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News Release

June 08, 2023

Best Muscle and Workout Supplements With Creatine or BCAAs, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, June 8, 2023 — Creatine supplements are promoted to increase muscle size, strength, and endurance, while supplements with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are promoted to improve exercise recovery.

Product Update

9/12/2025

"Zero-Calorie" Sweeteners That Aren't

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.

Clinical Update

5/09/2023

Blood Thinners

We’ve updated our list of supplements that may impact the effectiveness of blood thinners such as Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban). Get the details.

Also find out which supplements may impact the blood thinning effects of warfarin.

Clinical Update

2/01/2022

Vitamin D & Autoimmune Disease

A major study suggests that supplementing with vitamin D may reduce the risk of some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil may also have some benefit. But there are important caveats to the findings, and thyroid disease and psoriasis appear to be impacted. Use the above links for details.

Clinical Update

11/18/2022

Olive Oil Impact on Cholesterol

Replacing saturated fat in the diet with olive oil may help lower cholesterol levels. But what happens when one adds a large amount of olive oil to the diet? See what a recent study found in the Cardiovascular disease section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review.

Clinical Update

5/29/2021

Don't Do This If You Need Iron

If you're low in iron, be aware that many foods dramatically reduce absorption of iron from your diet. Teas can also have a major impact, as shown in a recent study. Get the details in the What to Avoid section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

Clinical Update

1/08/2012

Additional Nutrients For the Brain

An new study found that various nutrients and fats in the blood correlate with better brain functioning and brain volume in the elderly (mean age of 87). Higher levels of B vitamins and vitamins C, D, and E, as well as marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) appeared helpful. On the other hand, higher levels of trans-fats (from hydrogenated oils) had a negative impact. You can learn more about each of these nutrients in our various reports. An abstract of the study is online.

Clinical Update

10/04/2011

Fish Oil's Impact on Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline may be a normal part of aging, but a new study suggests that high-dose fish oil particularly rich in DHA may provide some benefit. In people over age 65 with mild cognitive impairment, fish oil was associated with improved verbal skill. Perhaps as important, fish oil also reduced depressive symptoms, which can be a risk factor in the progression to dementia. Get the details, including how much DHA and EPA was used in the study, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement ReviewMore >>

Clinical Update

9/06/2014

Does Garcinia cambogia Work?

A recent study in obese women found that taking a Garcinia cambogia extract for two months did not impact weight -- although it did modestly reduce triglyceride levels. This adds to an already mixed picture about the effects of Garcinia. Learn more about this and earlier studies, see our bottom line about Garcinia's efficacy, and see how popular brands of supplements have fared in our tests in the updated Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) Supplements Review >> 

Clinical Update

4/14/2020

A Food to Slow Cognitive Decline?

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in a major new study, but only one food within that diet -- fish -- was also linked to slower loss of cognitive function. Find out how many servings of fish had the greatest impact in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see if fish oil supplements help and see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Also see our Top Picks for canned tuna and salmon.

Clinical Update

1/21/2020

Coconut Oil Impact on Cholesterol

Coconut oil can significantly affect cholesterol levels according to a new report. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Coconut & MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks for coconut and MCT oils.

Clinical Update

7/07/2023

Olive Oil & Inflammation

Does high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil decrease inflammation compared to regular olive oil? See what a recent study found in our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review.

Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils and learn what impact these oils may have on insulin and blood sugar control.

Clinical Update

5/21/2024

Ashwagandha Can Impact Thyroid Function

Be aware that ashwagandha supplements may increase thyroid hormone levels and cause side effects, as was recently reported. Get the details, including symptoms, in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Ashwagandha Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks.

Clinical Update

7/15/2024

Cocoa & Afib

Did high-flavanol cocoa supplementation impact the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, in a major study? Find out in the Cardiovascular effects section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review, which includes our Top Picks among dark chocolates and cocoa powders, supplements and nibs.

Clinical Update

10/13/2025

How Much Does Fish Impact Omega-3 Levels?

A large study showed the effect that fish consumption had on levels of the omega-3s EPA and DHA in the body. The findings may surprise you. For details, see our Fish Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil and algal oil.

Recalls & Warnings

June 09, 2025

Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Multivitamin Gummies for Kids Recalled

On May 2, 2025, Nordic Naturals, Inc. recalled 1,164 bottles of Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Kids Multivitamin Supplement gummies because they were mislabeled. According to a Nordic Naturals representative, the gummies contain sugar and fumaric acid, which are not listed on the label.

Recalls & Warnings

April 10, 2024

Powerade Variety Packs Recalled

On February 27, 2024, the Coca-Cola Company issued a recall of various lots of Powerade Zero Fruit Punch, Powerade Zero Mixed Berry, and Powerade Mountain Berry Blast electrolyte drinks because the products may contain a foreign metal object, namely a stainless-steel ring.

News Release

January 15, 2014

Problems Found with the Quality and Labeling of Some "Muscle Enhancement" Supplements -- Review of Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acid Supplements Published by ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York, January 15, 2014 — Athletes often turn to supplements such as creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to enhance muscle strength and recovery. These supplements may also benefit people with muscular diseases and those recovering from knee surgery.

News Release

August 12, 2008

ConsumerLab.com finds improvements in labeling of nutrition bars but potential pitfalls exist -- New report compares 20 bars, including those for protein, fiber, energy and whole food

WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 12, 2008 — Labeling on nutrition bars has become more accurate, according to a new report by ConsumerLab.com.

Recalls & Warnings

December 19, 2022

High Impact Plant Protein Powder Recalled

On December 15, 2022, THGH Partners LLC issued a recall of one lot of its High Impact Plant Protein due to the presence of undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

April 17, 2020

Fiber Supplement Recalled for Salmonella Risk

On April 13, 2020, Break Ventures/California Basics issued a recall of one lot of Zero for Him fiber supplement because recent testing found it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

April 29, 2015

FDA Targets Weight Loss and Workout Supplements Listing Synthetic Stimulant DMBA

On April 24, 2015, the FDA issued warning letters to sellers of weight loss and workout supplements that list a synthetic, amphetamine-like compound called 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA) on product labels. 

Recalls & Warnings

October 16, 2018

Weight Loss Supplement Containing Hidden Drug Recalled

On October 15, 2018, Fat Burners Zone issued a recall of one lot of its Zero Xtreme weight loss supplement because it was found to contain sibutramine.

Recalls & Warnings

October 28, 2015

GNC Accused of Selling Supplements with Unlawful Ingredients

On October 22, 2015, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum filed a lawsuit against supplement retailer GNC, alleging that the company sold products that were adulterated with BMPEA and picamilon, which are not lawful dietary supplement ingredients.

Recalls & Warnings

January 21, 2018

Men's Fiber Supplement Recalled

On January 21, 2018, Break Ventures/California Basics recalled of its fiber supplement for men, Zero for Him (150 count) due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Recalls & Warnings

August 07, 2015

Weight Loss Supplement Found to Contain Drug

On August 6, 2015 the FDA warned consumers not to buy or use the weight loss supplement Achieving Zero because it was found to contain sibutramine. 

Recalls & Warnings

August 16, 2013

Maker of Energy, Weight Loss, Sleep and Vitamin D Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On July 22, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to N.V.E. Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

September 10, 2012

Maker of Concussion Recovery Supplement Warned For Making Drug Claims

On August 28, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Trinity Sports Group, Inc. after a review of the company's websites found statements about Neuro Impact Concussion Response Formula constituted drug claims not permitted on supplements.