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CL Answer

Do any supplements help reduce menstrual pain or symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Find out which supplements help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, pain, bloating, irritability and food cravings.

Woman in PJs Holding Stomach from Abdominal Pain

CL Answer

Will pregnenolone help slow down aging or reduce chronic pain?

Learn more about the steroid hormone pregnenolone, including its effects in the body and on aging and chronic pain.

Elderly couple yoga pose in sunshine

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

Potassium Supplements Review

Be Careful with Potassium Supplements! Problems Found. Tests and Reviews of Potassium Supplements & CL's Top Picks.

Potassium Supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Clinical Update

3/31/2013

More Iron, Less PMS?

A new study showed that women getting more iron had a significantly lower risk of suffering PMS (premenstrual syndrome) -- but not just any type of iron. Get the details, as well as our ratings of iron supplements, in the updated Iron Supplements Review »

Clinical Update

1/23/2016

Vitamin D Reduces PMS Symptoms

A recent study found that taking vitamin D significantly improved symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in young women who were deficient in vitamin D. Get the details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Product Review

Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)

See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs

Product Review

L-Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Supplements Review

Choose the Best L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP Supplements. CL Tests Identify High Quality L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan) at the Best Value.

L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan) Supplements Reviewed By Consumerlab.com

CL Answer

Can coconut water help with muscle cramps or restless legs syndrome?

Can coconut water help muscle cramps or restless legs syndrome (RLS) as a rich source of potassium? ConsumerLab.com's answer explains and shows tests of popular coconut waters.

Recalls & Warnings

February 22, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Melatonin & Other Sleep Supplements

On February 18, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to SANA Group LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Sleep Sana Sleep Drops and Sleep Shots to be drug claims.

CL Answer

Can N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) really help improve symptoms of bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Find out if N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) can help improve symptoms of bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Woman Holding Stomach from Pain

Clinical Update

12/08/2023

Probiotic for Menstrual Symptoms?

Did a probiotic reduce premenstrual or menstrual symptoms in young women? Find out in our Probiotics Supplements Review.

CL Answer

I have IBS and don't want to take medication if I can help it. I've heard that peppermint works for IBS, but is there good research to support this?

Information about using peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including clinical evidence, dosage, safety and more.

Peppermint Oil for IBS? -- Bottle of peppermint oil and capsules and peppermint leaf

CL Answer

Are There Supplements That Help Treat POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)?

Find out which supplements and lifestyle changes may be helpful for people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

POTS

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.

Supplements for Restless Legs Syndrome

CL Answer

Has the probiotic VSL#3 been changed or discontinued? Is Visbiome a good alternative?

Find out if the probiotic formula VSL#3 has been changed and how it compares with Visbiome. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

VSL #3 vs. Visbiome -- box of VSL#3 and Visbiome

CL Answer

I developed a rash soon after starting a probiotic. Is it possible to be allergic to probiotics?

Find out if probiotics can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, and why.

Young Woman Scratching Forearm

CL Answer

I've heard fish oil may be helpful for dry eye. Is this true? How much should I take?

Can fish oil help treat dry eyes? Find out more along with how much to take.

CL Answer

Do any supplements help for varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency?

Find out which supplements help for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, including citrus bioflavonoids and grape seed extract.

Varicose Veins

CL Answer

Can a probiotic help men with prostatitis?

Learn more about prostatitis, the effects of probiotics on prostatitis, and other natural treatments.

CL Answer

I take fluoxetine (Prozac), a SSRI drug to treat depression. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Learn about Prozac (fluoxetine) drug interactions along with other supplements and SSRIs.

Woman Taking Pill with Glass of Water

CL Answer

What are the signs of iron deficiency anemia?

Find out the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat and others.

Woman On Couch Holding Head Due to Headache

CL Answer

What are the benefits of Daily Synbiotic by Seed Health? Does it do what it claims, and is it better than other probiotics and prebiotics?

Review of Daily Synbiotic by Seed, including information about the prebiotic and probiotic strains in the supplement, and whether there is evidence of benefit for the synbiotic.

Person pouring Daily Synbiotic capsules from container into other hand

CL Answer

What is hydrogen water? Is it beneficial for alertness, athletic performance, arthritis or other conditions, and is it safe?

Find out if hydrogen water has benefits with regard to alertness, side effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients, metabolic syndrome, athletic performance, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, and other conditions, and learn if it is safe to use.

Portable hydrogen water generator

CL Answer

Do probiotics help with lactose intolerance?

Find out if probiotics can help with lactose intolerance. ConsumerLab's answer explains, including some foods that may cause fewer symptoms in the lactose intolerant.

Woman with Stomach Pain Holding Glass of Milk

CL Answer

Which supplements may help with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)?

Many supplements are promoted to help treat symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), but do they really work? See the clinical evidence for inositol (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol), alpha lipoic acid, vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin D and more.

Supplements for PCOS

Clinical Update

5/05/2023

Restless Leg Syndrome: GABA vs Gabapentin

One of these can help with restless leg syndrome, while the other doesn’t. Learn the difference in our GABA Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for GABA.

Also see our article about supplements for restless legs syndrome.

Clinical Update

5/07/2024

Probiotic for IBS

Can a probiotic (live or heat-treated) reduce symptoms of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome? Find out what a recent study showed in the IBS section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.

Also see: Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Clinical Update

5/10/2024

Magnesium, Sleep Apnea & Restless Legs

Does taking magnesium help with sleep apnea? Does it help with restless legs syndrome? These questions are addressed in our Magnesium Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements help with restless legs syndrome?

Clinical Update

8/12/2024

Vitamin D for Restless Legs?

Did taking vitamin D reduce the severity of restless legs syndrome in women? See what a recent study found in the Restless legs syndrome (RLS) section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for vitamin D.

Clinical Update

8/19/2024

Iron for Restless Legs Syndrome?

Is it true that taking iron can improve symptoms of restless legs syndrome? Find out in our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

Clinical Update

9/30/2024

Valerian for Restless Legs?

Does taking valerian root reduce the severity of restless legs syndrome? See what clinical evidence shows in our Valerian Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among valerian supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements help with restless legs syndrome?

Clinical Update

12/07/2021

Can Warm Coffee Trigger Burning Mouth Syndrome?

A member asked if anyone else had experienced "burning mouth syndrome" after drinking warm coffee. Find out if drinking coffee can trigger symptoms of this known condition in the Safety section of our updated article about Coffee and Heart Health.

Clinical Update

12/10/2021

Magnesium for Metabolic Syndrome?

Can magnesium supplementation lower blood sugar and blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome? Learn what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.

Clinical Update

1/11/2022

Ginkgo and Cistanche for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Does supplementing with ginkgo and cistanche extracts help reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome? See what a recent study showed in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements help to improve energy and decrease fatigue?

Clinical Update

7/18/2023

Probiotic for IBS?

Did taking a probiotic further reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in people on a low-FODMAP diet? Find out in the IBS section of our Probiotics Supplements Review.

Also see: Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Clinical Update

6/30/2013

Probiotic for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

A popular probiotic given in a yogurt appeared to reduce symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome. However, people taking a yogurt without the probiotic did just as well, if not better, over time, raising doubt about the value of the probiotic. For more details, as well as test results and comparisons for 29 probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

3/02/2016

Ginseng for Metabolic Syndrome?

A study in men with metabolic syndrome found no benefit on blood sugar levels from taking ginseng, but a small increase in testosterone. Get the details about this and other uses for ginseng, as well as our quality ratings in the Ginseng Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

7/13/2018

Melatonin and Restless Legs Syndrome

Taking a melatonin supplement can help some people fall asleep, but a study suggests that it may be a problem for people with restless legs syndrome. Get the details, and learn about potential side effects of melatonin in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Melatonin Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

6/09/2018

Magnesium & Metabolic Syndrome

A study shows that magnesium can significantly help some people suffering from metabolic syndrome (i.e., high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and related symptoms). Get the details in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.

Clinical Update

8/14/2021

J&J Vaccine Blood Clot, Guillain-Barre Risk

How common are blood clots and low platelet counts or Guillain-Barre syndrome after the J&J vaccine?

Clinical Update

8/18/2023

Inositol for PCOS?

See if a panel of experts recently recommended inositol for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) in our article about Inositol for PCOS.

Clinical Update

2/02/2024

Probiotic for IBS?

Did a multi-strain probiotic improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a recent study? Find out in the Symptoms of IBS section of our Probiotics Supplements Review. Also find out which product containing this specific multi-strain probiotic was tested and Approved by ConsumerLab.

Clinical Update

5/14/2024

Melatonin and Restless Legs

Melatonin may help some people fall asleep faster, but might it worsen symptoms in people with restless legs syndrome (RLS), which makes sleeping more difficult? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Melatonin Supplements Review, which includes information about other potential side effects, as well as interactions, with melatonin.

Clinical Update

10/02/2021

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) for IBS?

Are symptoms of IBS improved with use of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)? Find out what research suggests in our answer to the question: Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Clinical Update

8/03/2021

Vitamin D for IBS?

Can vitamin D supplementation reduce the severity of symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

Clinical Update

8/07/2021

Peppermint Oil for IBS?

Can peppermint oil supplements improve symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? See what a new study found in our updated article about Peppermint Oil and IBS.

Clinical Update

9/29/2020

Vitamin D and PCOS

Can vitamin D improve symptoms of (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

Clinical Update

5/01/2021

Does Kefir Lower Cholesterol?

Can drinking kefir that contains probiotics, decrease LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome? See what a new study found the Cholesterol-Lowering section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.

Clinical Update

6/03/2022

Digestive Enzymes for IBS?

Does taking digestive enzymes reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Find out in our updated Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

6/17/2022

Supplements for POTS?

People with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) experience a fast heart rate, dizziness, and other symptoms when standing. Can any supplements or lifestyle changes help? Find out in our answer to the question: Are there supplements that help treat POTS?

Clinical Update

10/18/2022

Fenugreek for PCOS?

Can supplementing with fenugreek extract improve symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? Find out what a recent study suggests in our updated article about Supplements and PCOS.

Clinical Update

9/26/2023

Creatine for Post-COVID Fatigue?

Does supplementing with creatine reduce fatigue or other symptoms in people with post-COVID fatigue syndrome? Find out what a recent study showed in the Creatine - What It Does section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for creatine.

Also see: How Should You Take Care of Yourself After You’ve Had COVID-19?

Clinical Update

7/11/2023

Arthritis Supplement May Have Caused Cushing Syndrome

We’ve added more information about the risks of a supplement for joint pain sold by Walmart. Get the details.

Clinical Update

3/02/2016

Probiotic Helps with IBS

A probiotic was found to improve many symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a recent study. Studies with other probiotics have also shown benefits, but be aware that the choice of probiotic seems to depend on the type of IBS. Get the details, as well as our quality ratings, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

10/06/2015

Probiotic Improves IBS Symptoms

A probiotic significantly improved symptoms in men and women with a particular type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a recent study. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of popular products, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

5/24/2017

POTS and Thiamin

A small study among people who suffer from POTS (postural tachycardia syndrome) suggested that supplementing with thiamin (vitamin B-1) may help some. For details, see the Thiamin (B-1) section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

8/02/2017

Iron for Restless Legs

Iron supplementation may help to reduce the severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms in people who have deficient or low levels of iron, according to guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Iron Supplements Review, which also includes our tests and quality comparisons of products.

Clinical Update

2/10/2017

High-Dose Resveratrol Increases "Bad" Cholesterol

A study of middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome found that high doses of resveratrol increased levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Resveratrol Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

Clinical Update

6/12/2018

Probiotic for IBS?

Studies have shown that certain probiotics help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although this can depend on the type of IBS. The most recent study focused on people with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Get the results in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.

Clinical Update

12/01/2018

Vitamin D for Restless Legs?

Does high-dose vitamin D help women and men with restless legs syndrome? Find out what a recent study reported in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.)

Clinical Update

9/04/2018

Glutamine for IBS?

Glutamine, an amino acid, plays a role in maintaining the digestive tract. Can taking it as a supplement help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Find out what a recent study showed in the Glutamine section of the Muscle Enhancers Review.

Clinical Update

5/26/2017

Probiotic Reduces Depression in IBS

A probiotic significantly decreased depression in men and women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a recent study. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

6/12/2019

Reaction to CoQ10 and Alpha-Lipoic Acid

An autoimmune syndrome possibly caused by CoQ10 was recently reported. It is similar to rare cases caused by alpha-lipoic acid. For details see the updates to the Concerns and Cautions sections of the CoQ10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid Reviews.

Clinical Update

6/18/2019

Melatonin for PCOS?

Can melatonin help women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for melatonin.

Clinical Update

1/20/2013

More Probiotic Concerns

According to a published case report, two women recently developed a severely debilitating condition ("eosinophilic syndrome") two to four weeks after taking what appears to be the same "new" probiotic supplement. It's not yet known if these are isolated cases or are there more to come. For more information, see the recent update to the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

1/02/2011

Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A recent study of children with IBS found that eight weeks of treatment with a probiotic greatly reduced the frequency and severity of abdominal pain. See the Probiotic Supplements Review for the type and dose of probiotic used and more >>

Clinical Update

8/04/2013

5-HTP Concern

Three cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) have been reported among people taking 5-HTP, a compound related to L-tryptophan. EMS is a debilitating immune condition which has occurred in people taking L-tryptophan, but there were no previous reports of it being caused by 5-HTP. Get the details in the the updated review article on L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP >>

Clinical Update

12/17/2014

Probiotic Reduces GI Pain in IBS

A yeast-based probiotic was recently shown to significantly reduce abdominal pain and discomfort among people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The most notable effect occurred after 4 weeks of use. Other studies, typically using bacterial probiotics, have also shown some benefit in IBS. For details, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >> 

Clinical Update

5/25/2014

Probiotic for IBS Symptoms

A recent study found that a multi-strain probiotic reduced certain symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Get the details, as well as our tests of probiotic products, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >> 

News Release

April 14, 2020

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best Probiotic Supplements and Those With Quality Issues

White Plains, New York, April 14, 2020 — Probiotic supplements may be helpful for conditions including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and respiratory infections.

Recalls & Warnings

March 01, 2023

Seller of Dr. Miller’s Herbal “Detox” Teas Warned by FDA for Drug Claims

On February 3, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Jackson Health & Wellness Clinic after inspection of the company’s website found statements about the company’s Dr. Miller’s Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Super Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Ultimate Tea, Dr.

News Release

July 31, 2018

Best L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab -- ConsumerLab Tests Strength and Purity of Supplements for Sleep and Mood

White Plains, New York, July 31, 2018 — L-tryptophan supplements are often promoted to improve sleep and 5-HTP supplements to help with depression.

News Release

May 02, 2018

Best Probiotic Supplements and Kombuchas? -- ConsumerLab Tests 41 Popular Products, Reveals Problems and Top Picks

White Plains, New York, May 2, 2018 — With so many different probiotic supplements on the market, each providing different amounts and strains of beneficial bacteria or yeast, choosing the right one can be an overwhelming task.

Recalls & Warnings

June 02, 2022

Walmart Inc. Recalls Joint Supplements With Omega-3, Glucosamine & Curcumin

On May 28, 2022, Walmart Inc. issued a voluntary recall of all lots of Artri Ajo King Joint Supplements after FDA laboratory analysis found the presence of undeclared diclofenac.

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.

Recalls & Warnings

April 03, 2020

FDA Warns Seller of Homeopathic Medicine for Coronavirus Claims

On April 1, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Homeomart Indibuy for selling products with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

September 13, 2013

Metagenics Warned For Misbranding of Medical Foods and Drug Claims

On August 13, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Metagenics, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

January 17, 2018

Joint and Pain Relief Product Contains Undeclared Drug

On January 17, 2018 Health Canada warned consumers that Linsen Double Caulis Plus, a supplement for joint pain, was found to contain the undeclared drug dexamethasone.

Recalls & Warnings

December 21, 2012

Dangerous Supplement Being Sold Under New Name

On December 21, 2012, the FDA warned consumers that Reumofan Plus, a dietary supplement promoted for arthritis and muscle pain that has been linked to serious and sometimes fatal side effects, is now being sold under the name WOW.

Recalls & Warnings

March 16, 2006

Garden of Life, Maker of Primal Defense, Settles FTC Charges

On March 9, 2006, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that an operation that marketed dietary supplements sold at Whole Foods Market, GNC, the Vitamin Shoppe, and on the Internet settled FTC charges that they made deceptive advertising claims about their supplements.

Recalls & Warnings

August 22, 2012

FDA Warns of Life-Threatening Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms from Two Arthritis, Muscle Pain Supplements

On August 21, 2012, the FDA issued a warning to consumers about the dangers of taking Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium, two dietary supplements marketed for arthritis, osteoporosis and muscle pain.

Recalls & Warnings

April 23, 2013

Seller of Digestion, Thyroid and Vitamin D Supplements Warned For Drug Claims

On November 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to The Women's Health Institute at Texas following a review of the company's various websites which found statements made about Digest + SEB, Iodine Plus 2, and D5000 Vitamin D dietary supplements to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

February 20, 2013

Recall: Arthritis and Muscle Pain Supplement Contains Prescription Drugs

On February 15, 2013, Reumofan Plus USA, LLC and Reumofan USA, LLC announced a recall of Reumofan Plus, a dietary supplement promoted for arthritis and muscle pain, because it was found to contain the active pharmaceutical ingredients methocarbamol, dexamethasone, and diclofenac.