – and Do We Really Need One?" on WGNO ABC in New Orleans (April 21, 2021)," registered dietician Molly Kimball discusses why people may not get their daily requirements for vitamins and minerals from their diets and suggests multivitamins Approved by ConsumerLab, noting "I use ConsumerLab.com as a reference when I recommend specific brands – they're an independent lab that test products for purity and truth in labeling, among other tests." Be sure to see CL's latest Top Picks for multivitamins for adults of all ages, children, and pets.
The Natural Medicines Handbook, by bestselling author and long-time family physician, Walt Larimore, M.D., is a wonderfully useful handbook for anyone seeking fact-based and actionable information about vitamins and supplements. In creating The Natural Medicine Handbook, Dr. Walt consulted with ConsumerLab.com, noting that he could not practice medicine the way he does "nor even begin to think about writing a book like this" without the practical materials provided by ConsumerLab. (The Natural Medicine Handbook: The Truth about the Most Effective Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements for Common Conditions, Revell, 2021).
"What's in Your Prenatal Vitamin?" in The New York Times (February 3, 2021) discusses the wide variation in the amounts of vitamins and minerals in prenatal supplements and concerns about contamination. It recommends choosing a prenatal vitamin that has been tested and certified by a trusted, independent organization such as ConsumerLab.com, which has found some prenatal vitamins do not properly disintegrate, or do not contain their listed amounts of certain vitamins.
"A hard pill to swallow: Why gummy vitamins don't work as well as conventional supplements" in Insider (January 21, 2021) cites ConsumerLab's finding that gummies were the most likely type of multivitamin to fail its tests of quality. "This is because they are harder to manufacture than pills, ConsumerLab's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., explains in the article, "which makes it harder to ensure that they truly contain the proper amount of each vitamin and mineral." Dr. Cooperman also discusses other issues with gummies and suggests alternatives for those who want to avoid traditional multivitamin pills.
The premier episode of Wellness, Inc. with Dr. Mike Moreno focused on ConsumerLab.com, calling it "a godsend to health-conscious consumers." The episode, in which Dr. Moreno interviews ConsumerLab's Dr. Tod Cooperman, covers a range of issues relating to dietary supplements, such as vitamin D, and products including CBD, face masks and face shields, canned fish, and water filters. Listen now.
In the article "Nutritional Considerations and Strategies to Facilitate Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation" in the Journal of Athletic Training (September 19, 2020) ConsumerLab.com is identified as among the most common and recommended certification programs for identifying evidence-based supplements. As noted in the article, "When choosing dietary supplements, purchasing products that have been subjected to third-party testing to verify product contents and rule out contaminants is advised." The article discusses the use of supplements such as fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics and creatine.
In "Be savvy about sardines" in the Texarkana Gazette, Drs. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen discuss ConsumerLab's findings that sardines can provide more omega-3 fatty acids and less mercury than albacore tuna. But the amount of arsenic CL found in sardines means consumption should still be limited.
Be sure to see CL's Top Picks for canned sardines, tuna, and salmon.
In "5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System" on AARP.org (March 21, 2020) ConsumerLab.com's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., explains what to do if you think you may be low on vitamin D, one of several vitamins and minerals that are important for immune system health, and the best way to take a vitamin D supplement.
"Can a Supplement Protect Me Against the New Coronavirus?" on Everyday Health (March 18, 2020) features advice from ConsumerLab.com President, Tod Cooperman, M.D., on how to keep your immune system strong. More about this can be found on ConsumerLab's page about supplements and the coronavirus (COVID-19), which includes information about vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, elderberry and other supplements.
"CBD Is Most Often Used for Pain Relief and Sleep" on Newsmax (March 10, 2020) discusses ConsumerLab's survey of nearly 10,000 CL newsletter readers that found pain relief and sleep were the most common reasons for using CBD. The clinical evidence for CBD, as well as CL's tests and Top Picks among popular CBD products, can be found in ConsumerLab's CBD and Hemp Extract Review.
"Can Elderberry Treat the Flu?" in New York Times ‐ Parenting (March 3, 2020) discusses elderberry for flu and cites ConsumerLab's finding of wide-ranging amounts of elderberry compounds in marketed products. It also recommends checking ConsumerLab's Elderberry Supplements Review when choosing an elderberry supplement.
"Collagen: 'Fountain of Youth' or Edible Hoax?" on WebMD (December 12, 2019) cites ConsumerLab's tests of popular collagen supplements, including one that was found to be contaminated with cadmium. The article discusses the growing popularity of collagen supplements and the evidence as to whether they can help improve the appearance of skin or reduce joint pain.
"How to Choose Supplements Wisely" on ConsumerReports.org (October 30, 2019) warns consumers that the FDA does not test supplements for quality or safety before they are sold and highlights the importance of choosing supplements that have been tested and approved through ConsumerLab's Quality Certification Program, or other independent testing program. It cautions that a claim that a product is "verified" or "approved" may be meaningless if not accompanied by a seal from a reputable, independent organization.
"Should I Take a NAC Supplement?" on Medium (October 25, 2019) explains the rise in popularity of NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) supplements, which are promoted for everything from asthma and anxiety to curbing colds and improving cognition. In the article, ConsumerLab's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., comments on this. More information about NAC, and CL's tests of popular NAC products, can be found in ConsumerLab's NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) Supplements Review.
"Is ingestible collagen the fountain of youth? Maybe" on CNN.com (October 17, 2019) recommends checking ConsumerLab's Collagen Supplements Review and its tests of products when selecting a collagen supplement. The article explains why collagen supplements have become so popular, whether they really work to help reduce wrinkles and decrease joint pain and stiffness and what to expect when taking collagen, including information from CL's review about potential side effects with collagen supplements and how long it may take to see a benefit.
An expert report on supplements for brain health by the Global Council on Brain Health, in which ConsumerLab participated, concluded that there is no solid evidence supporting the general use of supplements to boost brain health or prevent or treat dementia or Alzheimer's disease, except for taking vitamin B-12 and/or folate to offset deficiencies in those vitamins. People who consume seafood providing omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of declining memory and thinking skills, but this benefit has not been well demonstrated with omega-3 as a supplement. Small and short-term studies have suggested benefits with other supplements but there is not yet conclusive evidence for these. The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) is an independent collaborative of scientists, doctors, scholars and policy experts from all over the world brought together by AARP.
"Feeling your oats: What's best and healthy" in the Philadelphia Inquirer (May 27, 2019) cites ConsumerLab's finding that some oat cereals contain a surprising amount of gluten, even though gluten does not naturally occur in oats. It also discusses ConsumerLab's tests of oat cereals for contamination with ochratoxin A (OTA) and which products CL found to provide the best quality and value.
"Do SugarBearHair Vitamins Really Work? Here's What Our Nutritionist Says" in Good Housekeeping (May 22, 2019) takes a look at the evidence for these popular "hair and nail" vitamins, including what ConsumerLab has to say about the amount of biotin they contain. The article also recommends choosing a multivitamin that has been tested and Approved by ConsumerLab.
"The Best Multivitamins for Women for Every Stage of Life, According to Experts" in Good Housekeeping (April 26, 2019) highlights the quality issues CL found with gummy vitamins and discusses CL's finding that many prenatal multis lack proper amounts of key nutrients. The article recommends choosing a multivitamin that has been tested and Approved by ConsumerLab.com.
"CBD: Are you getting what you paid for?" on KCTV5 News Kansas City (February 3, 2019) cites ConsumerLab.com's finding that you can't always rely on labels when choosing a CBD product. In the report, ConsumerLab's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., explains "I would say at least 30 percent of the labels are accurate. The other 70 percent aren't accurate or are just not telling you on the label what to expect." KCTV5 News also purchased and tested four CBD products sold in Kansas City and found that none contained the amount of CBD listed on its label. The report recommends purchasing only CBD products that have been tested with results that can be verified.
Consumer Reports' "Melatonin may not be as safe as you think," on ABC Eyewitness News Chicago (March 19, 2019) discusses potential concerns and side effects of taking melatonin supplements and recommends looking for a melatonin supplement Approved by ConsumerLab.com or other independent testing organization.
"Do Gummy Vitamins Work? Here's What Experts Say" in TIME magazine (March 13, 2019) cites ConsumerLab's finding that gummies were the most likely type of multivitamin to fail its tests of quality. In the article, ConsumerLab's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., explains the issues with gummies, as well as why they typically do not contain iron.
In "8 Nutrients You Shouldn't Take in Pill Form" (Reader's Digest, February 16, 2019), ConsumerLab.com's president Tod Cooperman, M.D., explains why supplements such as apple cider vinegar, vitamin D and melatonin are best taken as a liquid, while for others, like vitamin C and folic acid, a pill is best.
"Do Gummy Vitamins Work, and Are They Good or Bad for You?" (Healthline, January 30, 2019) discusses the pros and cons of gummy vitamins and cites ConsumerLab's finding that 80% of gummy vitamins -- selected for testing in its Multivitamin Review -- did not provide the amounts of vitamins and minerals listed on their labels. The article recommends choosing a multivitamin with certification from ConsumerLab or other independent testing organization.
In "Using CBD products? Beware risk of positive drug test" in The Joplin Globe (December 22, 2018), ConsumerLab.com's president Tod Cooperman, M.D., explains why, although uncommon, taking CBD products can result in a failed drug test. The article also cites ConsumerLab's tests of popular CBD oils and hemp extracts, including the amounts of CBD and THC found they contained -- information that is often not provided on labels.
In "How to get enough vitamin D without the sun" in Business Insider (December 17, 2018), JoAnn E. Manson, M.D., Dr.P.H., chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and study director of one of the largest ongoing trials on the effects of vitamin D supplementation (the VITAL study), recommends looking for evidence of quality control testing from independent organizations such as ConsumerLab.com when choosing a vitamin D supplement.
In the Prevention article "We Looked Into Whether It's Safe to Take Expired Vitamins" (December 21, 2018) ConsumerLab.com's president Tod Cooperman, M.D., explains what expiration, "best by" and "use by" dates on vitamin and supplement labels mean, and how their potency and safety may be affected after these dates.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' (AND) position paper on Micronutrient Supplementation (November 2018) recognizes ConsumerLab.com as an independent organization that evaluates supplement quality. The AND is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. As the paper explains, it is the AND's position "...that micronutrient supplements are warranted when requirements are not being met through the diet alone. Those with increased requirements secondary to growth, chronic disease, medication use, malabsorption, pregnancy and lactation, and aging may be at particular risk for inadequate dietary intakes. However, the routine and indiscriminate use of micronutrient supplements for the prevention of chronic disease is not recommended, given the lack of available scientific evidence."
The article "Current regulatory guidelines and resources to support research of dietary supplements in the United States" by Regan Bailey, Associate Professor of Nutrition Science at Purdue University, cites ConsumerLab as a resource for its independent work comparing "actual analytical levels of product ingredients with the labeled levels for a wide range of product types..." The article also refers to CL's Multivitamin Review, which found quality control problems with 46% of MVM products. The article appears in the November 2018 issue of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, a leading nutrition journal.
When in Rome... do an interview for Italian television about dietary supplements. ConsumerLab's President, Tod Cooperman, M.D., recently discussed CL's findings and U.S. regulation of dietary supplements with Carla Rumor of the Italian national public TV station RAI for the news report "Se la pillola va giù" (November 13, 2018). The report (in Italian) focuses on the current regulation of supplement-type pills and drinks in Italy. (Dr. Cooperman's interview begins at 13:53 minutes into the 30 minute broadcast.)
ConsumerLab's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D. was among the experts speaking at the 2018 Office of Dietary Supplements Research Practicum held at the National Institutes of Health. The talks are now available online through the ODS website. Dr. Cooperman participated in the "Meet the Watchdogs" panel (his talk starts at 16:07 minutes). The Practicum is an annual two-and-a-half-day educational opportunity providing fundamental knowledge of dietary supplements to faculty, students, and practitioners. It emphasizes the importance of scientific investigations to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and value of these products for health promotion and disease prevention as well as how to carry out this type of research.
"CBD: A marijuana 'miracle' that comes at a very high price" in the Philadelphia Inquirer (October 23, 2018) cites ConsumerLab's tests of popular CBD products, which found a 10-fold difference in the amount of CBD in products and a 5-fold difference in the cost to get CBD from these products. Also noted is research by Dr. Marcel Bonn-Miller of the University of Pennsylvania.
The article "Calcium Supplements for Osteoporosis" by physical therapist Margaret Martin on MelioGuide.com (October 3, 2018) provides useful information about calcium supplements from an interview with ConsumerLab.com's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D. A video of the interview is also provided.
In his article about statins versus red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol, Dr. Zorba Paster cited ConsumerLab.com's tests of red yeast rice supplements (Wisconsin State Journal, October 5, 2018). He also noted that ConsumerLab.com is his "go-to place for up-to-date, great information for any supplement."
In "The CBD Oil Bloom" segment on Dr. Oz (October 2, 2018), ConsumerLab.com president, Tod Cooperman, M.D. discussed CL's tests of popular CBD and hemp oil products with Dr. Oz and Dr. Sanjay Gupta. CL found some products to contain 10 times more CBD than others. Watch Part 1 and Part 2 of the segment.
In "Supplements for Brain Health?" on AARP.org (August 7, 2018) ConsumerLab's Dr. Tod Cooperman discusses the evidence for B vitamins, curcumin (from turmeric), cocoa flavanols and fish oil for improving cognition and memory, as well as key findings from ConsumerLab tests of these supplements and what to look for when choosing a product. Complete findings and CL's Top Picks for each can be found in ConsumerLab's Reviews of B Vitamins, Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements, Dark Chocolates and Cocoa Powders and Fish and Marine Oil Supplements.
"Not All Bone Broths Are Healthy" in BottomLine Personal (August 15, 2018) cites ConsumerLab.com's tests and reviews for bone broths. Complete findings (including amounts of collagen found in each product) and CL's Top Picks are found in CL's Bone Broth Review.
"Don't Trust the Label on Your Supplements" in Outside magazine (July 5, 2018) features an interview with ConsumerLab.com's president Tod Cooperman, M.D. and others on its scientific staff, including Mark Anderson, Ph.D., Vice President for Research. The article explains the important role that 3rd party testing organizations play in helping consumers find better quality supplements.
On the Dr. Nieca Goldberg show on SiriusXM's Doctor Radio (June 21, 2018), ConsumerLab's Dr. Tod Cooperman discussed vitamin D and answered questions about what it does, how much to take, and risks. See ConsumerLab's Review of Vitamin D supplements.
On SiriusXM's Doctor Radio (May 13, 2018), Internal Medicine host Dr. Ira Breite interviewed Dr. Tod Cooperman of ConsumerLab.com about the cannabidiol oil craze as well as probiotics. See ConsumerLab's reviews of cannabidiol products and probiotic supplements.
The Dr. Oz Show segment "Is Your Apple Cider Vinegar Real?" (April 30, 2018) featured ConsumerLab.com's recent tests of popular apple cider vinegar bottled liquids and pills. CL found that most apple cider liquids were generally of good quality, but one apple cider vinegar supplement contained potentially dangerous levels of acetic acid. Watch the segment on Dr. Oz's website.
In "13 Supplement or Medication Combos You Should Never Mix" in Reader's Digest (March 23, 2018), ConsumerLab.com's president Tod Cooperman, M.D., discusses interactions among vitamins, minerals, other supplements, and drugs.
"Should You Drink Matcha Tea?" in TIME magazine (March 8, 2018) provides a good overview of matcha green tea and discusses ConsumerLab.com's findings from our tests of popular brands of matcha -- determining amounts of beneficial catechins (including EGCG), caffeine, and lead contamination.
In "To Our Health: Pros and cons of vitamins and supplements" in the Cloverdale Reveille (March 7, 2019), author Paula Wrenn notes, "If you wish to research the quality of the supplement brand you want to use, a website that can prove helpful in terms of quality is ConsumerLab.com."
"Don't Rely on a Gummy Multivitamin If You Can Swallow a Tablet" from Center for Science in the Public Interest (November 27, 2017) notes problems with gummy vitamins uncovered by ConsumerLab.com in its recent Multivitamin Review.
The article "Nearly 50% Of Multivitamins Don't Live Up to Their Claims" in Men's Health magazine (November 15, 2017) cites ConsumerLab.com's recent tests of multivitamin supplements, which found that many popular multivitamins contained too much or too little of listed ingredients, or failed to disintegrate in time – with gummies and large tablets most likely to fail. The article also explains how to find the best multi for you, based on ConsumerLab.com's findings.
The article "What can you do to make your nails grow faster?" from MedicalNewsToday (November 18, 2017) refers to ConsumerLab.com's article "Can vitamin supplements strengthen brittle nails?" Also see CL's Top Pick for biotin supplements for hair and nails.
"What Are Greens Powders – and Do You Need Them?" in U.S. News & World Report (November 17, 2017) cites ConsumerLab.com's findings of lead and arsenic in some greens powders.
On Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (July 30, 2017), ConsumerLab.com's Vitamin D Supplements Review was mentioned to compare the very low cost of a CL Approved vitamin D3 supplement to the much higher cost of a product promoted online. (CL is mentioned 14 minutes into the broadcast).
In the video, "The Pros and Cons of Probiotics" on Reuters Health Watch (July 13, 2016), ConsumerLab.com's President, Tod Cooperman, M.D., discusses probiotic supplements and provides tips on what to look for on probiotic labels and how to best store these supplements. Also see ConsumerLab.com's Probiotic Supplements Review for the latest tests of popular products.
On The Dr. Oz Show (May 1, 2015) ConsumerLab.com president Dr. Tod Cooperman discussed the CL tests that helped Dr. Oz expose herbal weight management supplements which contained little of the key ingredients which CL expected from their labels, such as Garcinia cambogia and green coffee bean extract. Read Dr. Cooperman's article "Why You Need to Be Extra Careful with Supplements for Weight" on the Oz website and watch Part I and Part 2 of the segment "Dr. Oz Investigates Online Scams Using His Name to Dupe You" (results of CL's tests are in Part 2).
Dietary supplement retailer GNC has entered into an agreement with the New York Attorney General's Office to perform additional tests on its products, including DNA barcode testing of the plants used to make herbal supplements. A press release issued by the office of the New York Attorney General (March 30 2015) included reactions to the agreement from a number of experts in the areas of nutrition and dietary supplements, including ConsumerLab.com President, Tod Cooperman, M.D., who noted "The additional tests outlined by this agreement are a positive step toward making sure that herbal supplements are actually made from the plants on their labels." The announcement follows the New York Attorney General's February 2015 report which found problems with herbal supplements sold by major retailers, including GNC.
On The People's Pharmacy radio show Herbal Supplements Put to the Test (March 14 2015) ConsumerLab.com president Dr. Tod Cooperman discussed what the New York Attorney General's recent report on faulty dietary supplements does — and does not — reveal about the products that were tested. Dr. Cooperman explains the importance of using appropriate testing methods, which methods are used by ConsumerLab.com and why, and steps consumers can take to avoid problem supplements. You can listen to the full show here (segment begins around minute 7).
The article, "Probiotics Pros and Cons," (March 3, 2015) on BerkeleyWellness.com cites ConsumerLab.com's tests of popular probiotic supplements which found some to contain lower amounts of organisms than listed on the label. The Berkeley article provides an overview of current evidence for various uses of probiotics, including digestion, weight loss and oral health. BerkeleyWellness.com is the website of the Berkeley Wellness Newsletter, which is associated with the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley.
On NPR's The Diane Rehm Show (February 26, 2015) Vitamania author Catherine Price warned consumers not to rely on labels when trying to choose a supplement, citing ConsumerLab.com's tests of aloe, garlic and ashwagandha supplements which found many did not contain what was claimed. Price recommended checking supplements with a third party organization, noting "I particularly like a company called ConsumerLab.com… it is one of the only companies that actually pulls products randomly off store shelves and evaluates them to see if they have what they say they have." You can listen to the full show here (ConsumerLab.com first mentioned around minute 21).
Vitamania, by award-winning journalist, Catherine Price, is a new "must read" book for anyone interested in nutrition. In Vitamania, Price recommends ConsumerLab.com, describing it as a "particularly excellent resource." The book is a fascinating, deep dive into the history of vitamin discovery, vitamin crazes, and vitamin politics. It shows that just when we feel we fully understand our nutritional needs, new discoveries prove us wrong — impressing on us the importance of maintaining an open and discerning mind regarding foods and supplements. (VITAMANIA: Our Obsessive Quest for Nutritional Perfection, Penguin Press 2015).
The New York Times article "Knowing What's in Your Supplements" (Well Blog, February 12, 2015) recommends checking ConsumerLab.com's product reviews when trying to ensure a supplement contains what it claims on the label, after a New York Attorney General's report earlier in the month raised questions about the quality of supplements sold my several major retailers.
An NBC News' Today article asks "Which vitamins and herbal supplements can you trust?" (February 3, 2015). The article comes in the wake of the New York Attorney General's report about faulty herbal supplements sold by major retailers. In the Today article, ConsumerLab.com President, Tod Cooperman, M.D. explains potential problems with herbal supplements and how to avoid them. The article recommends looking for ConsumerLab.com approval, or other third-party certification, before buying a supplement.
In the ABC News' Good Morning America segment "Herbal Supplements Crackdown: Some Brands May Be Misleading," (February 2, 2015) ConsumerLab.com President, Tod Cooperman, M.D. commented on the danger of unlisted ingredients in herbal supplements. The segment was triggered by a report from the New York Attorney General suggesting that some major supplement brands do not contain what they claim and may contain unlisted ingredients.
In the Runner's World article "Herbal Supplements May Not Contain What You Think" (February 4, 2015), Leslie Bonci, the director of sports nutrition at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine, suggests consumers look at ConsumerLab.com for its ratings of products. (Also see the article in SHAPE "New York Attorney General Says Labels on Supplements May Be Lying" (February 4, 2014), which includes tips about supplements from ConsumerLab.com's president).
In "Can I stop taking fish oil?" in the Washington Post (Nutrition Q&A, January 21, 2015), nutrition author Catherine Price recommends ConsumerLab.com when trying to choose a quality fish oil supplement, citing ConsumerLab.com tests of fish oil supplements.
"How to Pick the Best Vitamin D Supplement" in Shape magazine digital edition (December 23, 2014) cites ConsumerLab.com's product tests and recommendations. See ConsumerLab.com's Product Review of Vitamin D Supplements >>
At the China International Nutrition and Health Summit 2014 in Beijing in November, ConsumerLab.com's President, Tod Cooperman, M.D., and its Chief Scientific Office for China, Dr. Yongchao Li, presented findings from CL's tests of dietary supplements in the U.S. and announced the upcoming launch of its Chinese-language website - cn.consumerlab.com.
The ABC News Good Morning America report "FDA Cracks Down on Dietary Supplement Company" (November 7, 2014) discussed the problem of heavy metal contamination in herbal supplements ( which are not required to receive FDA approval before being sold on the market) and the FDA's recent lawsuit against one supplement company for failing to heed numerous warnings that it was manufacturing and distributing adulterated supplements. In the report, ConsumerLab.com president Tod Cooperman, M.D., warned consumers that approximately 20- 25% of supplements the company reviews fail testing, often because they don't contain as much ingredient as claimed, or are contaminated with heavy metals. He noted that herbal supplements are more likely to exceed heavy metal limits than other types of supplements.
A new study found that providing access to ConsumerLab.com as part of a "toolkit" to nurse practitioners improved their knowledge and their guidance of patients regarding the use of natural health products. The study was published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care (Gutierrez, 2014), the official publication of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
ConsumerLab.com at Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo – ConsumerLab.com's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., spoke on October 19 about the quality of dietary supplements at FNCE 2014 in Atlanta, run by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Cooperman spoke to hundreds of dietitian nutritionists along with noted sports nutritionist, Lisa Dorfman, R.D, focusing on supplements in integrative sports nutrition. The presentations are online.
In the Fox and Friends report, "Do generic drugs work as well as brand name drugs?" (September 27 2014), ConsumerLab.com president Tod Cooperman, M.D., advised consumers of warning signs that may indicate a generic drug is not working properly. The report featured ConsumerLab.com's findings in 2007 that a generic version of the antidepressant Wellbutrin XL 300 (bupropion hydrochloride XL 300) was releasing its ingredient much more quickly than the brand name version of the drug. [If you have experienced a problem which you believe is attributable to differences among generic drugs, please let us know.]
The ABC Nightline report, "Prescription Drugs: Generics, Brand Names Not the Same?" (September 24, 2014) highlighted ConsumerLab.com's tests of a generic version of the antidepressant Wellbutrin XL 300 (bupropion hydrochloride XL 300), which found the drug released its ingredient much more quickly than the brand name version of the drug. In the report, ConsumerLab.com president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., discussed why this can be a problem. The findings led to further investigation by the FDA and eventual removal of two generic versions of bupropion XL 300 from the market. [If you have experienced a problem which you believe is attributable to differences among generic drugs, please let us know.]
The article "Drink's breast enlargement claim 'not backed by science'" in the South China Morning Post (August 13, 2014) quotes ConsumerLab.com President, Tod Cooperman, M.D. who states: "This scam has been going on for many, many years in many different forms with a variety of herbal ingredients that naturally contain isoflavones." For more information about these types of products, see ConsumerLab.com's report on Breast Enhancement Supplements >>
The article "Cocoa Powders Found to Contain a Toxic Metal" on Prevention.com (August 2014) featured findings from ConsumerLab.com's Garcinia Cocoa Powders, Extracts, Nibs, and Chocolate Review.
In Goop.com's article "Demystifying the Diet" (July 17, 2014) nutritionist Kelly Dorfman discusses quality issues with multivitamin supplements and notes how difficult it can be for consumers to evaluate ingredient quality without independent information. She recommends subscribing to ConsumerLab.com when trying to compare ingredients and find a quality multivitamin supplement. (See ConsumerLab.com's Multivitamin Review now for tests and quality comparisons).
The article "Fish Oil Boosts Brain Power" on Yahoo Health (July 16, 2014) discusses a study suggesting a benefit of fish oil supplementation in preventing cognitive decline (recently reported by ConsumerLab.com in the Fish Oil Supplements Review) and recommends ConsumerLab.com as a resource for choosing the best fish oil supplement.
On The Dr. Oz Show (July 7, 2014) ConsumerLab.com president Dr. Tod Cooperman talked with Dr. Oz about quality issues with herbal supplements (such as St. John's wort and echinacea), and three important things to look for on labels before buying. Read Dr. Cooperman's article "Smart Guide to Choosing Herbal Supplements" on Dr. Oz's site and watch the segment "How Safe Are Your Herbal Supplements: Part 2" > >
The article "Are Cocoa and Chocolate a Reliable Source of Flavanols?" in Nutrition Action.com (July 1, 2014) refers to ConsumerLab.com's recent test of these products (See CL's Review of Cocoa Powders, Extracts, and Chocolate – Sources of Flavanols). The author, David Schardt, Senior Nutritionist with Center for Science in the Public Interest, points out, "This is the first time that flavanol levels in commercial products have been made public."
Dr. Zorba Paster, a syndicated health journalist, referred to ConsumerLab.com as his "favorite online source" for checking the quality of products in a recent article about protein shakes in the Quad City Times (June 20, 2014). Dr. Paster is also heard on public radio at Zorba Paster On Your Health.
An NBC New York report on the Dangers of Generic Drugs (June 2, 2014) featured ConsumerLab.com president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., discussing the need for the disclosure of more information about generic drugs and supporting a bill proposed in New York State requiring the release of bioequivalence data for all generic drugs sold in the state. If the bill passes, New York would be the first state with this requirement. The NBC report includes an interview with a woman who had used the generic antidepressant (bupropion XL 300), which ConsumerLab.com tested in 2007, leading to further investigation by the FDA and eventual removal from the market. [If you have experienced a problem which you believe is attributable to differences among generic drugs, please let us know.]
For the fourth year in a row, ConsumerLab.com president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., was asked by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to talk to nutrition researchers as part of the 2014 Dietary Supplement Research Practicum offered by the Office of Dietary Supplements in June. As part of the "Meet the Watchdogs" panel, Dr. Cooperman was joined by David Schardt of Center for Science in the Public Interest and others. The annual practicum is an intensive program to provide fundamental knowledge of dietary supplements to faculty and post-doc students at academic institutions; healthcare practitioners; and others with advanced biomedical degrees.
In "Doctor Oz Goes Face to Face with Scam Artists" (April 29, 2014) ConsumerLab.com's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D. revealed that a Garcinia cambogia supplement boasting Dr. Oz's (unauthorized) endorsement was "the worst" Garcinia product among those tested by ConsumerLab.com. This information helped Dr. Oz get the product removed from the market. (Test results are found in the Garcinia cambogia Supplements Review>>)
On The Dr. Oz Show (February 18, 2014), ConsumerLab.com president Dr. Tod Cooperman talked with Dr. Oz about quality issues with protein powders, based on CL's latest report. Read Dr. Cooperman's article "Smart Guide to Buying and Using Protein Powders" on Dr. Oz's site and watch the segment "Oz Investigates: Protein Powder" >>
The article "How to boost your heart and brain health with fish oil" in USA Today (February 12, 2014) discusses the latest clinical findings for fish oil and cites results of ConsumerLab.com's Fish Oil Supplements Review.
The article "Probiotics can enhance health, but what are effective doses?" on the Philadelphia Inquirer's website philly.com (January 26, 2014) cites statistics from ConsumerLab.com's Vitamin and Supplement Users Survey and test findings from its Probiotic Supplements Review. The article includes recommendations from various experts regarding the use probiotics.
On The Dr. Oz Show (November 27, 2013), ConsumerLab.com president Dr. Tod Cooperman talked with Dr. Oz about adulterated herbal supplements, as well as supplements to help prevent or treat colds and flu tested by ConsumerLab.com (echinacea, zinc, vitamin D). Read Dr. Cooperman's article "3 Top Supplements for Colds and Flu" on Dr. Oz's site and watch the segment "What's Really in Your Herbal Supplements?" >>
The article "The Diet Pill That's Scamming You" on Prevention.com (November 2013) featured findings from ConsumerLab.com's Garcinia Cambogia Supplements Review.
In the article "Beware the Impurities in 'Natural' Supplements" in The Wall Street Journal (November 20, 2013), Dr. Murali Doraiswamy, a professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center, writes, "Readers can turn to ConsumerLab.com to see purity results for specific herbal brands."
On NPR's Science Friday (November 8, 2013), two experts, David Schardt, Senior Scientist at Center for Science in the Public Interest, and Victoria Maizes, M.D., Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, each recommended ConsumerLab.com as a resource when trying to choose among herbal and other supplements. ConsumerLab.com is mentioned at 6 and 8 minutes into the segment "Navigating Dietary Supplement Regulations."
The article "Herbal-Supplement Scam: Tests Reveal Fake and Dangerous Ingredients" on Yahoo! Shine (November 4, 2013) recommends ConsumerLab.com as a resource to research herbal supplements.
ConsumerLab.com's president, Tod Cooperman, M.D., was asked by the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons to talk to physicians, dieticians, nutrition researchers, and students at its Micronutrient Supplement Symposium on October 26, 2013 in New York City. Dr. Cooperman spoke on the "Evaluation of Supplement Quality and Safety" and participated in a panel discussion. The goal of the symposium, which was attended by more than 600 individuals, was to "better understand how to counsel patients about dietary patterns and supplement use" and "close the gap on shortfall nutrients."
