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CL Answer

Do any supplements help with gum disease or periodontitis?

Supplements for healthy gums may help with gum disease or periodontitis. Learn more about omega fatty acids, lycopene, and probiotics.

Smiling Woman Taking White Supplement with Glass of Water

Clinical Update

10/25/2022

Vitamin D for Gum Disease?

Does supplementing with vitamin D help treat gum disease? Find out what research suggests in the Periodontal Disease section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.

Also, see our article about supplements for gum disease or periodontitis.

CL Answer

Which ingredients should toothpastes and other dental products contain, and which should be avoided?

Learn about ingredients you want in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products and which ingredients you may want to avoid.

Toothpaste in the shape of question mark coming out from toothpaste tube

Clinical Update

6/02/2023

Fish Oil for Gum Disease?

Does taking fish oil after dental "deep cleaning" reduce bleeding and pocketing around teeth in people with severe gum disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Periodontitis section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of manuka honey, and is it safe?

Manuka honey health benefits, how it differs from common, store-bought honey, safety, evidence for using manuka honey for wounds, sore throat and cough, constipation and more.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey -- jar of manuka honey

Product Review

CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review

Find the Best CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements and Learn What They Do

CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Probiotic Supplements Review (Including Pet Probiotics)

Probiotics: See What They Really Contain and Our Top Picks

Clinical Update

6/17/2022

Managing Bleeding Gums

Find out which ingredients can help prevent gum disease and our Top Picks toothpaste and mouthwash for bleeding gums in our updated answer to the question about finding the best toothpaste.

Clinical Update

8/28/2018

Probiotics for Gum Disease

Can probiotic lozenges improve gum health when used in conjunction with oral cleanings? Find out what studies are showing in the Periodontitis section of the Probiotics Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements for other uses.)

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.

Probiotic Supplements and Bottles Against Blue Background

CL Answer

8 Supplements That May Help Treat Peptic Ulcers – And Some to Avoid

Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection are typically treated with antibiotics, but certain supplements may also help. Find out which 8 supplements might be beneficial - and which should be avoided.

Supplements for peptic ulcer disease - young man with stomachache

Product Review

Prebiotic Supplements Review

You Can't Tell How Much Fiber Is Really In Most Prebiotics Without Testing

Prebiotics 2024 Expanded Review

Product Review

Plant-Based Milks Review (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Macadamia, Oat, Pea, and Soy)

Find the Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternative. ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really In Plant-Based Milks.

Plant Based Milks reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

What are omega-7 fatty acids? Do I need to take these if I already take fish oil?

Learn what omega-7 fatty acids are and if you need to also take them while taking fish oil. See the varying amounts of omega-7 fatty acids in fish and krill oil supplements.

Fish Oil

Product Review

Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Boswellia, Collagen and Turmeric)

One-Third of Joint Health Supplements Failed to Pass Our Tests. See Which Passed or Failed, and our Top Picks.

Review of Supplements for Joint Pain

Product Review

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review

Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?

Find out if black seed oil has health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, asthma, weight loss, and others. Dosage, forms, including black seed oil and black seed powder, safety information, using black seed oil in foods and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Black seed oil benefits -- bowl of black cumin seeds and bottle of oil

Product Review

Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review

Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands

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.

Woman Grabbing Stomach Due To Abdominal Discomfort

Product Review

Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review

Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests

Product Review

Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review

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

CL Answer

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): How can I avoid PFAS in dental floss, food, water, and other products?

Some brands of dental floss, including Oral-B Glide, may contain potentially toxic chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances). Get the details, and learn which floss and pick products are our Top Picks.

Toxic PFAS Chemicals in Dental Floss -- Woman Looking at Dental Floss

Product Review

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review

Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

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

Mangosteen Juice and Supplements Review Article

What Are the Benefits of Mangosteen Juice and Supplements? Find Out What Mangosteen Can and Cannot Do For Your Health.

Recalls & Warnings

June 19, 2023

A&Z Pharmaceutical Warned for Promoting Calcium & Vitamin D for Hair Loss, Osteoporosis & Cancer

On June 1, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to A&Z Pharmaceutical, Inc. following inspection of the company’s website and social media, which found statements about the company’s Chewable Calcium 600MG with Vitamin D for Kids in Orange Flavor products to be drug claims.

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

Clinical Update

9/19/2023

Vitamin D for Gingivitis?

A recent study showed that taking vitamin D reduced gum inflammation. Get the details in the Periodontal disease section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

CL Answer

Pros and Cons of Stevia and Other Sugar Substitutes

Learn about the pros and cons of sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners summarized in our table within this article.

Stevia Health Benefits & Safety -- stevia leaf spoonful of stevia

CL Answer

Is canola oil good or bad for you? I heard it can be toxic.

Find out if canola oil is bad for you or good for you, and whether it helps heart health. Clinical evidence and how it compares to other oils.

Is canola oil good or bad? -- bottle of canola oil

Clinical Update

1/12/2024

Pricey Toothpaste for Gum Health?

Tartar Control Fluoride Toothpaste by Smileactives is promoted as “supporting healthy gums” but is it worth $36 per tube? Find out in the Preventing bleeding gums section of our article about toothpastes and other dental products, which includes our Top Picks among products for bleeding gums, preventing cavities, desensitization, dry mouth, and bad breath.

Clinical Update

10/28/2022

Does Collagen Reduce Gum Inflammation?

Learn if taking a daily collagen supplement after dental cleaning reduced subsequent swelling and bleeding of the gums in the Healing of skin and tendon injuries section of our Collagen Supplements Review.

See our separate article about the best toothpaste and mouthwash for reducing bleeding gums.

Clinical Update

6/24/2022

Salt Water for Gums?

Can rinsing with salt water reduce plaque build-up or help with bleeding gums?

CL Answer

With herbal supplements, what is the difference between root powder and root extract? Does it matter?

Learn more about the different forms of herbal supplements, including aloe, boswellia, ginkgo, green tea, and milk thistle.

Herbal Supplements

CL Answer

Are gummy vitamins better or worse than pills?

Learn more about gummy supplements, including those for multivitamins, vitamins C and D, calcium, and B vitamins.

Problems With Gummy Vitamins -- bottle of gummy vitamins

Clinical Update

3/01/2024

Bleeding Gums: New Mouthwash Top Pick

Find out why we we’ve chosen a new Top Pick mouthwash to help prevent bleeding gums.

Also, find out why using mouthwash too many times per day might be unsafe.

Clinical Update

5/29/2014

Probiotic Gum for Throat Infections

A gum containing a probiotic has been found to significantly reduce the incidence of throat infections in children and has been approved to promote oral health and reduce bad breath. For more details, as well as our tests of probiotic supplements, see the update in the Probiotic Supplements Review >> 

Clinical Update

2/03/2021

Vitamin C for Bleeding Gums?

Does vitamin C supplementation reduce the tendency for gums to bleed? Find out what research shows in the What It Does section of our Vitamin C Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin C.

Clinical Update

1/30/2024

Toothpaste Flavor Causes Sensitivity

Learn which flavoring ingredient in toothpaste can cause gum sensitivity in our article about toothpaste and other dental products.

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.

Clinical Update

1/31/2020

Not Enough Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency is known to cause scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums and other connective tissue problems. But vitamin C deficiency was recently reported to cause a very different array of symptoms in several people. Learn more in the What It Does section of the Vitamin C Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin C.

Clinical Update

5/27/2022

Prebiotics for Reducing Appetite?

Can adding prebiotics (such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG)) to meals help increase satiety or reduce appetite? Find out what a recent study showed in the All About Prebiotics section of the Probiotics Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

1/31/2023

What Helps or Worsens Reflux?

Find out if the following improve, or worsen, symptoms of acid reflux:

Clinical Update

7/21/2023

When to Floss

Clinical Update

11/28/2023

Coconut Oil for Oral Health?

Can rinsing with coconut oil (known as coconut oil “pulling”) prevent plaque buildup and reduce bleeding gums? Find out in our article about finding the best toothpastes and other dental products.

Also see our Top Picks for coconut oil in our Coconut and MCT Oils Review.

Clinical Update

12/01/2023

Dental Tape vs. Floss

Find out if dental tape or dental floss is better for cleaning teeth, and get our take on drTung’s Smart Floss and if it is a Top Pick.

Also find out if toothbrushes, GUM dental picks, or Listerine flossers contain PFAS.

Clinical Update

12/05/2023

Toothpaste Abrasiveness

We’ve added information about the abrasiveness of several Arm & Hammer toothpastes to table covering over 50 popular toothpastes. Also see our Top Picks among toothpastes for preventing cavities, reducing sensitivity, bleeding gums, surface stains, dry mouth, and bad breath.

Recalls & Warnings

October 24, 2012

Garlic Supplement Maker Warned For Misbranding and Drug Claims

On October 10, 2012, the FDA issued a letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Garlic Wise because statements made in a brochure about the company’s Alli-C garlic supplement promote the product as a drug. Alli-C was also found to be misbranded due to inadequate directions for use.

Recalls & Warnings

May 09, 2022

FDA Warns Five Companies for Selling CBD Supplements, Gummies and Creams With Delta-8 THC

On May 4th, 2022, the FDA issued warning letters to five companies for selling CBD and other products labeled as containing delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC).

Recalls & Warnings

November 23, 2022

CBD Not Permitted in Gummies, Candies, Cookies, Candy, or Pet Treats, Says FDA

On November 16, 2022, the FDA issued warning letters to five companies for selling products such as gummies, tea, cookies, lollipops, fruit snacks, hard candies, and pet treats containing cannabidiol (CBD) and/or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC) as conventional food products.

Recalls & Warnings

July 04, 2017

FDA Warns Against Company's Unsafe Teething Tablets

On June 20, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Raritan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. following a routine inspection of the facility when it found the company's Homeopathic Infant's Teething Tablets in violation of current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) regulations.

Recalls & Warnings

August 30, 2012

Supplement Company Warned For Medical Claims and Misbranding Of Omega-3, CoQ10, Noni Juice And More

On July 12, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Alfa Vitamins Laboratories, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

May 10, 2013

Maker of Concentration, Pain, Immune, Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims

On April 24, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to EuroPharma Co., Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about Calm Kids, CholestCaps, CuraMed 375 mg, CuraMed 750 mg, Curamin, Mental Advantage, Tri-Iodine, and Viragen to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

October 10, 2014

Weight Loss Supplement Found to Contain Multiple Drugs

On October 10, 2014, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use the dietary supplement Japan Hokkaido Slimming Weight Loss Pills because it was found to multiple contain undeclared drugs, including sibutramine, phenolphthalein, benzocaine and diclofenac.

Recalls & Warnings

September 16, 2015

Weight And Enhancement Supplement Recall Expanded

On September 11, 2015, One Minute Miracle Inc. issued a recall of all lots the following supplements which were found to contain undeclared drugs:

Recalls & Warnings

January 22, 2016

Male Enhancement Gum and Pills Contain Hidden Drug

On January 21, 2016, the FDA warned consumers not to buy or use the following sexual enhancement supplements, because they were found to contain undeclared vardenafil (click on the name of each supplement to read the FDA's complete warning): 

Recalls & Warnings

August 30, 2015

Weight and Enhancement Supplements Recalled

On August 27, 2015, One Minute Miracle Inc. issued a recall of one lot each the following supplements which were found to contain undeclared drugs:

Recalls & Warnings

June 01, 2012

Homeopathic Manufacturer Settles False Advertising Suit

June 1, 2012 — A federal court in California recently authorized the settlement of a class action lawsuit against Boiron Inc. and Boiron USA, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

November 06, 2014

Seller of Cholesterol, Arthritis Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims

On October 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Vitamins Direct (USA) and Golden Pride, Inc., which distribute Flexezy and Physician's Signature brands of dietary supplements, following a facility inspection which found statements made about certain supplements to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

May 14, 2016

Xylitol in Supplements Poses Danger for Dogs

On May 12, 2016, the FDA warned consumers that xylitol, a popular sweetener found in chewable vitamins, chewing gum, breath mints, toothpaste and a variety of other products, is toxic to dogs.

Recalls & Warnings

October 17, 2015

"Herbal Viagra" Taken by Lamar Odom Was a Known Problem

It was reported this week that former NBA star, Lamar Odom, entered a coma after taking as many as 10 pills of the "herbal Viagra" formula Reload, along with cocaine.

Recalls & Warnings

December 16, 2013

Weight Loss Capsules Recalled Due Allergen Risk

On December 13, 2013, Stone Independent Research, Inc. issued recall of one lot of Zanocap Scientific Weight Loss 500 mg capsules because they contain undeclared whey protein, which is derived from milk.

Recalls & Warnings

June 17, 2004

FTC Challenges Deceptive Weight Loss Claims for Supplement Targeted at Hispanics

On June 17, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a new law enforcement action challenging false advertising for the 1-2-3 Diet Kit, a purported weight loss product.

Recalls & Warnings

November 02, 2012

Manufacturer of Prostate, Inflammation and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims

On October 15, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ortho Molecular Products, Inc. for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Candicid Forte, Inflamma-bLOX, Lipitrol, Mucosagen, Prostatrol Forte, Resvoxitrol, Paracid Forte, VascuPak HTN and Lithium Orotate.