Product Reviews and Information for Radiation Exposure
Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.
Product Review
Potassium Iodide (KI) and Iodate (KIO3) Radioprotective Pills Review
Learn How to Choose the Best Radioprotective Iodine Pill and Use It Properly
CL Answer
Is it true that eating Brazil nuts can help with weight loss? Are there other health benefits or risks of Brazil nuts
Learn more about vitamin E intake from nuts, including Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and almonds.
CL Answer
Which supplements are helpful to have when traveling? Any tips on how to best store supplements on trips?
Find out which vitamins & supplements can be helpful when traveling, including melatonin, ginger, and more, and find out how you can carry them with you.
CL Answer
Is green tea from Japan contaminated with radiation?
Radiation levels in green tea from Japan have been closely monitored since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in 2011. Find out if radiation in green tea from Japan is still a concern. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review
Choose the Best Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplement — See the Amounts of Active "R-Isomer" We Found
CL Answer
Do UV light sanitizing wands and boxes kill coronavirus (COVID-19)?
UV light is promoted as an effective and convenient alternative to chemical disinfectants, but can it work against the coronavirus? Learn the the pros and cons and see our reviews and comparisons of popular UV devices on the market.
CL Answer
What is the best sunscreen based on safety and efficacy?
We’ve boiled down the latest research about mineral and chemical sunscreens, including product tests, to help you choose the best sunscreen (which will depend on whether you expect to be in or out of the water). We also list popular sunscreens that have, or have not, been found to contain cancer-causing compounds (benzene and benzophenone).
CL Answer
Do any supplements or foods help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure? Can any increase your risk of sun-related skin damage?
Find out which supplements may help protect from sunburn and sun-related skin damage, including beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and cocoa.
CL Answer
Are cranberry supplements helpful for men? Can they help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or urinary tract infections?
Learn more about how cranberry pills, cranberries, cranberry juice and supplements can help prevent urinary tract infections.
CL Answer
Do any supplements reduce the side effects of chemotherapy? Should any be avoided?
Find out if there are any supplements that can help with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nerve damage and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Does Restore (Biomic Sciences LLC) really improve gut health? What is in Restore?
Learn more about Restore, including clinical studies on gut health, dosage, cost, and safety.
CL Answer
I spend a lot of time in the sun, especially in the summer. Does this mean my vitamin D levels could get too high?
Find out if spending too much time outside, especially in the summer, can cause excess vitamin D levels in the body.
CL Answer
Contamination of Dry Shampoos with Benzene — What You Need to Know
Benzene, a carcinogen, has been detected in several dry shampoo aerosol sprays. Find out which dry shampoos were found to contain benzene and how much was in each one, plus how tips for reducing your exposure to benzene.
CL Answer
How can I find supplements that are gluten-free on ConsumerLab.com?
Gluten-Free supplements & vitamin information including other dietary features like vegetarian, vegan, and kosher on ConsumerLab.com. Our answer explains.
CL Answer
Can CoQ10 or ubiquinol be ruined by heat? I recently purchased several bottles of Qunol Plus from Costco.com and they arrived hot. The soft gels are not melted, but I am concerned.
Find out whether your CoQ10 or ubiquinol supplement can be destroyed by heat during shipping and at what temperature CoQ10 softgels can melt. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Do vitamins, minerals or other supplements lose effectiveness with exposure to high temperatures?
Are vitamins and supplements susceptible to heat? Find out if mail ordering during the summer is safe.
CL Answer
Can fluoride in toothpaste, mouth rinses or drinking water cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children?
Find out if community water fluoridation increases the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or causes lower IQ in children, and learn what the American Dental Association recommends when using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouth rinses in children.
CL Answer
What are the health effects of turkey tail mushroom and is it safe?
Learn about the possible health effects of turkey tail mushroom, including its use as adjuvant treatment for cancer and for boosting immune function, plus get information about possible side effects and find out why ConsumerLab has not yet tested turkey tail products.
CL Answer
Why are vitamins and minerals labeled as "hazardous" in safety data sheets, yet they are used in supplements?
Find out why vitamins and minerals may be labeled as "hazardous" on safety data sheets.
CL Answer
Some vitamin C products claim to use fully reduced vitamin C. Is this important?
Learn more about fully reduced vitamin C, including tips on how best to store vitamin C supplements.
CL Answer
Does vitamin B12 improve memory?
Find out if vitamin B12 improves memory and cognition, how much to take, plus information about other supplements may help. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Are antioxidant supplements good or bad for you?
Learn more about whether antioxidants like astaxanthin, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10, curcumin, resveratrol, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are safe and if they help prevent chronic diseases.
CL Answer
Do gluten-free diets increase your exposure to toxins like arsenic and mercury?
Find out if your gluten-free diet is increasing your exposure to toxic heavy metals like arsenic and mercury.
Clinical Update
5/30/2020
Cranberry for Cystitis in Men?
Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) is common in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. A study evaluated whether a cranberry supplement could reduce the incidence of cystitis in these men. Find out if it helped in our updated answer to the question: Are cranberry supplements helpful for men? Can they help with symptoms of prostatitis or urinary tract infections?
Clinical Update
3/18/2022
Iodine Pills for Radiation Protection
Due to concerns relating to the safety of nuclear reactors and potential use of nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine, demand for radioprotective iodine products has jumped.
Potassium iodide and potassium iodate can help protect the thyroid from the effects of radioactive iodine from the air, water, and foods after a nuclear event. But who should be taking these products, when should they be taken, and how much should be taken?
Find out in our review of Potassium Iodide and Iodate Radioprotective Pills, and see our Top Picks among products (and where to currently get them).
Clinical Update
7/26/2022
Some UV Light Wands May Cause Injury
While often promoted to disinfect surfaces and kill germs in the home, some UV light devices may give off potentially dangerous levels of ultraviolet-C radiation. See which brands are of concern in our Answer about UV light sanitizing wands.
Clinical Update
8/23/2022
How to Get UV-A Protection from Sunscreen
UV-A radiation from the sun causes wrinkles and age-spots. Many people don't realize that SPF values on sunscreens refer only to UV-B protection. Find out what to look for on labels to determine UV-A protection.
We've also updated our list of sunscreens made with safer ingredients.
CL Answer
How concerned should I be about glyphosate in foods and supplements?
Find out if you should be concerned about glyphosate in foods and supplements. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Do detox supplements work and are they safe?
Detox supplements are promoted for removing toxins such as heavy metals from the body, but does research support their use and are such supplements safe?
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of green tea, and is it safe?
ConsumerLab explains green tea's potential health benefits for everything from fighting cancer to helping your heart.
CL Answer
Do any drugs prevent or treat COVID-19?
Learn more about drugs for preventing and treating COVID-19, including who can receive these treatments, when the treatments should be initiated, and which appear to be effective against Omicron variants.
Recalls & Warnings
July 21, 2022
UV Light Wands That May Cause Injury, According to the FDA
The FDA recently warned consumers of potential exposure to unsafe levels of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation associated with the use of certain brands of ultraviolet (UV) wands, as found from testing conducted by the agency.
Clinical Update
2/13/2024
Exposure to Forever Chemicals
Learn about a tool to help you estimate your exposure to PFAS ("forever chemicals") and ways to reduce exposure. For details, see the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks for removing PFAS.
CL Answer
Which "whole food" multivitamins don't include synthetic vitamins? How about Complete Foods, Sunwarrior, Garden of Life, Nature's Brands, and Doctors' Research?
Find out which "whole food" multivitamins are only from foods and which include synthetic vitamins, including Complete Foods Nutrition-OctoMega MultiVitamin; Sunwarrior; Garden of Life-MyKind Organics; Nature's Brands-PhytoVitamins; Doctors' Research MultiVitamin.
Clinical Update
9/23/2022
Humidifiers & Heavy Metal Exposure
Using the wrong kind of water in some humidifiers can cause exposure to heavy metals, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Potential problems with humidifiers section of our CL Answer about air purifiers.
Clinical Update
11/14/2023
Aluminum Exposure from Coffee?
Does drinking coffee made from aluminum capsules or in aluminum pots significantly increase aluminum exposure? Find out what research suggests in the Other Concerns with Coffee section of our article about coffee.
Clinical Update
5/31/2024
Fluoride Exposure and the Brain
Some groups claim that fluoride may be a cognitive neurodevelopmental hazard to humans. Learn why this claim is misleading in our article about fluoride exposure in children.
Clinical Update
8/26/2024
Fluoride and Child IQ
Does high fluoride exposure from water affect the IQ of children? Find out in our article about fluoride exposure and neurodevelopmental risks in children.
Clinical Update
1/07/2022
Omicron Symptoms and Testing
Find out how quickly symptoms develop after Omicron exposure. Also learn when you should get tested.
Clinical Update
10/04/2022
Problem With a Preventive Drug
EVUSHELD (tixagevimab with cilgavimab) is the only product authorized for the pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19, but evidence shows it may provide less protection against Omicron variants compared to earlier strains. Get the details in our CL Answer about treatments for COVID-19.
Clinical Update
11/11/2022
Benzene in Dry Shampoos – What You Need to Know
The carcinogen, benzene, was recently discovered in tests of dozens of dry shampoos. Learn which products had the most or least benzene and how to minimize benzene exposure when using these products.
Clinical Update
4/14/2023
Dioxins from Coffee Filters?
Some paper coffee filters contain toxic chemicals that can leach into coffee. Learn more and how to reduce exposure in CL Answer about coffee.
Clinical Update
11/04/2022
Sunscreen Allergy
Although uncommon, sunscreens can cause allergic skin reactions upon exposure to sunlight. Get the details about a recently reported case, and find out who is most likely to be affected, in our article about the best sunscreen based on safety and efficacy.
Clinical Update
4/19/2022
CPAP Humidifiers & PFAS?
Can using a CPAP humidifier increase one's exposure to potentially dangerous PFAS? Find out in our updated answer about Avoiding PFAS.
Clinical Update
8/12/2022
How Many Times Should You Test?
After exposure to COVID-19, how many times should you test? It may be more times than you think, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Antigen Tests section of our CL Answer about COVID-19 Testing.
Clinical Update
8/19/2022
How to Minimize Carcinogen in Sunscreens
Benzophenone is a carcinogen found in sunscreens made with oxybenzone or octocrylene. In addition to seeking sunscreens that don't contain these compounds, a recent study provided insights on how to further minimize benzophenone exposure, which we've added to our article about sunscreen safety. Also see our list of safer sunscreens.
Clinical Update
11/17/2014
Keep Energy Drinks Away from Kids
It was reported this week that 40% of calls to poison centers for "energy drink exposure" involved children under age 6, many of whom experienced serious side effects. For more about this and other concerns with energy drinks, as well as our test results for popular products, see the B Vitamins & Energy Drinks Review >>
Clinical Update
2/29/2020
How Much Sun for Vitamin D?
Is sun exposure to the hands, arms, and legs enough to boost or maintain adequate vitamin D levels? See what a recent study showed in the Getting Vitamin D from Sunlight section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Clinical Update
8/24/2021
Air Cleaners for Wildfire Smoke
Find out which types of portable air cleaners are best for wildfire smoke. Also see our top picks among air cleaners (including for use in reducing viral exposure).
Clinical Update
12/30/2021
New Recommendations for Quarantine and Isolation
The CDC has shortened its recommended time for isolation after confirmed infection as well as quarantine after exposure. Get the details, plus find out if people should be retested before ending isolation.
Clinical Update
3/23/2021
How Much Sun to Boost Vitamin D?
Find out how much sun exposure was needed in a recent study to significantly increase vitamin D levels in older people in the Getting Vitamin D from Sunlight section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.
Clinical Update
6/12/2021
Vitamin D and Melanoma
Can vitamin D supplementation improve outcomes in people with melanoma skin cancer? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure? Can any increase your risk of sun-related skin damage?
Clinical Update
7/28/2020
How Much Vitamin D from Sunshine?
Does exposure to midday sun increase already sufficient vitamin D blood levels? Get the surprising answer from a new study in the Getting vitamin D from sunlight section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.
Clinical Update
5/24/2024
Fluoride Risk During Pregnancy?
A recent study suggested a link between higher fluoride exposure during late pregnancy and an increased risk of certain behavior problems in offspring, although there are notable caveats. See our article about fluoride and ADHD for details.
Get more information about fluoride in our article about toothpaste.
Clinical Update
3/01/2024
Loss of Minerals with Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis water filtration depletes water of minerals. Is it necessary to add minerals back? Find out in our article about reducing exposure to PFAS, which includes our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter.
Also see our Water Pitcher Filters Review.
Clinical Update
7/22/2024
Near Infrared Light for Cognition?
Find out if near infrared (NIR) light therapy improved cognitive function in healthy people or those with dementia in our article about red and NIR light therapy.
Also, learn whether red light therapy is beneficial for actinic keratosis (scaly patches on the skin caused by long-term sun exposure).
Clinical Update
7/18/2024
Red Light Devices – More Answers
We've added more information to our recent article about red near infrared light devices about based on questions received:
- Vitiligo: Does red light help with vitiligo?
- Eye conditions: Is red light effective and safe for treating eye conditions , such as macular degeneration?
- Joint Pain: Is Move+ Pro by Kineon cleared by the FDA for reducing joint pain?
- Cleared by FDA? What is the difference between a device that has been "cleared" by the FDA as opposed to "approved" by the FDA?
- Product status: What is the FDA status of Omnilux Contour Face Mask, TenDlite, PainAway, and FibroLux?
- Devices vs. Sunshine? Since sunshine includes the wavelengths from red and near infrared light devices, why not just get sun exposure?
Clinical Update
6/22/2011
Does Taking Vitamin D Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease?
Earlier research has suggested an association between higher vitamin D levels in the blood and reduced risk of heart attack. But blood levels are affected by both sun exposure as well as intake of vitamin D. A new study shows that men with higher vitamin D intakes from foods and supplements have a 14% reduction in their risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, the study found no reduction among women. The amount of vitamin D intake shown to be beneficial and possible reasons why a benefit was not found in women are provided in the updated "What It Does" section of our Product Review of Vitamin D Supplements. More >>
Recalls & Warnings
October 29, 2019
Publisher Sued for Promoting "Phony Diabetes Cure"
On October 24, 2019 the FTC filed a lawsuit against the publisher of books, newsletters, and other publications aimed at seniors that falsely promise to cure type 2 diabetes.
Recalls & Warnings
November 16, 2023
Toxic Levels of Lead Found in Cinnamon Applesauce
WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches have been recalled after being linked, as of December 5, 2023, to 64 reports of illness, including four children with potential lead toxicity.
Recalls & Warnings
October 24, 2022
Dove, Suave, Tresemme & Other Dry Shampoos Recalled Due to Benzene
On October 18, 2022, Unilever issued a recall of 19 dry shampoo products including Dove, Suave, and Tresemme after an internal investigation found the products to contain benzene. According to Unilever, the propellants of these products were the source.
News Release
November 24, 2010
ConsumerLab.com faults AHPA trade group for misrepresenting quality of valerian supplements
White Plains, New York — November 24, 2010 — ConsumerLab.com responded today to false comments made by the American Herbal Product Associations (AHPA), an industry trade group, about ConsumerLab.com report published earlier this month on the quality of valerian herbal supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
November 05, 2021
Herb Recalled Due to Risk of Lead, Cadmium Contamination
On November 2, 2021, Murray Int'l Trading issued a recall of Herbal Doctor brand Angelicae Sinensis due to potential risk it may contain elevated levels of lead and cadmium.
News Release
November 10, 2010
Only 22% of valerian herbal sleep supplements selected for review pass tests for quality by ConsumerLab.com
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — NOVEMBER 10, 2010 — ConsumerLab.com reported that most of the valerian herbal supplements recently selected for testing contained less of the herb than expected and/or were contaminated with lead.
News Release
May 28, 2004
ConsumerLab.com warns of deceptive campaign by manufacturer of children's vitamin
WHITE PLAINS, NY — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — FRIDAY MAY 28, 2004 — Responding to a deceptive public relations campaign recently launched by vitamin manufacturer Northwest Natural Products, Inc., ConsumerLab.
News Release
October 03, 2001
Most iron supplements pass ConsumerLab.com testing — Lead contamination and insufficient iron found in some
WHITE PLAINS, NY — October 3, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, released results today of its Product Review of Iron Supplements. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in the U.S. and worldwide.
News Release
April 10, 2001
Quality of popular herbal anti-depressant found to vary; certain types of St. John's Wort supplements more likely to pass testing
White Plains, NY — April 11, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutrition products, today released results of its Product Review of St. John's wort supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
April 06, 2022
Mandalorian and Mickey Mouse Hand Sanitizers Recalled Due to Benzene, Methanol
On April 1, 2022, Best Brands Consumer Products, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
December 20, 2021
Pantene, Herbal Essences, & Other Brands of Dry Shampoo and Conditioner Recalled Due to Benzene
On December 17, 2021, Procter & Gamble issued a recall of 26 aerosol spray dry shampoos and conditioners from six brands, including Aussie, Herbal Essences, Hair Food, Old Spice, Pantene, and Waterless Hair Care, because some of the products were found to contain benzene.
Recalls & Warnings
May 22, 2018
FDA Warns Companies Selling "Sun Protection" Supplements
On May 18, 2018, the FDA issued warning letters to four companies selling supplements for sun protection because statements made on product labels, websites and in marketing materials were found to be drug claims, which are not permitted for dietary supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
August 07, 2021
Poppy Seed Tea, Unwashed Poppy Seeds Pose Risk of Overdose, Death
Unwashed poppy seeds can be contaminated with significant, even dangerous levels of opioid compounds that can cause serious adverse effects, overdose and death.
Recalls & Warnings
May 16, 2020
CBD Oil Recalled, Risk of High Lead Exposure
On May 15, 2020, Summitt Labs issued a recall of one batch of KORE ORGANIC Watermelon CBD Oil Tincture due to contamination with lead. A random sample of this product tested by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services found it to contain lead levels at 4.7 ppm.
Recalls & Warnings
May 09, 2020
FTC Warns 45 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims
On May 7, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 45 companies for selling products such as herbal products, immune system boosters, and vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).
Recalls & Warnings
May 01, 2021
Hand Sanitizer Sold at Ulta, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls Recalled Due to Toxic Chemicals
On April 28, 2021, Scentsational Soaps & Candles, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
June 30, 2013
Warning Over Excessive Iodine Intake From Supplements, Including Kelp
On June 5, 2013, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) advised that children and adults, including pregnant and lactating women, consume no more than 500 mcg of iodine daily from iodine and kelp supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
June 07, 2013
Seller of Red Rice Yeast With CoQ10, Respiratory Supplement And More Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On February 25, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Altasource, LLC, dba Meta Labs LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's dietary supplements, including Respiratory Response, African Mango, Coffee Black Salve, Meta-Cell, Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Red Yeast Rice with ...
Recalls & Warnings
November 28, 2014
Seller of Herbal Extracts Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On November 3, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Avena Botanicals, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
July 29, 2017
Increase in Calls to Poison Control Centers About Supplements
The number of calls to poison control centers in the U.S. about dietary supplement exposures increased by almost 50% between 2005 and 2012, according to a study published this week in the Journal of Medical Toxicology.
Recalls & Warnings
September 18, 2015
High Levels of Mercury and Lead Found in Ayurvedic Herbal Supplements
On September 17, 2015, the FDA announced that Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Ayurvedic dietary supplements were found to contain high levels of lead and/or mercury, which can cause serious health problems.
Recalls & Warnings
February 12, 2013
Judge Orders Drug and Supplement Company to Cease Manufacturing and Distribution
On February 8, 2012, the FDA announced Titan Medical Enterprises Inc. has been ordered to stop manufacturing and distributing drugs and dietary supplements until the company's manufacturing operations comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The order was signed on December 11, 2012, U.
Recalls & Warnings
March 10, 2015
Maker of Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc, B Vitamins and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On January 8, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Complete H2O Minerals, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Sulfur Concentrate, Copper, Extra Strength Copper, Extra Strength Magnesium, Extra Strength Zinc, Platinum, Gold, Indium, Molybdenum, ...
Recalls & Warnings
August 16, 2013
Ginkgo, Milk Thistle, Cleanse and Nopal Supplement Maker Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On July 23, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Natural Products Services, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
August 19, 2015
Soylent Meal Replacement Powder Reported to Contain Lead and Cadmium
On August 13, 2015, an environmental-health watchdog group, As You Sow, filed a notice of intent to bring legal action against Soylent, a "meal replacement" powder, alleging violation of California's "Prop 65" Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 29, 2004
U.S. Action on Mad Cow -- Supplements Included As Well as Food
On Jan. 26, 2004, the U.
Recalls & Warnings
December 11, 2002
Recall of Calcium Supplement Possibly Contaminated with Antibiotic
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following Class II recall information in its December 11, 2002 Enforcement Report.
Recalls & Warnings
June 30, 2002
Recall of Dalyvite Liquid Multivitamin
In its June 26, 2002 Enforcement Report, the U.S. FDA reported the following Class III Food Recall. A Class III recall is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
Recalls & Warnings
January 19, 2002
Recall of Certain Iron Supplements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following Class III recall information in its January 16, 2002 Enforcement Report. A Class III recall is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences:
Recalls & Warnings
January 15, 2002
Recall of "Prostatin" Supplement -- Contains Aristolochic Acid
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following Class I recall information in its January 9, 2002 Enforcement Report.