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WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 16, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released a new report on the quality of potassium supplements. Potassium is used to treat or prevent potassium deficiency caused by diuretic drugs ("water pills"), prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or laxative abuse. Potassium may also help reduce hypertension — particularly in people who consume too much sodium.

ConsumerLab.com tested products to see if they contained their claimed amounts of potassium, disintegrated properly to release their contents, and were not contaminated with lead. ConsumerLab.com has found lead in the past when testing potassium supplements; this is of particular concern due to the large dose of potassium used to treat deficiencies.

Among the 16 products tested, all passed. "We are pleased that all of the products passed this rigorous review," said Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com. "However, this is just a selection of the products on the market. We urge consumers to stick to products proven to be of high quality in independent testing."

The new report is available at www.consumerlab.com/results/potassium.asp. The report provides results for each product and an ingredient comparison. The report also discusses the different forms of potassium and offers expert tips on buying and using potassium supplements — including how to avoid potential problems.

Brands covered are Carlson, Doctor's Trust, equaline (Albertson's), Natural Factors, NutriCology, pure encapsulations, Puritan's Pride, Rite Aid, Sundown, Swiss Natural Sources, The Medicine Shoppe, Thompson (Nutraceutical Corp.), Trader Darwin's (Trader Joe's), Vitamin World, Vitasmart (Kmart), and Winn-Dixie. These brands include thirteen products selected by ConsumerLab.com and three that passed ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program.

Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available at www.consumerlab.com. New Reviews to be released in coming weeks include calcium and vitamin D, chromium, supplements for memory enhancement (ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, and phosphatidylserine) weight loss supplements (including CLA and bitter orange), prostate supplements (saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol), and sexual enhancers. The paperback ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements: What's Really in the Bottle? is available in bookstores, online, or through 800-431-1579.

ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com (www.pharmacychecker.com), an evaluator of online pharmacies. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. For group subscriptions or product testing contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com.


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