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WHITE PLAINS, NY — JUNE 15, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of magnesium supplements sold in the U.S. In addition to being an essential mineral, magnesium may help prevent migraine headaches, menstrual pain, PMS, and leg cramps during pregnancy. ConsumerLab.com found two products to contain approximately 2 micrograms of lead per daily dose — more than the amount permitted in California without a warning label. Nineteen other products passed the testing by meeting the standard for lead contamination, containing their claimed amounts of magnesium, and, if tablets or caplets, breaking apart properly for delivery in the body.

"It is well known that lead exposure should be minimized," said Tod Cooperman, M.D., president of ConsumerLab.com. "Pregnant women, in particular, should be advised to use magnesium supplements that are low in lead, because lead crosses the placenta and magnesium is taken during pregnancy to reduce leg cramping." He added, "With current manufacturing techniques there is no reason for a magnesium supplement to contain the amount of lead found in these two products."

The new report covers both magnesium-only and magnesium/calcium combination products and is available at www.consumerlab.com/results/magnesium.asp. The report provides results and comparisons for twenty-one products -- fifteen selected by ConsumerLab.com and six that passed ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. Included are products from Floradix, Jamieson, KAL, Life Extension, Longs, Natural Factors, Nature Made, Nature's Bounty, NF Formulas, Now, Puritan's Pride, Rexall, Safeway Select, Schiff, Slow-Mag, Source Naturals, Sundown, Vitamin World, Walgreen's, Weil, and Whole Foods. The report also provides information on the use of magnesium supplements.

Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available at www.consumerlab.com. New Reviews to be released in coming months include calcium, chromium, ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, omega- 3 & 6 fatty acids (ALA and GLA from black current, borage, evening primrose, flaxseed oils), supplements used for menopause (including isoflavones, progesterone cream, and black cohosh), and weight loss supplements (including CLA and bitter orange). 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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