ConsumerLab.com Answers
Question:
Which supplements help with erectile dysfunction?
Answer:
As discussed in the Encyclopedia article about Erectile Dysfunction, there are several natural treatments which may be modestly helpful for erectile dysfunction.
For example, as discussed in ConsumerLab.com's Ginseng Supplements Review, Korean red ginseng has been shown in several clinical studies to improve erectile function in men with mild to moderate dysfunction. As noted in the Concerns and Cautions section, however, ginseng may affect blood sugar levels, and therefore should be used only with caution and under medical supervision in people with diabetes.
As discussed in the L-Arginine Supplements Review, there is some evidence that arginine supplements may be helpful for men with erectile dysfunction.
Certain forms of carnitine (propionyl-l-carnitine combined with acetyl-l-carnitine) have been shown in a clinical study to improve erectile function, and, in another study, propionyl-l-carnitine was shown to increase the effectiveness of sildenafil (Viagra) in men with diabetes who had previously failed to respond to the drug. ConsumerLab.com has tested carnitine supplements in its Acetyl-L-Carnitine Review.
As discussed in the Maca Supplements Review, maca root powder may slightly improve erectile function in young men with mild erectile dysfunction. It has also been found to significantly increase sexual desire (libido), in men.
DHEA may improve erectile dysfunction in men with low levels of this hormone, as noted in ConsumerLab.com's DHEA Supplements Review.
The compound yohimbine, from yohimbe bark, is marginally helpful for erectile dysfunction. ConsumerLab.com has tested supplements containing yohimbine as part of its Review of Sexual Enhancement Supplements. However, as noted in the Concerns and Cautions section, be aware that yohimbine may cause changes in blood pressure and have other adverse effects, as well as interact with certain medications.
Although epimedium (horny goat weed) is commonly promoted for erectile dysfunction, there is little evidence to support this use. Evidence and dosage for these and other enhancement supplement ingredients, including ginkgo, and deer velvet antler, plus safety concerns and potential drug interactions, and our tests of the quality of popular products, are found in the Review of Sexual Enhancement Supplements.
Rarely, erectile dysfunction and loss of libido have been reported when taking beta-sitosterol, which is found in certain Prostate Supplements as well as some Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements.
Be aware that many sexual enhancement supplements have been found to contain undeclared sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and related compounds, which could pose dangers, particularly as the amounts and identities of these compounds are not disclosed on labels (see the list of Warnings for supplements found to contain these drugs).
ConsumerLab.com Answers
Question:
Do different colors of maca have different benefits?
Answer:
In animal studies, different colors of maca, (i.e. red, black and yellow) have been found to have a variety of effects, such as decreasing the size of the prostate, increasing sperm counts, and increasing fertility. These studies are likely the source of claims that different colors of maca should be used for different purposes, because most studies in people (which have shown some benefits regarding mood and sexual desire and function) have not specified the color of the maca. For more about this, the evidence for maca, dosage, and our tests of different brands, see the Maca Supplements Review >>
ConsumerLab.com Answers
Question:
Which supplements can help to lower blood pressure?
Answer:
There are many supplements, including fish oil, curcumin, certain probiotics, cinnamon and others, which may lower blood pressure. However, if you already take medication to lower blood pressure, always consult your physician before using these supplements, as they may lower your blood pressure too much, or interfere in some other way with your current medication. Be aware that a number of supplements can increase blood pressure. Sign in to see the full answer >>
See the Encyclopedia article about Hypertension for more information.
ConsumerLab.com Answers
Question:
Which supplements help to improve energy and decrease fatigue?
Answer:
Getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, and regular exercise are the best ways to maintain your energy. However, we all have times when we could benefit from an energy boost. (If you are frequently tired, be sure to consult your physician about potential causes, as discussed below).
Certain supplements may help increase energy and decrease fatigue.
CoQ10, which plays a role in energy production in cells, has been shown to decrease fatigue in people with conditions such as heart failure and Gulf War Illness. One small study suggested it may increase self-assessed "vitality" in older adults. (Be aware that taking CoQ10 in the evening can cause insomnia in some people).
Curcumin (from turmeric) has been shown to reduce fatigue in older men and women using a particular branded formula.
Ashwagandha may reduce fatigue in middle-aged adults with moderate to severe anxiety.
Cocoa flavanols may help reduce self-reported mental fatigue in healthy adults, according to one study.
Ginseng is a popular ingredient in supplements promoted for increasing energy and vitality. Although there is little evidence to support this effect in healthy people, there is some evidence it may increase energy in people with cancer-related fatigue.
Carnitine may help reduce fatigue in older men with symptoms of sexual dysfunction, depression and fatigue.
B vitamins are involved in the metabolism of food to release energy, and deficiency in vitamin B-12 is known to cause fatigue. However, if you already get an adequate amount of the B vitamins in your diet and are not deficient in them, supplementing with additional amounts of B vitamins is not known to improve performance. Be aware that energy drinks often contain much higher doses of B vitamins than needed — sometimes amounts above tolerable limits. Energy drinks also commonly contain significant amounts of caffeine or ingredients which naturally contain caffeine such as guarana and cola nut. Although caffeine does not actually provide energy, it acts as a stimulant and can reduce fatigue. Be aware that energy drinks can increase blood pressure, and stroke and liver injury have been reported in people consuming certain energy drinks.
Energy bars, or nutrition bars, can be a good source of real energy (calories), especially if you are on the go and haven't had a chance to eat a real meal, and also provide vitamins and minerals. It's important to choose carefully as some are high in sugar, or contain sugar substitutes that may upset your stomach. Some also contain caffeine.
Supplements that provide iodine, such as kelp supplements and potassium iodide, are often promoted to increase energy. However, there is little evidence for this effect unless they are being used to treat hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency.
Rhodiola rosea and maca supplements are sometimes promoted to increase energy or reduce fatigue, however, there is not enough evidence to support these supplements for this use.
Iron deficiency can cause fatigue. Consequently, correcting iron deficiency with iron supplementation can reduce related fatigue. Interestingly, iron supplementation has even been shown to reduce fatigue in women who are not anemic but have ferritin levels in the lower end of normal range.
If your fatigue is caused by difficulty sleeping, melatonin or other supplements for sleep may be helpful. (Note that taking high-dose vitamin D may reduce your body's natural production of melatonin).
Be aware that St. John's wort can cause fatigue when you take it, or if you abruptly stop taking it.
Because there are many possible causes of fatigue, it's important to consult with your doctor if you feel tired frequently.
See the Encyclopedia article about Fatigue for more information.
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Product Review: Maca Supplements Review |
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Initial Posting: 2/3/18
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Maca "Stamina Enhancement" Supplements Tested for Quality
Find Out Now Which Passed or Failed!
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Maca has long been touted for energy, stamina, improved mood, and sexual enhancement — and some of these effects have been demonstrated in preliminary clinical studies. But how do you choose the best maca supplement — one with real maca and minimal contamination? ConsumerLab.com purchased, tested and reviewed many popular brands of maca root powder (including gelatinized powders) to help you. We used DNA testing, microscopic evaluation, as well as our own taste tests. We found many products which contain real maca. However, one product contained an unacceptable amount of lead — a heavy metal. Another appeared to contain less maca than claimed and more filler.
To help you find the best price and value with maca supplements, ConsumerLab.com also compared the maca supplements on cost. We found that you can get a daily dose of quality maca for less than 20 cents.
In this comprehensive report about maca supplements, you'll get test results and quality ratings for 11 supplements (including one that passed our voluntary Quality Certification Program). You'll learn:
- Which maca supplements passed or failed ConsumerLab.com's testing and review
- Quality ratings and comparisons of maca supplements, plus our top choices among Approved products
- The difference between "gelatinized" maca root powder and regular maca root powder
- The dosage of maca taken for different applications and the related clinical evidence
- Potential side effects of maca supplements
- Tips for buying and using maca, and more!
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Update:
(6/30/2015): It was reported to CL that the supplement company selling the maca product which was contaminated with lead has claimed that CL's results were "exaggerated" and that the product must contain a lower amount of lead to meet the company's specfications which are monitored by third party audits.
The suggestion CL's results are "exaggerated" is incorrect. CL's findings were confirmed in a second independent laboratory prior to publication. That laboratory found a slightly higher amount of lead than the first, but CL published the lower of the two, since that amount could be substantiated by both labs. Rather than an exaggeration, CL provided the most conservative figure.
More details are provided in the Update near the top of the full Review.
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