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August

Is Sunscreen Mousse Effective?

August 22, 2025
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Several companies selling popular foam sunscreens, including mousses and whips, were recently warned by the FDA that these products are not recognized as safe and effective. Get the details in our article about sunscreens which includes our list of preferred sunscreens.

"Hidden" Chemicals in Mineral Sunscreen

August 26, 2025
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A recent study found that nearly half of “mineral only” sunscreens actually contain ingredients that are derivatives of chemical sunscreens. Find out if they are safe, as well as how to spot them, in our article about sunscreen safety and effectiveness.

Joint Supplement Approved

August 26, 2025
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DEVA Vegan Glucosamine MSM & Chondroitin was recently Approved for quality by ConsumerLab through our voluntary Quality Certification Program and added to our Joint Health Supplements Review.

Company Responds to CL's Findings

August 29, 2025
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The distributor of Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic responded to our findings for its product. See the Update to our Probiotics Review for details, including our take on this. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements.

Cadmium in Oats

August 29, 2025
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A separate group reported cadmium levels in organic oats from One Degree and Bob's Red Mill. We’ve added information about this to our Oats Review, which includes our tests and Top Picks for rolled and steel-cut oats.

September

PFAS in Sparkling Waters

September 05, 2025
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PFAS ("forever chemicals") were recently reported in some sparkling water products. Learn more and how the results compared to seltzer made with at-home "soda machines" in our article about PFAS.

Lead in Magnesium Gummies?

September 09, 2025
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Was a popular magnesium gummy found to contain lead or other toxic heavy metals when recently tested by a separate group? Find out in our Magnesium Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.

Most Urolithin A Supplements Fail

September 12, 2025
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Among popular urolithin A supplements, 60% contained almost no urolithin A, according to recent tests by a separate group. For results by product, see our article about urolithin A.

"Zero-Calorie" Sweeteners That Aren't

September 12, 2025
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Many "zero-calorie" stevia sweeteners include bulking agents that can add as many calories per gram as sugar – although less sweetener is needed than sugar, reducing overall calories. Learn which ingredients are added to products such as BetterStevia, Sucress, and products from NuNaturals in our article about sweeteners.

Bamboo Floss?

September 12, 2025
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Some people opt to use bamboo dental floss to reduce exposure to microplastics or "forever chemicals" (PFAS), but be aware bamboo flosses may still contain these compounds. Find out how to avoid this in the Dental products comparison section of our article about PFAS, which profiles bamboo flosses from Mother Earth (ME), No Tox Life, Dental Lace, and others.

Lead in Salt

September 16, 2025
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Excessive lead was recently reported in a salt that, ironically, is promoted as "toxin-free." Learn more in our article about specialty salts.

Lead in Cinnamon

September 16, 2025
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Elevated levels of lead were recently reported in a brand of organic cinnamon sold in the U.S. – adding to similar reports in other brands. Get the details in our Cinnamon Review, which includes our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices.

Stability of Creatine in Liquid

September 16, 2025
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Does creatine need to be consumed immediately after mixing it in a liquid? Find out what research suggests in the ConsumerTips section of our Creatine Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for creatine.

Arsenic in Mushroom Supplement?

September 16, 2025
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Arsenic, lead, and cadmium above "Actions Levels" were recently report in a Host Defense mushroom product. Should you be concerned? Get our take on this in our Lion's Mane & Chaga Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for lion's mane, chaga, and reishi supplements.

Milk Thistle Approved

September 16, 2025
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1MD Nutrition LiverMD was recently Approved for quality by ConsumerLab through our voluntary Quality Certification Program and added to our new Milk Thistle Supplements Review.

New Green Tea Top Pick

September 19, 2025
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Based on recent testing, we've selected a new Top Pick green tea (from tea bags). Details are in our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for decaffeinated green tea, loose green tea, matcha, and green tea supplements.

Bone Broth Ratings: ConsumerLab vs. EWG

September 23, 2025
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At least one bone broth product tested and Not Approved by ConsumerLab was rated favorably by Environmental Working Group (EWG). Learn the reason for these conflicting assessments in the Quality Concerns section of our Bone Broth Review, which includes our Top Picks for bone broth.

New Potassium Top Pick

September 23, 2025
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We’ve chosen a new Top Pick among potassium supplements. For details, see our Potassium Supplements Review.

Lead in Cassava

September 23, 2025
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Concerning levels of lead were found in cassava-based flours, chips, and snacks tested by a separate group. Get the details in our article about lead contamination in foods and supplements.

Cadmium in Flaxseed

September 25, 2025
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When we tested flaxseed products, we found high levels of cadmium in several popular brands and learned that many companies were not testing for cadmium. At least one company now seems to be testing for cadmium, as we note in an Update to our Flaxseed (Whole and Ground) Review, which includes our Top Picks among flaxseed products.

Heavy Metals in Cheerios?

September 25, 2025
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A separate testing group reported "concerning" levels of cadmium and arsenic in Cheerios. Get the details and our take on the findings in our Oats Review, which includes our tests and Oats Review, which includes our tests and Top Picks for rolled and steel-cut oats.

NOW Responds to Milk Thistle Findings

September 25, 2025
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NOW Foods responded this week to our findings regarding its milk thistle product. For details, see the Update in our recent Milk Thistle Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among milk thistle supplements.

Life Extension Responds

September 29, 2025
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A CL member shared with us Life Extension's response to our recent findings for its "GI" probiotic product. For details, and our take on it, see the Update in our Probiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among probiotic supplements.

NMN Allowed in Supplements

September 29, 2025
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The FDA has changed course on NMN which, earlier, it had said should not be sold as a dietary supplement. Get the details in our NAD Booster Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for NAD+/NADH, nicotinamide riboside, and NMN.

Olive Oil Mixed With Cheaper Oils?

September 29, 2025
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How common is the addition of cheaper oils to olive oils sold in the U.S.? Find out what a recent analysis showed, and what to watch out for, in our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.

October

Arsenic in Sardines

October 02, 2025
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A popular brand of sardines was found to contain a high level of arsenic, according to a recent report. Get the details in our Canned Fish Review which includes our Top Picks for canned tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

Caution with Sunscreen Containing Niacinamide

October 02, 2025
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Using chemical sunscreens containing the skin-brightening ingredient, niacinamide, might increase the amount of chemical UV filters absorbed by the skin, according to a recent study. Get the details in our article: What is the best sunscreen based on safety and efficacy?

Turmeric Supplement Approved

October 06, 2025
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We've tested, Approved, and added one more popular turmeric supplement to our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review, which includes our Top Picks for curcumin and turmeric.

Softgel Clumping

October 06, 2025
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A CL member brought to our attention online complaints about softgels "clumping" in a product Approved in our recent Turmeric-Curcumin Review, to which we’ve added information about this occurrence.

Concerns with IV Therapy Spas

October 06, 2025
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A recent study evaluating practices at intravenous (IV) therapy spas (offering hydration and, typically, vitamin therapies) in the U.S. identified potential safety issues at most facilities. Get the details in our article about IV vitamin therapy.

Also learn why IV glutathione therapy is not advised for restoring glutathione levels after Tylenol use, despite celebrity endorsements.

RECENTLY APPROVED: Berberine

October 07, 2025
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Bone Science Prime Berberine was recently Approved for quality by ConsumerLab through our voluntary Quality Certification Program and added to our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review.

Armour Thyroid

October 07, 2025
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The FDA announced that thyroid extracts, such as Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid, will soon need to be approved in order to stay on the market. Get the details and how this may affect the availability of these products in our article about supplements for thyroid health.

Heavy Metals in Morton's Salt?

October 07, 2025
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Levels of heavy metals found in Morton’s Iodized Salt were reported by a separate testing group. Get the details, along with amounts found in other popular salts, in our article about toxic metals and microplastics in salt.

Thorne Responds

October 08, 2025
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We received a letter from Thorne in response to our recent review of its Curcumin Phytosome product. For details and our response, see the Update to the Turmeric and Curcumin Review, which includes our Top Picks among supplements and turmeric spices.

Problems With Melatonin

October 13, 2025
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Testing of melatonin products found that many did not contain claimed amounts of melatonin. Get the details in the Quality Concerns section of our Melatonin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for melatonin.

Counterfeit Supplements on Walmart

October 13, 2025
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Be aware that counterfeit versions of Immuno 150, Neuriva, and Creatine HMB were reported to have been sold on Walmart’s website. Get the details in our article about where to safely buy supplements and avoid counterfeits.

Lead in Some Protein Powders

October 16, 2025
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Recent tests revealed some protein powders contain high levels of lead. Before you scoop, check out the Quality Concerns section of our Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review, which includes our Top Picks for protein.

Berberine Blunders

October 16, 2025
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Think your berberine supplement is working? Think again! 7 out of 13 brands tested had little to NO berberine at all in recent tests. See which brands failed and which passed in the Quality Concerns section of our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for berberine.

Cacao Powder Concerns

October 16, 2025
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Two organic cacao powders were found to have high levels of cadmium (a kidney toxin) in recent tests. Get the details in our Dark Chocolates, Cocoa, and Cacao Powders Review, which includes our Top Picks.

Ashwagandha & Hormones

October 20, 2025
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Does ashwagandha boost testosterone? What about thyroid hormones? See what a recent study found and our Top Picks for ashwagandha.

Bacopa for Brain Power?

October 20, 2025
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Can bacopa extract really improve cognition in healthy people? Discover the latest research and our tips for selecting a bacopa supplement.

Psyllium for Hunger Control?

October 20, 2025
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Does adding psyllium to your meal help curb appetite hours later? Find out in our Psyllium Fiber Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for psyllium.

L-Arginine May Affect Kidney Tests

October 20, 2025
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Did you know that L-arginine can affect kidney test results? Learn more in our L-Arginine Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for L-arginine.

Misleading Liposome Labels

October 20, 2025
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Some "liposomal" supplements may not deliver what their labels proclaim. See an example in our NAD Booster Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for NAD+/NADH, nicotinamide riboside, and NMN. Also learn 8 Red Flags with Supplements.

Turmeric Correction and New Top Pick

October 23, 2025
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A pricing error in our recent Turmeric & Curcumin Review led to a shake-up in our Top Picks. We've corrected it — and there's a new Top Pick for turmeric.

Cocoa Showdown: Hershey's vs. Hershey's

October 30, 2025
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Curious how Hershey's 100% Cocoa compares to Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa when it comes to lead and cadmium? Find out in our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review, which includes our Top Picks among cocoa powders, dark chocolates, nibs, and supplements.

Toxin Alert: Arsenic in Tuna

October 30, 2025
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A popular canned tuna brand contained an unusually high amount of arsenic, according to recent tests. Get the details in our Canned Fish Review, which includes our Top Picks for canned tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

Viviscal and Liver Injury

October 30, 2025
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Although rare, there are recent reports of apparent liver injury in some people taking the hair growth supplement Viviscal. Learn more in our article about supplements for hair.

SmileActives: Whitening Wonder or Waste?

October 30, 2025
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Is SmileActives Pro Whitening Gel really effective—and safe? We break it down in our toothpaste and dental products article, which includes our Top Picks for whitening, cavity prevention, sensitivity, remineralization, bleeding gums, dry mouth, and bad breath.

November

St. John's Wort – 22 Products Fail

November 03, 2025
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Twenty-two out of 23 St. John's wort supplements sold on Amazon fell short on a key St. John's wort compound -- 6 had none at all! See details in our St. John’s Wort Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for St. John's wort.

How Safe Is Swiss Miss Cocoa?

November 03, 2025
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How much lead and cadmium is in Swiss Miss Cocoa Mix? Find out and see how this compares to other cocoa mixes tested in our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review, which includes our Top Pick cocoa mix as well as our Top Picks among cocoa powders and dark chocolates.

How Much L-dopa Is in Supplements?

November 03, 2025
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Two Mucuna pruriens supplements (a natural source of L-dopa – a Parkinson’s medication) were recently analyzed. See how much L-dopa they contained in our article about supplements for Parkinson's.

Is Neotame Safe?

November 03, 2025
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Learn the pros and cons of the sweetener neotame in our article about sugar substitutes, which includes our Top Picks.

How Much Caffeine Is Really in Your Coffee?

November 10, 2025
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Recent tests revealed 4 times as much caffeine in some popular coffees as others. Find out what’s in your cup in our article about the pros and cons of coffee.

New Milk Thistle Findings

November 13, 2025
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We just tested three more milk thistle supplements, from GNC, Swanson, and Natural Factors. See which products made the cut in our Milk Thistle Supplements Review, and see our Top Pick.

Mercury in Tuna

November 17, 2025
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Two popular canned tunas contained high levels of mercury in recent tests. See which products were affected in our Canned Fish Review, which includes our Top Picks for canned tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

Synthetic Resveratrol?

November 17, 2025
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A company responded to a quality concern we raised about their supplement. Learn more and get our take on this in our Resveratrol Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for resveratrol.

Cranberry & Kidney Stones

November 20, 2025
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Cranberry juice and supplements contain oxalate, which can potentially increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. Learn how much oxalate was recently found in popular cranberry supplement brands. Find out in our Cranberry Juices and Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks.
 

Fake Ecklonia cava?

November 20, 2025
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Ecklonia cava (brown seaweed) extract is promoted for "anti-aging" and other health benefits, but recent tests suggest that several products on the market are not the real thing. Get the details.

Estrogen Cream Warnings Removed

November 20, 2025
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Many "black box" warnings for cancer and cardiovascular risk will be removed from estrogen creams. Find out why in our article about estrogen creams for wrinkles.

Multivitamins & Blood Pressure

November 24, 2025
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New research reveals that a popular multivitamin may help people with poor diets lower their risk of high blood pressure — but for those already eating healthy, the effect could be the opposite. For details, see the Cardiovascular section of our Multivitamins Review, which includes our Top Picks among multivitamins.

Magnesium L-Threonate

November 24, 2025
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Does magnesium L-threonate (such as Magtein) improve cognitive function or sleep? Find out in our new article about magnesium L-threonate. Also see our Top Pick for magnesium L-threonate and other magnesium supplements.

DMSO for the Eyes?

November 24, 2025
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Is DMSO effective for conditions such as macular degeneration, eye floaters, glaucoma, or others? Find out in our article about DMSO.

Also find out what causes garlic breath and body odor when using DMSO.

Green Tea & “Forever Chemicals”

November 27, 2025
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Levels of "forever chemicals" (PFAS) were recently measured in several popular brands of green tea. Find out how they fared in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea bags, matcha powder, and green tea supplements.

December

Heavy Metals in Seaweed Snacks

December 01, 2025
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A popular seaweed snack that failed our tests in 2021 seems to have improved, according to results from a separate research group. See the details in our Seaweed Snacks Review, which includes our Top Picks.

Best Beetroot With the Most Nitrate

December 03, 2025
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Our tests uncovered a 100 fold difference in nitrate levels in popular beetroot juices, powders, chews, and concentrates. One product had so little nitrate it couldn't be approved. Get the details in our Beetroot Juices, Powders, and Chews Review, which includes our Top Picks.

Heavy Metals in Nut Butters

December 08, 2025
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Alarmingly high levels of the toxin cadmium are in some sunflower seed butters. Do peanut butters have the same problem? Find out in our Sunflower Seeds and Butters Review, which includes our Top Picks.

Bone Health Supplement Reformulated

December 08, 2025
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A bone health supplement that was NOT APPROVED by us (for falling short on vitamin K) has been reformulated to address the issue. For details, see the update in our Bone Health Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Dark Chocolate & Cocoa: Winner and Losers!

December 15, 2025
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Our tests showed that 7 out of 14 dark chocolate bars had high cadmium, as did 2 of 9 popular cocoa powders. See the results and our Top Picks in our new Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders Review.

RoundUp in Cinnamon

December 15, 2025
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A member asked us about the safety of cinnamon, in which glyphosate (RoundUp) was detected. See our take on this in our Cinnamon Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for cinnamon.

Sunscreen & Receding Hair Line?

December 15, 2025
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Does sunscreen cause a receding hairline? Find out what a panel of experts said in our article about sunscreens, which includes our list of preferred sunscreens.

Water Filters Tested

December 18, 2025
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How did Pur Plus, Amazon Basics, and Travel Berkey water filters perform in recent tests? Find out, plus learn how other water filter pitchers, and faucet, countertop, and reverse osmosis filters, fared, in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks.

Ashwagandha Quality Problems

December 22, 2025
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Testing from a separate research group found that 60% of ashwagandha supplements failed quality standards — echoing our own findings, although brand names weren't provided. Curious how popular brands measure up? See our Ashwagandha Review and our Top Picks.

Citrulline in Pre-Workout Supplements

December 22, 2025
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L-citrulline is often included in pre-workout supplements – although the benefit is questionable. We’ve added information about L-citrulline levels found in 10 such products by a separate testing group in our L-Citrulline Supplements Review, which includes our own findings and Top Picks for L-citrulline.