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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

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.

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

Product Review

GABA Supplements Review

Does GABA Work As a Supplement?

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

8/02/2017

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

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.

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

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

5/10/2024

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

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?

CL Answer

What are the side effects of melatonin supplements?

Melatonin side effects - are there any? Read about drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, mood & behavior, the risk of fractures and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Melatonin Review 2024

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

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.

Product Review

Coconut Waters Review

Best Coconut Water? See Our Tests and Comparisons of Popular Brands Looking at Sugar, Electrolytes, Taste and Price.

Coconut Waters Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

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.)

Product Review

Valerian Supplements Review

Choose the Best Valerian Supplement. Strength and Contamination Vary Widely Among Popular Valerian Brands.

Valerian Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Is kratom too dangerous to use?

Find out if kratom is safe/legal to use, including potential adverse effects, such as agitation, rapid heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, seizures, and possible drug interactions.

Is kratom safe? Is it legal? -- Kratom leaf and pills

CL Answer

What is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)? Is it beneficial for stress, anxiety, insomnia or other conditions, and is it safe?

Find out about GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), including if it's beneficial for insomnia, epilepsy, stress and anxiety, high blood pressure and building muscle, and learn if taking GABA supplements is safe.

Older women sitting calmly on a couch with her hands behind her head and her eyes closed

CL Answer

Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?

Find out which supplements, and topical products such as magnesium creams, can help reduce muscle pain, leg cramps, and nighttime leg cramps, and which may worsen muscle cramps. Also, learn about vitamin and mineral deficiencies and common medications that can cause muscle cramps and nocturnal leg cramps.

Magnesium & Other Supplements for Muscle Pain & Cramps -- woman with leg cramp

CL Answer

Is it true that magnesium bisglycinate from BioSchwartz is less likely to cause a laxative effect than other forms of magnesium?

Find out if the Magnesium Bisglycinate from BioSchwartz is better than other forms of magnesium and how much magnesium this product contains. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

BioSchwartz magnesium bisglycinate

Product Review

Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)

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

Product Review

Melatonin Supplements Review

Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.

Melatonin Review 2024

CL Answer

Which supplements can help treat anemia? Do any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?

Find out which vitamin and nutrient supplements can help prevent and treat anemia in people who are nutrient deficient and learn which supplements may cause low blood cell counts, especially when used in excess.

Woman holding various vitamins and supplements in her hands

CL Answer

Do magnesium supplements, like Magtein, help memory or protect against Alzheimer's disease?

Magtein, and other magnesium supplements, may help memory and protect against Alzheimer's disease.

Memory 1400

Product Review

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Review

Choose the Best Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplement. Don't Overpay! CL Identifies Quality Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements at the Best Value.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Which supplements can help me sleep and which cause insomnia?

Find out which supplements may improve sleep, including melatonin, L-tryptophan, and magnesium, and which may make sleeping more difficult.

Supplements for Sleep -- woman awake in bed

CL Answer

Is topical menthol, such as Biofreeze, safe and effective for pain relief?

Menthol is commonly used in topical creams and gels for pain relief. Find out if it works and if it's safe.

Man applying menthol cream

CL Answer

How much calcium from supplements is too much?

Too much calcium per day - how much is too much? Learn about the recommended daily intake from food & supplements and why taking too much calcium can be harmful.

Calcium Review 2024

CL Answer

How to Reduce Lightheadedness and Dizziness When Standing Up (Orthostatic Hypotension)

Learn about movements that can reduce lightheadedness and dizziness that can occur from a drop in blood pressure upon standing (initial orthostatic hypotension). Plus find out if supplements such as vitamin D and CoQ10 may help.

Orthostatic Hypotension

CL Answer

My doctor warned me that red yeast rice can cause liver damage - is that true?

Can red yeast rice cause liver damage? More information on its effects, including possible danger to the liver and kidneys.

Red Yeast Rice Tablets on White Background

CL Answer

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, depression, numbness and tingling in the legs, loss of balance, changes in skin and hair, and others. Find out who is a greater risk for B12 deficiency, and how B12 supplements can help. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency -- paper with question "Are you getting enough vitamin B12" and boxes to check yes or no

CL Answer

Is it true that I should not keep magnesium supplements in a daily pill pack mixed with other supplements and medicines?

Find out if magnesium should be stored separately from other types of supplements.

Pills in Daily Pill Pack on White Table and Background

CL Answer

I was told I have a MTHFR gene mutation. Do I need to take methylated forms of B vitamins, such as methylfolate and methylcobalamin?

MTHFR gene mutation can impact B vitamin bioavailability. Learn more about this and which deficiencies are more likely to occur.

Testing for B Vitamins

Clinical Update

3/31/2023

Hyland's for Leg Cramps?

Is there good evidence that Leg Cramps by Hyland’s Naturals relieves cramps in the legs and feet? Find out in the Supplements and creams for muscle cramps section of our article about leg cramps.

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.

Woman in bed with leg cramp

CL Answer

Do arnica pills really work to prevent bruising?

Find out if arnica tablets really work to prevent bruising, information about homeopathic products and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Arnica Tablets for Bruises -- container of Arnica tablets

CL Answer

Which supplements help to improve energy and decrease fatigue?

Energy supplements and vitamins - Some can help increase energy and reduce fatigue, including CoQ10, curcumin/turmeric, cocoa, and B vitamins.

Supplements to Improve Energy and Decrease Fatigue -- tired woman yawning at desk

Clinical Update

3/31/2022

Quinine for Leg Cramps?

Is quinine (a compound in tonic water) helpful and safe for nighttime leg cramps? Find out in our updated answer about supplements for leg cramps and muscle pain.

Clinical Update

4/26/2022

B-12 for Nighttime Leg Cramps

Raising lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 may help with nighttime leg cramps according to some reports. Get the details in the B-12 section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

For information about other supplements that may help, see our answer to the question: Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?

Clinical Update

8/22/2024

Leg Cramps and Carnitine

Does taking L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine reduce leg cramps? See what research suggests in the What It Does section of our Acetyl-L-Carnitine Review.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?

Clinical Update

2/28/2017

Magnesium for Leg Cramps?

Magnesium supplements are sometimes promoted for leg cramps. However, a recent study among older men and women found that taking a particular form of magnesium at bedtime did not reduce nighttime leg cramps. Get the details about the study, plus other uses of magnesium, in the "What It Does" section of the Magnesium Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

Clinical Update

7/13/2021

Magnesium for Leg Cramps?

Can magnesium supplementation reduce leg cramps? See what a recent analysis of the data showed for leg cramps in pregnant women. Also see the evidence for use by older men and women in our Magnesium Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do magnesium creams, sprays and oils help with muscle pain and cramps? How about supplements?

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.

Vitamin tablets placed on a table to spell B6

CL Answer

Do plasmalogen supplements improve cognitive function and memory?

Plasmalogen supplements claim to improve cognitive function, support memory, and reduce brain fog. Find out if they work.

Hands holding puzzle in shape of head with puzzle pieces missing

News Release

April 25, 2019

Best Coconut Water? ConsumerLab Tests Popular Products, Reveals Top Pick

White Plains, New York, April 25, 2019 — Coconut water is often promoted as a healthy way to stay hydrated and a natural alternative to sports drinks.

News Release

January 04, 2018

ConsumerLab.com Reveals Its Top Picks for Best Iron Supplements

White Plains, New York, January 4, 2018 — Iron supplements not only treat iron deficiency, but can help reduce unexplained fatigue in women and symptoms of some forms of restless legs syndrome. But choosing an iron supplement and knowing how to use it can be difficult.

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

News Release

June 21, 2017

Which Magnesium Is Best? ConsumerLab.com Tests Popular Brands and Reveals Its Top Pick

White Plains, New York, June 21, 2017 — Magnesium supplements are among the most popular supplements, but do you need to take one and, if so, which is best? To find out, ConsumerLab.com reviewed the clinical evidence, and purchased and tested popular magnesium supplements sold in the U.S.

Clinical Update

4/30/2024

Magnesium for Leg Cramps?

Does magnesium reduce leg cramps? Find out what studies have shown in our Magnesium Supplements Review.

Also see our recent Top Pick among magnesium supplements.

Clinical Update

4/15/2022

Theraworx for Nighttime Leg Cramps?

Does Theraworx, a topical homeopathic magnesium product, relieve nighttime leg cramps? See what a study found in the Magnesium Creams, Sprays and Oils section of our Magnesium Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

9/28/2021

Leg Cramp Causes and Treatments?

Find out if common medications can cause nighttime leg cramps. Also find out if supplements or topical products such as magnesium creams can help.

Clinical Update

1/14/2020

Magnesium for Leg Cramps?

Magnesium if often touted for treating leg cramps. Does it really work? See what studies have shown, including a recent study among pregnant women, in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for magnesium.

Clinical Update

7/24/2018

Vitamin D and Leg Muscle Strength

Giving a moderate amount of vitamin D to women deficient in vitamin D was shown to improve leg muscle strength. A much higher dose did not. Get the details, including dosage, and learn about vitamin D for strength and balance in the Muscle, Balance, and Falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.)

Clinical Update

4/12/2016

Too Much Vitamin D Weakens Legs

In recent months we have reported that giving too much vitamin D to people who don't need it increases the risk of falls. A major study now shows that it also weakens leg muscles — apparently to the surprise of the researchers. Keep in mind that giving vitamin D to people who are deficient in it can decrease the risk of falls. Get the details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

CL Answer

Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia?

Find out which supplements for nerve pain, including fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid, are effective for sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, or postherpetic neuralgia.

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

News Release

June 15, 2005

Two magnesium supplements fail testing due to lead contamination. Nineteen others pass. Report now available.

WHITE PLAINS, NY — JUNE 15, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of magnesium supplements sold in the U.S. In addition to being an essential mineral, magnesium may help prevent migraine headaches, menstrual pain, PMS, and leg cramps during pregnancy.

Clinical Update

3/21/2023

Acai for Exercise Recovery?

Did taking an acai supplement reduce muscle fatigue and soreness after exercise? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Acai Berry Supplements & Beverages Review.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?

Clinical Update

9/15/2020

Preventing Muscle Loss with Leucine?

Do supplements with leucine (a branched-chain amino acid or BCAA) prevent muscle loss when muscles are immobilized (such as in a leg brace)? See what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

5/20/2015

Vitamin D Strengthens Muscle

In a recent study, a modest daily dose of vitamin D led to impressive gains in leg strength in women who were deficient in the vitamin. Details about this study (including dosage) and other studies of vitamin D, along with our reviews of products, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

1/03/2020

CBD Cream for Pain?

People suffering peripheral neuropathy in their legs and feet applied CBD cream or placebo for one month. Did it help? Find out in the Topical CBD section of our CBD Review. Also see our Top Picks among creams, oils, and other CBD products.

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

11/26/2017

Signs of B12 Deficiency

B12 deficiency is not uncommon, most often affecting older people. Symptoms include anemia, fatigue, tingling in the arms and legs and loss of balance -- but a recent case report highlights a lesser-known sign of B12 deficiency. Find out more, plus how much B12 you should get in the "B12" section of the B Vitamins Review >> (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.)

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

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

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

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

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 >>

News Release

August 25, 2004

ConsumerLab.com finds not all vitamin E products meet claims — Results for 33 vitamin E supplements and skin products released today

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Wednesday, August 25, 2004   (Updated 10/24/04) — ConsumerLab.com announced today that five vitamin E products failed to pass recent testing for having either too little vitamin E and/or for containing synthetic vitamin E when claiming to be natural.

Recalls & Warnings

December 18, 2006

Canada Warns of Herbal Sleep Product Containing Rx Drug

On December 18, 2006 Health Canada advised consumers not to use a product called Eden Herbal Formulations Sleep Ease Dietary Supplement, because it was found to contain an undeclared drug estazolam, which can be habit-forming when used for as little as a few months.

Recalls & Warnings

August 31, 2006

Canada Advises Consumers Not To Use Adulterated Sleep Supplement

On August 30, 2006, Health Canada (the Candian Health Ministry) Health Canada advised consumers not to use Salt Spring Herbals Sleep Well Dietary Supplement because a sample analyzed by Health Canada has been found to contain the undeclared drug estazolam, a sedative that can be habit-forming when ...

Recalls & Warnings

June 01, 2012

Homeopathic Manufacturer Settles False Advertising Suit

June 1, 2012 — A federal court in California recently authorized the settlement of a class action lawsuit against Boiron Inc. and Boiron USA, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

June 15, 2003

FTC Alleges "Heartbar" Made Deceptive Claims About Effectiveness

On June 12, 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Unither Pharma, Inc. and United Therapeutics Corporation have agreed to settle FTC charges that they made deceptive claims in advertising for their HeartBar product.

Recalls & Warnings

August 02, 2014

Judge Orders BioAnue To Stop Illegal Cancer and Disease Claims

On July 23, 2014, Gloria D.

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

June 24, 2010

FDA Warns Seller of Pills Used to Treat Autism

On June 17, 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a Warning Letter of legal violations to CTI Science, Inc., the marketer of OSR#1. The product is marketed as a supplement, but contains an ingredient that is not legally permitted to be sold as a supplement.

Recalls & Warnings

March 19, 2009

QVC Settles Charges of False Claims for Supplements

On March 19, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that QVC, Inc., a TV home shopping channel and one of the world’s largest multimedia retailers, has agreed to pay $7.

Recalls & Warnings

May 06, 2014

Seller of Flaxseed, Ginkgo and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On April 18, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Iowa Select Herbs, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Flax Seed, Holy Basil, Papaya Leaf Extract, and Ginkgo Leaf Extract products, to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held ...