Product Reviews and Information for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Product Review
Probiotic Supplements Review (Including Pet Probiotics)
See What's Really in Probiotics and Our Top Picks
CL Answer
I have IBS and don't want to take medication if I can help it. I've heard that peppermint works for IBS, but is there good research to support this?
Information about using peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including clinical evidence, dosage, safety and more.
Product Review
Prebiotic Supplements Review
You Can't Tell How Much Fiber Is Really In Most Prebiotics Without Testing
Product Review
L-Glutamine Supplements Review
Find the Best L-Glutamine Supplements Based on Quality and Value. See our Top Picks.
CL Answer
Butyrate Supplements for Gut Health: Does butyric acid really work and is it safe?
Can butyrate supplements improve gut health or help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease? Find out what the clinical evidence shows, learn about the different forms of butyrate, including sodium butyrate, calcium-magnesium butyrate, and tributyrate, and get details about products such as BodyBio Sodium Butyrate and Healus Complete Biotic Tributyrin, dosage, safety and cost.
CL Answer
Has the probiotic VSL#3 been changed or discontinued? Is Visbiome a good alternative?
Find out if the probiotic formula VSL#3 has been changed and how it compares with Visbiome. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
What are the benefits of Daily Synbiotic by Seed Health? Does it do what it claims, and is it better than other probiotics and prebiotics?
Review of Daily Synbiotic by Seed, including information about the prebiotic and probiotic strains in the supplement, and whether there is evidence of benefit for the synbiotic.
CL Answer
Which supplements can cause diarrhea?
Can supplements like magnesium cause diarrhea? Find out which supplements may cause diarrhea, such as vitamin B12, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin C and fish oil.
Product Review
Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review
Big Differences in Strength Found Among Digestive Enzyme Supplements. CL Tests Reveal Which Are Best.
CL Answer
Have you heard of the probiotic, Keybiotics? Does it do what it claims, and is it worth the money they charge?
Whole Body Research Keybiotics probiotic information, including its ingredients and possible cheaper alternatives.
CL Answer
How do I choose the best probiotic supplement? There are so many different strains of bacteria!
Information on how to choose the best probiotic supplement based on safety and our lab test on probiotic bacteria content.
CL Answer
Which supplements or OTC medications help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?
Find out which supplements may help reduce flatulence (gas), and learn which supplements or foods may worsen symptoms of flatulence.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for ulcerative colitis?
Find out what supplements & vitamins can help with ulcerative colitis, such as VSL#3, curcumin, aloe or boswellia.
Product Review
Melatonin Supplements Review
Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
IBS supplements may help reduce irritable bowel symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Supplements include probiotics, melatonin, and flaxseed.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and is it safe?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is commonly promoted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Find out if it works.
Product Review
Lactose Intolerance Products Review (Lactase Enzyme Supplements and Lactose-Free Milks)
Choose the Best Lactase Enzyme Supplement and Lactose-Free Milk. Find a CL Approved Lactose Intolerance Product.
Product Review
L-Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Supplements Review
Choose the Best L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP Supplements. CL Tests Identify High Quality L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan) at the Best Value.
Recalls & Warnings
March 01, 2023
Seller of Dr. Miller’s Herbal “Detox” Teas Warned by FDA for Drug Claims
On February 3, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Jackson Health & Wellness Clinic after inspection of the company’s website found statements about the company’s Dr. Miller’s Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Super Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Ultimate Tea, Dr.
Product Review
Manuka Honey Review
Find the Best Manuka Honey Based on Quality, Taste, and Value. See our Top Picks.
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
Psyllium Fiber Supplements Review
Find the Best Psyllium Fiber Supplement and Avoid Lead.
Product Review
Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review
Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity
Product Review
Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review
Tests Reveal the Best and Worst Berberine and Goldenseal Products
Product Review
Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)
See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs
News Release
March 13, 2025
Best L-Glutamine Supplements According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, NY, March 13, 2025 — L-glutamine (glutamine) supplements are promoted to boost energy and the immune system and for other benefits, but do they really work, and if so, which glutamine products on the market are best?
News Release
November 10, 2022
Best Probiotic Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, November 10, 2022 — Probiotic supplements can be helpful in preventing or treating constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, vaginal infections, and other conditions, but with so many different products on the market, choosing the best one is no easy task.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin, and are they safe?
Chlorophyll supplements are promoted for reducing body odor, preventing cancer, removing toxins from the body, improving digestive conditions and other uses, but do they work and are they safe? Find out and learn if such supplements actually contain chlorophyll.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods help relieve constipation and which can cause constipation?
Find out which supplements can cause constipation, including iron, calcium, protein powders and drinks and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of bovine colostrum and is it safe?
Bovine colostrum is promoted for boosting immunity, preventing and treating diarrhea, and improving gut health, but does it really work? See the clinical evidence for bovine colostrum, including doses that have been used, as well as safety concerns, cost considerations, and the difference between regular bovine colostrum and hyperimmune bovine colostrum.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods reduce or increase the risk of kidney stones?
Find out which supplements, foods and beverages may increase or decrease the risk of kidney stones, including information about potassium, calcium, choline, turmeric and curcumin, vitamin C, as well as foods and beverages such as green tea, lemon juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, chocolate and almonds.
CL Answer
Is it better to take fish oil, flaxseed oil -- or both?
Fish oil and flaxseed oil -- how they are different, what they are used for, if and how they can help with arthritis, depression, lowering cholesterol & more.
CL Answer
Does Magnesi-Om Work and Is It Worth It?
Magnesi-Om's website claims it can promote calmness and improve cognitive function, muscle relaxation, and bowel movements. Find out if it's been shown to work, is safe, and worth the price.
CL Answer
Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?
Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.
News Release
October 28, 2022
Labels on Prebiotic Supplements Are Often Unreliable, Tests Show
White Plains, New York, October 28, 2022 — Prebiotic supplements provide fiber that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. However, recent ConsumerLab tests show that consumers often can’t rely on labels to know how much prebiotic fiber is really in products.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help reduce menstrual pain or symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Find out which supplements help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, pain, bloating, irritability and food cravings.
CL Answer
Which supplements can help treat anemia? Do any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?
Find out which vitamin and nutrient supplements can help prevent and treat anemia in people who are nutrient deficient and learn which supplements may cause low blood cell counts, especially when used in excess.
CL Answer
What is BPC-157, what is it used for and is it safe?
Find out about BPC-157, including what it's promoted for and if it is safe.
News Release
April 14, 2020
ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best Probiotic Supplements and Those With Quality Issues
White Plains, New York, April 14, 2020 — Probiotic supplements may be helpful for conditions including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and respiratory infections.
News Release
July 31, 2018
Best L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab -- ConsumerLab Tests Strength and Purity of Supplements for Sleep and Mood
White Plains, New York, July 31, 2018 — L-tryptophan supplements are often promoted to improve sleep and 5-HTP supplements to help with depression.
News Release
May 02, 2018
Best Probiotic Supplements and Kombuchas? -- ConsumerLab Tests 41 Popular Products, Reveals Problems and Top Picks
White Plains, New York, May 2, 2018 — With so many different probiotic supplements on the market, each providing different amounts and strains of beneficial bacteria or yeast, choosing the right one can be an overwhelming task.
News Release
February 13, 2014
Calcium, Vitamin C, and Fish Oil Supplements Drop in Use, Probiotics Rise According to ConsumerLab.com Survey
White Plains, New York, February 13, 2014 — A recent survey of over 10,000 people who use dietary supplements shows that the use of calcium, vitamin C and fish oil supplements fell during 2013 while the use of probiotics increased.
CL Answer
Are There Supplements That Help Treat POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)?
Find out which supplements and lifestyle changes may be helpful for people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
CL Answer
Can zuPOO and its primary ingredient, cascara sagrada, cleanse the gut, improve digestion and help with weight management?
zuPOO is marketed for gut support and as a colon cleanser for weight management. Find out if research supports these claims and if ingredients in zuPOO are safe.
CL Answer
Hemp Seeds: Health Benefits, Safety, and What To Consider When Picking a Product
Hemp seeds are promoted for heart health, diabetes, boosting testosterone, and other conditions, but do they work? Find out and learn about potential safety concerns.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help with restless legs syndrome?
Find out whether supplements or vitamins like iron, magnesium, vitamin E and others can help for restless leg syndrome (RLS). ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
I developed a rash soon after starting a probiotic. Is it possible to be allergic to probiotics?
Find out if probiotics can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, and why.
CL Answer
Do any supplements or foods benefit people with Crohn's disease? Are there any supplements that should be avoided?
Find out the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people with Crohn's disease, including iron, B6, B12, vitamin D, zinc and others, plus evidence for N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG), fish oil, and curcumin.
News Release
August 31, 2012
ConsumerLab.com tests selenium supplements -- Finds one with less than 25% of listed amount
White Plains, New York, August 31, 2012 — ConsumerLab.com announced results today of its Product Review of Selenium Supplements. Among the supplements selected by ConsumerLab.com for testing, one was found to contain only 23.
News Release
February 09, 2012
Probiotics grow in popularity but don't always deliver on promises says ConsumerLab.com -- New report provides guidance to consumers
White Plains, New York, February 9, 2012 — Probiotic supplements and foods containing "friendly" bacteria or yeast have become popular options for people hoping to improve bowel function or boost immunity. But many customers are confused by the vast array of choices.
News Release
November 16, 2009
ConsumerLab.com finds many probiotics don't deliver listed ingredients
White Plains, New York November 16, 2009 — Many probiotic supplements do not contain the number of viable organisms listed on their labels according to a new report from ConsumerLab.com.
CL Answer
I take fluoxetine (Prozac), a SSRI drug to treat depression. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?
Learn about Prozac (fluoxetine) drug interactions along with other supplements and SSRIs.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of zinc carnosine, also called polaprezinc, and is it safe?
Find out if zinc carnosine is beneficial for any GI conditions, including stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, taste disturbances, aspirin-induced small-bowel injury and oral mucositis, and learn if it is safe.
Recalls & Warnings
April 23, 2013
Seller of Digestion, Thyroid and Vitamin D Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On November 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to The Women's Health Institute at Texas following a review of the company's various websites which found statements made about Digest + SEB, Iodine Plus 2, and D5000 Vitamin D dietary supplements to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
December 17, 2020
FTC Crackdown on Six Deceptive CBD Products
On December 17, 2020, the FTC announced that it is taking action against six companies for selling CBD products with unsupported and deceptive health claims that they can treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, and others.
News Release
August 04, 2009
Most vitamin E supplements pass testing, but what seems natural may be synthetic according to ConsumerLab.com -- New review of vitamin E supplements, oils, and creams released today
White Plains, New York — November 16, 2009 — Many probiotic supplements do not contain the number of viable organisms listed on their labels according to a new report from ConsumerLab.com.
Recalls & Warnings
November 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
March 16, 2006
Garden of Life, Maker of Primal Defense, Settles FTC Charges
On March 9, 2006, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that an operation that marketed dietary supplements sold at Whole Foods Market, GNC, the Vitamin Shoppe, and on the Internet settled FTC charges that they made deceptive advertising claims about their supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
September 14, 2021
Seller of Lion's Mane, Other Mushroom Supplements Warned by FDA
On July 20, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Brilliant Enterprises LLC because it found statements made on the company's website and social media about mushroom supplements, including Lion's Mane, BoomChaga, CordaCex, and LVL:MAX to be drug claims.
News Release
December 12, 2006
Probiotic supplements grow in popularity but viable bacteria missing in many — ConsumerLab.com cautions consumers to select probiotics carefully and store them properly
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — DECEMBER 12, 2006 — Sales of supplements containing beneficial organisms (probiotics) have grown rapidly, but a new test report from ConsumerLab.com shows that 44% contained fewer viable organisms than claimed or generally known to be effective.
Recalls & Warnings
September 13, 2013
Metagenics Warned For Misbranding of Medical Foods and Drug Claims
On August 13, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Metagenics, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
June 02, 2022
Walmart Inc. Recalls Joint Supplements With Omega-3, Glucosamine & Curcumin
On May 28, 2022, Walmart Inc. issued a voluntary recall of all lots of Artri Ajo King Joint Supplements after FDA laboratory analysis found the presence of undeclared diclofenac.
Recalls & Warnings
February 22, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Melatonin & Other Sleep Supplements
On February 18, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to SANA Group LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Sleep Sana Sleep Drops and Sleep Shots to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
November 29, 2016
Seller of Mineral, Joint Supplements and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On July 1, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to BioGenyx-Basic Reset, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Ionyte, Aqualyte, Beta Factor, Bee Gold and Primo Java to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under ...
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
October 24, 2012
Manufacturer of Green Tea, Vitamin E, Omega-3 and Cranberry Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Misbranding and Drug Claims
On October 16, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Advanced Nutritional Technology Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
December 21, 2012
Dangerous Supplement Being Sold Under New Name
On December 21, 2012, the FDA warned consumers that Reumofan Plus, a dietary supplement promoted for arthritis and muscle pain that has been linked to serious and sometimes fatal side effects, is now being sold under the name WOW.
Recalls & Warnings
February 20, 2013
Recall: Arthritis and Muscle Pain Supplement Contains Prescription Drugs
On February 15, 2013, Reumofan Plus USA, LLC and Reumofan USA, LLC announced a recall of Reumofan Plus, a dietary supplement promoted for arthritis and muscle pain, because it was found to contain the active pharmaceutical ingredients methocarbamol, dexamethasone, and diclofenac.
Recalls & Warnings
August 22, 2012
FDA Warns of Life-Threatening Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms from Two Arthritis, Muscle Pain Supplements
On August 21, 2012, the FDA issued a warning to consumers about the dangers of taking Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium, two dietary supplements marketed for arthritis, osteoporosis and muscle pain.
