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Find out your recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals.
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CL Answer
What is the difference between the RDA and the DV for vitamins and minerals?
Find out the difference between RDAs (Recommended Daily Allowances) and DVs (Daily Values) for vitamins and minerals, as well as new changes to Daily Values. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review
Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies
Product Review
B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)
See Which B Vitamins Are ConsumerLab's Top Picks!
CL Answer
Are the "% DV" numbers on vitamin supplement labels really based on what I need?
Learn more about percent daily values, including if they are good standards of measure or if better upper and lower limits exist.
CL Answer
What are trace minerals and do I need them?
Trace minerals include boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, zinc, and others. Find out what they do, how much of each trace mineral you should be getting, and who's most likely to be deficient in these minerals.
CL Answer
How much magnesium do I need and how much magnesium from supplements is too much?
Find out how much magnesium you should be getting on a daily basis, signs of magnesium deficiency, and how much magnesium is too much, particularly from magnesium supplements and laxatives containing magnesium. Find out the side effects and potential adverse effects of too much magnesium.
CL Answer
Why aren't there children's multivitamins specifically for girls vs. boys?
Find out the best children's multivitamins for girls and boys, why there aren't different multivitamins for girls and boys, why teen girls and boys have different nutritional needs, especially when it comes to iron, and the best multivitamins for children, teen boys and girls, adults, adults over 50, prenatal vitamins and vitamins for pets.
CL Answer
Which ingredients should toothpastes and other dental products contain, and which should be avoided?
Learn about ingredients you want in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products and which ingredients you may want to avoid.
CL Answer
Is it possible to get too much vitamin D?
Too much vitamin D can lead to adverse effects, including hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood).
Product Review
Vitamin C Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin C Supplements
CL Answer
What is Perque Bone Guard Forté? It is safe and effective for bone health?
Find out about the ingredients in Perque Bone Guard Forté, including which ingredients may be beneficial for osteoporosis and bone health and which may be a safety concern.
CL Answer
Which vitamins and minerals should someone over 70 take?
Find out which vitamin and mineral supplements men and women age 70 and older should take, recommended intakes for vitamin D, B6, B12, iron, plus multis, vision supplements, protein and more.
CL Answer
Is there a multivitamin that contains only the recommended daily vitamins and minerals? Most that I have looked at contain more.
Are there any multivitamins that contain only the recommended daily vitamins and minerals? Choose the best multivitamin based on age & gender.
CL Answer
When is the best time of day to take a multivitamin?
Find out the best time of day to take your multivitamin for best absorption of vitamins and minerals, whether you should take your multi with food, which vitamins and minerals may inhibit the absorption of other vitamins and minerals, or medications. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Is it possible to take too much vitamin C?
Find out the daily value of vitamin C, along with possible side effects of excessive vitamin C intake. ConsumerLab explores the topic of proper vitamin C supplement usage, and why taking too much can be harmful.
CL Answer
Why does my multivitamin make me nauseous? Is there anything that can help?
Find out if ingredients in multivitamins can cause nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
CL Answer
I've been taking a Daily Advantage multi but am now concerned by the very high % DV for vitamin C (833% DV), niacin (325% DV), and B vitamins (over 1,000% DV for several). What do you think?
Learn about the safety of taking multivitamins containing far more than Daily Values, including upper and lower limits for nutrients.
CL Answer
Top 8 vitamins and nutrients for vegetarians and vegans
Find out which 8 supplements may be needed by vegetarians or vegans to meet all their daily nutrient requirements and learn ways to find supplements that do not contain ingredients objectionable to people following vegetarian or vegan diets.
CL Answer
Risks of Too Many Vitamins & Supplements
Taking too many vitamin supplements -- or taking too much of a particular supplement -- can have short and long-term adverse effects.
Clinical Update
6/15/2021
Vitamin D May Increase the Risk of Fractures from Falls
Taking doses of vitamin D above the RDA when not necessary may increase the risk of first-time falls with fractures, according to a recent analysis. Get the details in the Muscle, Balance and Falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for low, moderate and high-dose vitamin D supplements.
Product Review
Mangosteen Juice and Supplements Review Article
What Are the Benefits of Mangosteen Juice and Supplements? Find Out What Mangosteen Can and Cannot Do For Your Health.
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
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.
CL Answer
Can taking too much vitamin B-6 be dangerous?
Find out if multivitamins contain excessive amounts of B-6, how much B-6 is too much, and symptoms of toxicity and overdose.
CL Answer
What is desiccated beef liver? What is it used for, and is it safe?
Description of desiccated beef liver, including what it is used for, its nutrient content, and safety concerns.
Product Review
Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)
See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs
CL Answer
Does OsteoMD improve calcium absorption and increase bone density?
ConsumerLab reviews the evidence for OsteoMD by 1MD, a bone health supplement promoted to slow bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
CL Answer
Do any supplements improve balance or reduce the risk of falls?
Find out which vitamins & supplements may improve your balance to help reduce the risk of falling, including vitamin D and protein.
CL Answer
Does Alpha Brain really improve memory, focus and cognition?
Find out if Alpha Brain really improves memory, focus and cognition. See the clinical evidence and get details about Alpha Brain ingredients, as well as potential side effects and drug interactions. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
I thought the B vitamins were all water soluble and did not build up in the body, so you would not build up toxic levels. Am I wrong?
Learn more about water-soluble B vitamins including niacin, B6, B12 and folic acid, and why taking too much of these vitamins can be toxic. See the symptoms of overdose and toxicity from B vitamins. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Do vitamin C supplements help prevent cataracts?
Learn more about the link between vitamin C and cataracts, based on clinical evidence.
Product Review
Magnesium Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Boron, and Vitamins D & K)
Find Out What Magnesium Does, Who Needs It, and Our Top Picks Among Supplements
Clinical Update
10/12/2011
Women-Vitamin Study - Key Points
You may have heard this week about a new study which found a higher risk of death among women who used certain supplements. It's a complicated study, but we've summarized some key findings. Bear in mind that only white women ages 55 to 69 were enrolled in the study and they were followed for 22 years.
Those taking calcium supplements had a 3.8% reduced risk of death. The calcium benefit ended, however, when taking more than 900 mg per day from supplements. It's worth noting that experts suggest many older women who take calcium supplements may not need to -- see the Calcium Supplement Review for more.
The mineral most strongly associated with an increased risk of death was iron, which showed a risk increase of 3.9% -- and the risk increased as the dose increased, particularly over 50 mg per day. However, the study grouped dosages of under 50 mg together, making it hard to determine the risk of low dosages of iron, such as those in many multivitamins. However, there is very little reason why a postmenopausal woman should be taking iron -- see the Iron Supplement Review for more.
Although not as statistically meaningful, other supplements were associated with the following increases in the risk of death during the study: multivitamins (2.4%), vitamin B6 (4.1%), folic acid (5.9%), magnesium (3.6%), zinc (3.0%), and copper (18.0%). An abstract of the study is online.
The bottom line: Don't take a supplement you don't need. If you want to know how much of each vitamin and mineral you need from your total diet and how much is too much, see our chart at www.consumerlab.com/rdas/.
Product Review
Vitamin E Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin E Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Vitamin E Supplements & CL's Top Picks.
CL Answer
Which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately?
Find out the best way to take vitamins and minerals and which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately for proper absorption. ConsumerLab answer explains the best way to take vitamins and minerals.
Product Review
Kelp Supplements Review
Choose the Best Kelp Supplement. Be Cautious With Kelp! Only 50% of Supplements Pass CL's Review.
Product Review
Calcium and Bone Health Supplements Review (Including Vitamins D & K, Magnesium and Boron)
See Which Bone Health Supplements Are Top Picks and Which Fail
CL Answer
What is C15:0 fatty acid (found in fatty15), and does it have health benefits?
C15:0 fatty acid in fatty15 is promoted for “healthier hair & skin, balanced metabolism, and deeper sleep,” as well as “slowing the aging process.” Find out if it works.
CL Answer
I'm over 50 and looking to take a vitamin B-12 supplement. Many contain a form of vitamin B-12 called cyanocobalamin, yet I read on the Internet that this form is toxic. Should I be concerned?
Looking to see if the cyanocobalamin form of vitamin B-12 is safe? Read research and safety information on ConsumerLab's report.
CL Answer
Which supplements help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?
Find out which supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, including folate, fiber, selenium, and vitamin D.
CL Answer
Can prenatal vitamins have too much folic acid? Mine has 800 mcg, but isn't that more than what's recommended? Is this dangerous to me or my baby?
Is it possible for prenatal vitamins to have too much folic acid? Find out the correct dosage so that it is not dangerous to babies.
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.
Product Review
Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review
Find the Best Zinc Supplements and Lozenges. Have a Cold? See CL's Top Picks Among Zinc Supplements and Lozenges.
Product Review
Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review
Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests
News Release
February 12, 2021
Don't Be Surprised by New Labels on Many Vitamins
White Plains, New York, February 12, 2021 — It took almost four years, but more accurate labels on vitamin and mineral supplements are finally here and consumers should not be surprised to see changes, says Tod Cooperman, M.D., president and founder of ConsumerLab.
CL Answer
Which supplements are important after bariatric surgery (i.e., weight loss or stomach-reducing surgery)? Are there any I should avoid?
Find out which supplements may help after weight loss or stomach reducing surgery, including iron and calcium, and which should be avoided.
CL Answer
8 Supplements That May Help Treat Peptic Ulcers – And Some to Avoid
Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection are typically treated with antibiotics, but certain supplements may also help. Find out which 8 supplements might be beneficial - and which should be avoided.
News Release
May 17, 2017
Best Vitamin D? ConsumerLab.com Tests Popular Vitamin D Supplements and Reveals Its Top Picks
White Plains, New York, May 17, 2017 — Vitamin D is currently the most popular dietary supplement among people who regularly use supplements according to a recent survey by ConsumerLab.com.
News Release
March 31, 2009
ConsumerLab.com Warns of Problems with Multivitamins and Vitamin Water -- Defects Found in Over 30% of Supplements Selected for Testing; Several Popular Children's Multis Exceed Tolerable Upper Intake Levels
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MARCH 31, 2009 — Over 30% of multivitamins recently selected for testing by ConsumerLab.com were found to contain significantly more or less ingredient than claimed or were contaminated with lead.
News Release
May 15, 2002
ConsumerLab.com lists magnesium products that passed testing — Some products fail due to excess magnesium and lead contamination
WHITE PLAINS, NY — May 14, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com today released results of its Product Review of Magnesium Supplements. Seventeen of the nineteen products tested by ConsumerLab.com passed the review. Among the products that failed, one contained nearly 50% more magnesium than claimed.
News Release
February 14, 2001
Problems found with multivitamins and multiminerals by ConsumerLab.com
WHITE PLAINS, NY — February 14, 2001 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that only 14 of 27 products evaluated in its Multivitamin and Multimineral Product Review achieved full "CL Approved Quality" status.
