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CL Answer

Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Find out which supplements help improve memory, brain function and cognition, including fish oil, some B vitamins, cocoa, and curcumin. ConsumerLab's answer explains the evidence for supplements promoted to help with brain function and cognition.

Supplements for Memory -- doctor holding a model of a brain and fish oil capsule

Product Review

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

See Our Omega-3 Top Picks and Avoid Rancid Fish Oils.

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

Product Review

Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K, and Boron)

Find the Best Vitamin D Supplement and Avoid Problems

Vitamin D Review 2024

Product Review

Low-Dose Lithium Supplements Review

Choose the Best Low-Dose Lithium Supplement. CL Tests Reveal Which Low-Dose Lithium Supplements Offer the Best Quality and Value.

Very Low Lithium Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Huperzine A Supplements Review

Choose the Best Huperzine A Supplement. CL Tests Reveal the Best Huperzine A Supplements for Memory.

Huperzine A Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Magnesium Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamins D & K, and Boron)

Find Out What Magnesium Does, Who Needs It, and Our Top Picks Among Supplements

Magnesium Review 2024

Product Review

B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)

See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing

B Vitamins Review 2024

Product Review

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) Supplements Review

Choose the Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplement. Finding Real Ginkgo Isn't Easy — 60% Fail ConsumerLab's Tests of Quality.

Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

NAD Booster Supplements Review (NAD+/NADH, Nicotinamide Riboside, and NMN)

How Important Is Boosting NAD+ Levels? Find Out and Learn How Booster Supplements Compare.

NAD Boosters (NAD+/NADH, Nicotinamide Ribose, and NMN)

Product Review

Phosphatidylserine (PS) Supplements

Find out if phosphatidylserine helps with memory and which products are best.

Phosphatidylserine Review 2024

CL Answer

Does red and near infrared light therapy reduce pain, improve skin or cognition, or have other benefits? Is it safe?

Red light and near infrared light therapy devices are promoted for numerous conditions, including acne, fibromyalgia, pain, cognitive function and other uses. Find out if these devices work and if they are safe.

Woman using a red light device on her lower leg

CL Answer

Is drinking coffee good or bad for heart health?

Learn more about coffee and caffeine, its safety, if it's good for you, how much coffee is too much and its impact on your heart.

CL Answer

Does ergothioneine help prevent age-related problems such as impaired cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or cataract, and is it safe?

Learn about ergothioneine and its potential use for cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cataract, or kidney disease, as well as its safety and cost of supplements containing this ingredient.

Various types of mushrooms that contain ergothioneine in a wooden bowl on a wooden countertop

CL Answer

Does coffee have brain benefits?

People commonly drink coffee to increase alertness, counteract fatigue, and boost cognition, but does it really improve memory and cognitive function? Find out, and learn about risks linked with drinking too much coffee.

Silhouette of mans head with coffee beans in place of brain

Product Review

Calcium and Bone Health Supplements Review (Including Vitamins D & K, Magnesium and Boron)

See Which Bone Health Supplements Are Top Picks and Which Fail

Calcium Review 2024

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.

Butyrate Supplements

CL Answer

Does silica have health benefits? What is BioSil, and can it really increase collagen production and strengthen hair, skin, nails and bones?

Information about the health effects of silica (silicon dioxide) and orthosilicic acid (an ingredient in BioSil), including whether these forms of silicon can really increase collagen production, thicken hair, strengthen nails & bones.

Does BioSil Strengthen Hair, Skin and Nails? -- Bottle of BioSil

Product Review

Amla Supplements Review

Only 3 of 8 Amla Powders and Pills Pass CL's Tests

Amla Review 1

CL Answer

Does Alpha Brain really improve memory, focus and cognition?

Find out if Alpha Brain really improves memory, focus and cognition. See the clinical evidence and get details about Alpha Brain ingredients, as well as potential side effects and drug interactions. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Bottle of Alpha Brain capsules

Product Review

Green Tea Review: Tea Bags, Loose Leaf Tea, Matcha Powders, and Supplements

Some green teas provide barely any green tea polyphenols, while some others are high strength. See the Test Results and Our Top Picks for Green Tea.

Green Tea Review 2024

CL Answer

Does Qualia Mind boost memory and mental function and is it worth cost?

Learn about the ingredients in Qualia Mind, whether or not we think the formula works and is safe, and if we think it's worth the cost.

qualia-mind

Product Review

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

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

Product Review

Selenium Supplements Review

Choose the Best Selenium Supplement. Find Out If You Need Selenium and Which Supplement Is Our Top Pick.

Selenium Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Does methylene blue increase energy, slow aging, or improve memory?

Methylene blue is promoted for increasing energy, slowing aging, and improving memory. Find out if there is evidence for this, plus safety and side effects.

Methylene Blue 1

Product Review

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review

Best Multivitamins -- Caution with Gummies

CL Answer

Do plasmalogen supplements improve cognitive function and memory?

Plasmalogen supplements claim to improve cognitive function, support memory, and reduce brain fog. Find out if they work.

Hands holding puzzle in shape of head with puzzle pieces missing

CL Answer

What is Noopept? Can it really improve memory and cognition, and is it safe?

Learn more about Noopept, including results from clinical studies on cognition, safety, and dosage.

CL Answer

Do "Mr. Happy Stack" supplements improve memory, cognition and mood, and are they safe?

Find out if Happy Stack supplements really work to enhance memory and cognition, plus safety and side effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Happy Stack for Memory? -- Person holding a capsule

CL Answer

Does Neuriva improve memory or cognitive function?

Find out about Neuriva, its ingredients, and the evidence for or against it for memory and cognitive function.

Bottles containing capsules of Neuriva Original and Neuriva Plus

CL Answer

Does Bacopa extract improve memory, mood, or sleep? Is it safe?

Find out if bacopa improves memory and cognition, mood or sleep, and whether it's been shown to be helpful in people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Plus, learn about the safety and common side effects of bacopa.

Bacopa for Memory and Cognition -- Bacopa leaves and powder

CL Answer

L-Serine & D-Serine: Health Benefits and Safety

Serine exists in two forms: L-serine and D-serine. Find out how these two forms differ and learn if either form has health benefits and if it is safe.

Two white pills in front of a brain

CL Answer

How much calcium do you need each day, what forms are best, and how much is too much?

Learn about the recommended daily intake of calcium from food & supplements and why taking too much can be harmful. Also, learn about the forms of calcium that are available and which are best.

None

News Release

October 17, 2024

Not All B Vitamin Supplements Contain What They Claim, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, NY, October 17, 2024 —  Recent ConsumerLab tests revealed that 19% of popular B vitamin complexes and individual B vitamin supplements selected for testing contained far less, or far more of one or more B vitamins than claimed on the label.

CL Answer

I take omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to reduce stomach acid. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Supplement interactions with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs like omeprazole (Prilosec) and Nexium.

CL Answer

Should you take olive oil as a supplement?

Although extra virgin olive oil has many possible health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease and improved blood sugar control, these and other benefits have been demonstrated when olive oil replaces for saturated fats in the diet, not when taken as a supplement, as we explain.

Olive oil being poured into a spoon being held over a bowl

CL Answer

Do any supplements or lifestyle changes reduce the symptoms of tinnitus? Is it true that some supplements can cause tinnitus?

Learn which supplements can ease tinnitus, including melatonin and pine bark extract. Understand which may actually cause tinnitus.

Word blocks spelling out “tinnitus”

Recalls & Warnings

February 13, 2019

Supplements Promoted for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Sell "False Hope," Warns FDA

On February 11, 2019, the FDA warned consumers to beware supplements promoted to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

CL Answer

Estrogen Creams for Wrinkles?

Find out if estrogen creams can help reduce wrinkles, whether they are safe, and how "prescription" estriol and estradiol creams and gels differ from those sold over-the-counter.

Older woman applying estriol cream for wrinkles

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.

Bottle of Magnesi-Om

CL Answer

Is it possible to get too much vitamin D?

Too much vitamin D can lead to adverse effects, including hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood).

Too Much Vitamin D? -- bottle of vitamin D and vitamin D tablets in the shape of the letter D

CL Answer

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

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

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

CL Answer

Are antioxidant supplements good or bad for you?

Learn more about whether antioxidants like astaxanthin, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10, curcumin, resveratrol, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are safe and if they help prevent chronic diseases.

Can Antioxidants Cause You to Die Sooner? -- antioxidant supplements and carrots

CL Answer

Do sea moss and carrageenan have health benefits? Are there risks?

Sea moss is promoted for thyroid health, boosting immunity, improving gut health, and other uses. Find out if it works and learn about possible side effects of sea moss and its constituent, carrageenan.

Sea moss in a clear bowl next to a wooden spoon on the countertop

Recalls & Warnings

November 26, 2019

Cognitive Enhancement Supplements Contain Unapproved Drug

Several supplements sold in the U.S. and promoted for cognitive enhancement contain significant amounts of the drug piracetam -- a drug that is not approved for use in the U.S. -- according to a study published this week in JAMA Internal Medicine. 

News Release

January 12, 2024

ConsumerLab Tests Prompt Product Recall of Memory Supplements

White Plains, New York, January 12, 2024 —  Phosphatidylserine supplements are often promoted to improve memory and brain function, but do they really work, and if so, which products on the market are best? To find out, ConsumerLab carefully reviewed the clinical evidence, and selected, ...

News Release

June 14, 2022

Best B Complexes, B12, and Other B Vitamin Supplements Revealed by ConsumerLab Tests: Beware of High Doses

  White Plains, New York, June 14, 2022 — Recent ConsumerLab tests of over 30 popular vitamin B complexes and supplements revealed that four products contained either much less, or much more, of at least one B vitamin listed on the label.

News Release

March 07, 2018

Finding Real Ginkgo Isn't Easy, ConsumerLab's Tests Reveal

White Plains, New York, March 7, 2018 — Recent tests of popular Ginkgo biloba supplements sold in the U.S. found that only 4 of 10 were confirmed to contain their listed amounts of real ginkgo extract.

Recalls & Warnings

May 21, 2014

Seller of Gingko and Milk Thistle Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On April 4, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Xtra Life Natural Systems, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

January 04, 2024

Lone Star Botanicals Warned by FDA for Manufacturing Violations

On November 26, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Lone Star Botanicals, Inc.

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.

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

February 25, 2020

FTC Sends Refund Checks to Consumers of Unproven "Brain-Boosting" Supplements

On February 25, 2020, the FTC announced it is mailing 27,174 checks totaling more than $551,000 to consumers who purchased deceptively marketed "cognitive improvement" supplements. The refunds are being distributed as part of a settlement of charges that the products contained deceptive claims.

Recalls & Warnings

December 29, 2020

FDA Warns Five Sellers of CBD for Claims of Treating Arthritis, Alzheimer's and More

On December 22, 2020, the FDA issued warning letters to five sellers of CBD following reviews of the companies' websites, which found statements made about the companies' products to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

September 26, 2020

Cognitive Enhancement Supplements Can Contain Unapproved Drugs

Recent testing detected five unapproved drugs in 10 over-the-counter cognitive enhancement and workout supplements sold in the US.

Recalls & Warnings

December 05, 2018

Seller of Cold and Flu Supplements, "SuperFood" & More Warned by FDA

On October 30, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to American Botanical Pharmacy following a review of the company's website (www.herbdoc.com) and Facebook page, which found statements made about some of its products to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

April 23, 2019

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

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

Recalls & Warnings

August 09, 2012

Makers of Mineral Water Containing Lithium Warned

On July 20, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Lithia Mineral Water, Inc. declaring Lithia mineral water product to be an approved drug following a 2011 facility inspection.

Recalls & Warnings

October 24, 2012

Warning Issued to Memory Supplement Maker For Unapproved Drug Ingredient, Drug Claims and Unreported Adverse Events

On October 16, 2012, the FDA issued a letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Quincy Bioscience Manufacturing Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

August 13, 2016

Seller of Omega-3, Ginkgo, Vision Supplements & More Warned for Drug Claims

On July 22, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Viva Nutraceuticals (J & E International Corporation) following a review of the company's website and promotional literature, which found statement made about its products, Eyestonia, Ginkgo Biloba 60mg, Golden Omega-3 Max, ...

Recalls & Warnings

February 24, 2015

Seller of Heart, Brain and Diabetes Supplements Warned for Drug Claims

On February 6, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to LCW, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

May 06, 2014

Seller of Flaxseed, Ginkgo and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On April 18, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Iowa Select Herbs, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Flax Seed, Holy Basil, Papaya Leaf Extract, and Ginkgo Leaf Extract products, to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held ...

Recalls & Warnings

September 26, 2014

Sellers of Essential Oils Warned for Claiming to Treat Ebola, Other Diseases

On September 22, 2014, the FDA issued a warning to Young Living following a review of websites, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter accounts owned by Young Living distributors, which found statements made about the company's essential oils, including Thieves, Cinnamon Bark, Oregano, ImmuPower, ...

Recalls & Warnings

December 01, 2017

Health Research Labs Agrees to Settle FTC Charges of False Claims, Deceptive Marketing of BioTherapex and NeuroPlus

On November 30, 2017, the FTC announced Health Research Laboratories LLC and owner, Kramer Duhon, agreed to settle charges that they made false claims about the company's products, BioTherapex and NeuroPlus.

Recalls & Warnings

August 16, 2006

Marketers of Diabetes Supplement Banned From Claiming Products Treat or Cure Diseases

On August 10, 2006, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that an operation selling Chinese herbal supplements is banned from claiming its products treat or cure diseases, to settle FTC charges it violated a previous court order.

Recalls & Warnings

January 05, 2005

Marketers of Brain-Rejuvinating Supplement Settle FTC Charges of False Claims

On January 5, 2005, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that a company that heavily advertised an herbal dietary supplement called "Sagee" to the Chinese-language and Vietnamese-language communities had settled FTC charges of making false and unsubstantiated claims for the product.

Recalls & Warnings

March 17, 2004

Marketers of “Focus Factor” and “V-Factor” Fined for Advertising Claims

On March 17 , 2004 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that the marketers of “Focus Factor,” a dietary supplement that purports to improve concentration, and “V-Factor,” a supplement that purports to enhance sexual performance, have agreed to settle charges that they made numerous ...

Recalls & Warnings

May 28, 2003

FTC Challenges Claims of Five Supplements to Treat or Cure Serious Diseases

On May 27, 2003 the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had filed a complaint in federal district court against A.

Recalls & Warnings

June 13, 2013

Seller of Cardio, Immune, Greens Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims

On May 29, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement company Nature's Answer, following a review a the company's website, www.naturesanswer.

Recalls & Warnings

May 23, 2013

Seller of Sexual Enhancement, Cholesterol, Resveratrol Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims

On May 2, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Alternative Health Supplements, following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about several dietary supplements, including Regenerect, Alligin, Astaxanthin Advantage, HDL Cholesterol Management, Resveratrol, Coral Calcium ...