Reviews and Information for NOW Foods
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Product Review
Psyllium Fiber Supplements Review
Find the Best Psyllium Fiber Supplement and Avoid Lead.
Product Review
L-Glutamine Supplements Review
Find the Best L-Glutamine Supplements Based on Quality and Value. See our Top Picks.
Product Review
D-Mannose Supplements
Find out if D-mannose helps prevent urinary tract infections and how products compare.
Product Review
Choline and Lecithin Supplements Review (Including Phosphatidylcholine, CDP-Choline, and Alpha-GPC)
Choose the Best Choline Supplement. Find Out How Much Choline Popular Supplements Really Provide.
Product Review
Taurine Supplements Review for People, Dogs, and Cats
Find the Best Taurine Supplements. Learn When to Use Taurine and Which Supplement is Best.
Product Review
Glutathione Supplements Review
Learn How Glutathione Products Differ, Which Failed, and Our Top Picks
Product Review
Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (Including Spirulina and Chlorella)
Avoid Lead in Greens, Problems with Pills, and Don't Give Up Eating Whole Foods.
CL Answer
Where to Safely Buy Real Vitamins and Supplements Online, Not Fakes or Counterfeits
ConsumerLab explains how to avoid counterfeit vitamins and supplements when shopping online on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other sites. Learn to identify authorized sites and sellers and avoid fake supplements. Use the brand-by-brand guide to protect yourself from risk.
CL Answer
Sugar Substitutes: Pros, Cons, and Best Choices
Learn about the pros and cons of using sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners in place of table sugar. Sweeteners discussed include stevia, monk fruit, and other high-intensity sweeteners; xylitol, erythritol, allulose and other low-calorie sweeteners; and agave syrup, black sugar, coconut sugar, honey, molasses and other sugar alternatives.
Product Review
Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review
Big Differences in Strength Found Among Digestive Enzyme Supplements. CL Tests Reveal Which Are Best.
Product Review
Muscle & Workout Supplements Review (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids)
Do Creatine and BCAAs Really Improve Strength and Recovery?
Product Review
Melatonin Supplements Review
Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2024
Now Foods Recalls Raw Brazil Nuts Due to Mold and Yeast
On August 14, 2024, NOW Foods issued a recall of its Now Foods Whole & Unsalted Raw Brazil Nuts because they were found to be contaminated with mold and yeast.
Product Review
Phosphatidylserine (PS) Supplements
Find out if phosphatidylserine helps with memory and which products are best.
Product Review
L-Citrulline Supplements Review
Learn How Citrulline Products Differ and Our Top Picks
Product Review
Selenium Supplements Review
Choose the Best Selenium Supplement. Find Out If You Need Selenium and Which Supplement Is Our Top Pick.
Product Review
Milk Thistle Supplements Review
Find the Best Milk Thistle Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Milk Thistle Supplements & CL's Top Picks.
Product Review
L-Lysine Supplements Review
Read L-Lysine Labels Carefully. Some Can Fool You.
Product Review
Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review
Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests
Product Review
B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)
See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing
Product Review
Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review
Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands
Product Review
GABA Supplements Review
Does GABA Work As a Supplement?
Product Review
Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review
Tests Reveal the Best and Worst Berberine and Goldenseal Products
Product Review
Shelled Walnuts (Halves & Pieces)
See Our Top Picks for Walnuts
Product Review
Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)
Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality.
Product Review
Potassium Supplements Review
Be Careful with Potassium Supplements! Problems Found. Tests and Reviews of Potassium Supplements & CL's Top Picks.
Product Review
Apple Cider Vinegar Review — Bottled Liquids and Supplements
Find the Best Apple Cider Vinegar. See Which Apple Cider Vinegar Liquids and Supplements Passed Our Tests of Quality.
Product Review
Vitamin E Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin E Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Vitamin E Supplements & CL's Top Picks.
Product Review
Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review
Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity
Product Review
Ashwagandha Supplements Review
Find the Best Ashwagandha Supplement. Only 38% of Ashwagandha Products Pass Tests.
Product Review
Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, Flax and Hemp Oil Review
Choose the Best Flaxseed and Other Oils Based on Our Tests.
Product Review
Whole, Ground, Milled, and Cracker Flaxseed Review
High Levels of Cadmium Found in Flaxseed Products — Testing Expanded
Product Review
Vitamin C Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin C Supplements
Product Review
Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)
See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs
Clinical Update
3/14/2025
Toxin in Flaxseed
Despite our showing high levels of the toxin cadmium in some popular flaxseed products, responses from brands show that many are not doing enough to address this problem. See our take on responses from Bob’s Red Mill, Carrington Farms, Nature’s Path, Organic Traditions, Premium Farms, NOW Foods, Nuts.com, Terrasoul, and Wegmans. Also, see which flaxseeds passed or failed our tests and our Top Picks for flaxseed.
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
Recalls & Warnings
April 24, 2024
NOW Solutions XyliWhite Coconut Oil Toothpaste Gel Recalled
On March 6, 2024, NOW Foods issued a recall of over 27,000 units of NOW Solutions XyliWhite Coconut Oil Toothpaste Gel because it has an off taste and flavor.
CL Answer
Can glycine improve sleep, reduce depression, or reduce nighttime urinary frequency?
Can glycine really help improve sleep, reduce depression, or reduce nighttime urinary frequency? Lean more about glycine and its uses and benefits.
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.
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.
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.
Product Review
Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K, and Boron)
Find the Best Vitamin D Supplement and Avoid Problems
Recalls & Warnings
June 22, 2011
Recall of Calcium & Magnesium Softgels Containing Excessive and Potentially Toxic Amounts of Vitamin D
On or about June 7, 2011, NOW Foods announced the following recall to retailers. ConsumerLab.com was subsequently made aware of the recall by a ConsumerLab.com member.
CL Answer
Can taurine help reduce muscle cramps?
Find out if taurine supplements can help reduce muscle cramps in people with liver damage (cirrhosis), reduce muscle soreness after exercise, or have other benefits. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Lycopene Supplements Review
Find the Best Lycopene Supplements. CL Tests Reveal That Not All Lycopene Supplements Contain What They Claim.
Product Review
Nattokinase Supplements Review
Choose the Best Nattokinase Supplement. CL Tests Reveal Which Nattokinase Suppplements Provide the Best Quality & Value.
Product Review
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) Review
We Identified the Best Pumpkin Seeds
Product Review
Astaxanthin Supplements Review
See Which Astaxanthin Products Passed or Failed CL's Tests
Product Review
St. John's Wort Supplements Review
Find the Best St. John's Wort Supplement. Only 40% of St. John's Wort Supplements Pass Tests & Strength Varies Widely.
Product Review
Valerian Supplements Review
Choose the Best Valerian Supplement. Strength and Contamination Vary Widely Among Popular Valerian Brands.
Product Review
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) Supplements Review
Choose the Best N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplement. See Our Tests of Popular NAC Supplements and Top Picks for Quality and Value.
CL Answer
Should I be concerned about pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal supplements?
Find out which herbal supplement ingredients contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), learn why these constituents are a safety concern, and find out how supplements containing these ingredients are regulated in the U.S. and Europe.
Product Review
Resveratrol Supplements Review (From Red Wine, Knotweed, and Other Sources)
See Which Resveratrol Supplements Were Best In Our Tests and Comparisons. Learn What Resveratrol Can and Can't Do.
Product Review
Vitamin A Supplements Review, Including Beta-Carotene and Cod Liver Oil
Find the Best Vitamin A Supplement. Best Quality Vitamin A Supplements Identified, Including Cod Liver Oil.
Product Review
L-Arginine Supplements Review
Choose the Best L-Arginine Supplement. Find Out Which L-Arginine Supplement Passed CL's Tests.
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.
Product Review
Sexual Enhancer Supplements Review (with Yohimbe, Horny Goat Weed, Arginine)
Choose the Best Sexual Enhancer Supplement. Only 30% of Selected Sexual Enhancement Supplements Pass Quality Tests.
Product Review
Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review
50% of Red Yeast Rice Supplements "NOT APPROVED" in CL Tests
Product Review
SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) Supplements Review
Choose the Best SAMe Supplement and Save Money
Product Review
Sunflower Seeds and Butters Review
High Levels of Toxin Found in Most Sunflower Seeds and Butters
CL Answer
What is EpiCor? Does it really "boost" the immune system and prevent colds?
EpiCor supplement info, including evidence from clinical studies on immune function and cold/flu prevention, safety, and price.
Product Review
CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review
Find the Best CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements and Learn How They Differ
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
Are L-carnosine supplements helpful and safe?
Learn about the potential health benefits of L-carnosine, as well as possible safety concerns, drug interactions and cost.
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.
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
Can supplements, natural eye drops, or lifestyle modifications improve symptoms of dry eye?
Can supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or curcumin (from turmeric) help treat dry eyes? Find out, including formulas and doses that have shown benefit. Also, learn if drinking more water or using eye drops containing castor oil, N-acetylcarnosine or aloe can help with dry eye.
CL Answer
Does Prevagen really improve memory?
Learn more about Prevagen, including clinical studies on Prevagen's impact on memory & cognition, safety, pricing, and an FDA warning letter. ConsumerLab explores the efficacy of Prevagen.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?
Find out which supplements can help lower or control blood sugar. Supplements including turmeric/curcumin, fiber, cinnamon, and ginseng are believed to help lower blood sugar.
Recalls & Warnings
October 05, 2023
Counterfeit Pure Encapsulations and GutConnect 365 Sold on Amazon
On September 26, 2023, a man from New Jersey was arrested for selling fake versions of Pure Encapsulations L-Glutamine and Nature MD's GutConnect 365 on Amazon.
Recalls & Warnings
January 16, 2024
NOW Recall of Phosphatidylserine Prompted by ConsumerLab Findings
On January 10, 2023, NOW Health Group issued a voluntary recall of two lots of NOW Phosphatidyl Serine Extra Strength 300 mg Softgels and Protocol For Life Balance Phosphatidyl Serine Extra Strength 300 mg Softgels after a company investigation confirmed some of the products were ...
News Release
February 25, 2017
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2017 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2017 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,505 responses collected in late November and early December 2016.
Recalls & Warnings
March 22, 2016
NOW Foods Recalls Ginkgo & Other Supplements
On March 18, 2016, NOW Foods issued a recall of the following dietary supplements due to errors on the labels:
News Release
February 25, 2016
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2016 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 11,534 responses collected in November, 2015. Respondents gave ratings for 963 brands and 399 merchants.
News Release
February 25, 2015
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2015 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,329 responses collected in November, 2014. Respondents gave ratings for 1,709 brands and 891 merchants.
News Release
February 12, 2014
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2014 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,326 responses collected in November, 2013. Respondents gave ratings for 1,639 brands and 788 merchants.
News Release
February 01, 2013
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2013 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,862 responses collected in November, 2012. Respondents gave ratings for 1,438 brands and 851 merchants.
News Release
February 01, 2012
Top-rated vitamin and supplement brands and merchants on consumer satisfaction for 2012 -- Based on ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,260 responses collected in November, 2011. Most respondents used multiple supplements.
News Release
February 01, 2011
Top-rated vitamin and supplement brands and merchants on consumer satisfaction for 2011 -- Based on ConsumerLab.com survey of vitamin and supplement users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 6,010 responses collected in November, 2010. Most respondents used multiple supplements.
News Release
January 31, 2011
Vitamin D use increased 52% in past two years according to ConsumerLab.com survey of supplement users -- Fish oil continued to surpass multivitamins as most popular supplement and Internet was most common place to buy supplements
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 1, 2011 — Among people who use dietary supplements, the most popular products at the end of 2010 were fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and CoQ10 according to a survey by ConsumerLab.com. Use of vitamin D surged in 2010 to 56.
News Release
July 10, 2009
Nine joint health supplements fail ConsumerLab.com quality review -- Lead contamination, missing ingredients and other problems found in supplements for people as well as for dogs, cats and horses; Many others approved
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JULY 10, 2009 — Nine supplements for osteoarthritis that ConsumerLab.com recently selected for testing were found to be contaminated with lead, lack all or some of a key ingredient or have other quality problems.
News Release
February 15, 2007
ConsumerLab.com survey shows brands and merchants rated highest by dietary supplement users
CONSUMERLAB.
News Release
March 29, 2006
ConsumerLab.com reports on 29 popular melatonin sleep supplements
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — MARCH 29, 2006 (UPDATED APRIL 7, 2006) — ConsumerLab.com announced test results today from its new Product Review of Melatonin Supplements covering 29 products.
Recalls & Warnings
September 11, 2015
Thirteen Manufacturers Ordered to Stop Selling Devil's Claw Supplements
On September 9, 2015, the New York State Attorney General ordered 13 manufacturers, including Thorne Research Inc., NBTY, Inc. (Puritan's Pride) Inc., and Now Foods, to stop selling devil's claw supplements which were found to contain the incorrect species of the plant.
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2018
FDA Warns Seller of Goldenseal and Parasite Supplements
On August 15, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Healthy Healing dba Crystal Star, following a facility inspection which found certain statements product labels, including product labels for Women's Best Friend and Para Purge, to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
September 08, 2017
Probiotic for Infants Recalled Due to Potential Choking Hazard
On September 7, 2017, Garden of Life, LLC, issued a recall of Baby Organic Liquid, a liquid probiotic supplement for infants, because the product, as labeled, includes directions for use that may be misinterpreted and could pose a choking hazard due to the thickness of the liquid.
Recalls & Warnings
March 12, 2016
FDA Finds Problems at 58% of Supplement Manufacturing Sites in U.S. and Abroad
ConsumerLab.com has obtained results of the FDA's inspections in Fiscal Year 2015 (ending September 30) of 483 dietary supplement manufacturing facilities, showing that most -- 58.2% -- received letters indicating noncompliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
