2/28/2015

Alpha Lipoic Acid Improves Results When Dieting

Women who took alpha lipoic acid while dieting lost significantly more weight and body fat than those who only reduced their calorie intake, according to a new study. For the dose, how it was taken, plus our tests of popular alpha lipoic acid products, see the Alpha Lipoic Acid Review >>

2/27/2024

Alpha Lipoic Acid & Fatty Liver Disease

Does alpha lipoic acid help with metabolic fatty liver disease? See what research shows in our Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among alpha lipoic acid supplements.

4/26/2024

Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Nerve Pain?

Is alpha-lipoic acid as effective as pregabalin (Lyrica) in reducing the pain of peripheral neuropathy? Learn what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for alpha-lipoic acid.

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

10/20/2021

Alpha Lipoic Acid Concern

Although rare, use of alpha-lipoic acid may trigger autoantibodies to insulin. Be aware of this and other potential side effects of alpha-lipoic aid use, which are discussed in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Alpha Lipoic Acid Review.

1/21/2022

Seller of Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid Warned by FDA

FDA Warns Seller of Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid

6/12/2019

Reaction to CoQ10 and Alpha-Lipoic Acid

An autoimmune syndrome possibly caused by CoQ10 was recently reported. It is similar to rare cases caused by alpha-lipoic acid. For details see the updates to the Concerns and Cautions sections of the CoQ10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid Reviews.

1/31/2014

Fish Oil / Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Alzheimer's

A new study found that fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid can slow cognitive and functional decline in people with Alzheimer's disease. Get the details in the Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review >>  and the Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review >>

8/28/2020

Acetyl-L-carnitine + Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Lowering Blood Pressure?

We were recently asked if taking a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid can help lower blood pressure. Find out what research shows in the What It Does section of the Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Review. Also see our answer to the question: Which supplements can help to lower blood pressure?

7/18/2023

Caution with Wrinkle Creams

Be aware of skin reactions to creams containing alpha-lipoic acid. See the Concerns and Cautions section of our Alpha-Lipoic Acid Review for details.

9/28/2021

Supplements During Chemotherapy?

If you are getting chemotherapy, experts now recommend avoiding acetyl-L-carnitine. Also, see what they have to say about using alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B-12 and vitamin E.

5/31/2023

Alpha Hydroxy Acid for Dry Skin?

Do alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help or hurt dry skin? Find out in our updated article about finding soaps that won’t irritate skin.

8/22/2014

Flaxseed Lowers Blood Pressure

Consuming milled flaxseed significantly lowered blood pressure in people with peripheral arterial disease, according to a recent clinical trial. Additional analysis of those results suggests the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- an omega-3 fatty acid -- in flaxseed may be responsible for the effect. Get the details, including the amount of flaxseed used, plus our tests of flaxseed, evening primrose, borage, and other seed oils containing ALA and GLA, in the updated Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, and Black Currant Oil Supplements Review >>   

9/26/2023

Allergic Reaction to Folic Acid

Although rare, severe and life-threatening allergic reactions to folic acid from supplements have been reported. Get the details about this, as well as risks from too much folic acid, in the Folic Acid section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for folic acid and folate, and other B vitamins.

2/25/2018

Folic Acid, Multis & Autism Risk

The use of a folic acid or multivitamin supplement during pregnancy was associated a reduced risk of autism spectrum disorder in children according to a recently published study. Be aware, however, that high-dose folic acid during pregnancy may have negative effects. For details, see the Folic Acid section of the B Vitamins Review.

5/15/2020

High Blood Pressure Risk With Too Much Folic Acid During Pregnancy

While it is important to take folate during pregnancy, a new study suggests that too much folic acid from supplements increases the risk of high blood pressure in mothers. See the details in the Folic Acid section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Pick among prenatal vitamins, which provides adequate (but not too much) folic acid, in our Multivitamin and Multiminerals Supplements Review.

8/13/2019

Folic Acid and Colon Cancer

Several studies have evaluated whether folate from food and/or folic acid from supplements affect cancer risk. Find out what a recent report suggests about long-term, high-dose folic acid supplementation in the Folate section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for folic acid and other B vitamin supplements.

11/10/2013

Amino Acids Speed Recovery From Knee Surgery

A study of men and women receiving knee replacement surgery showed that taking essential amino acids (including branched-chain amino acids) twice daily before and after surgery reduced muscle loss and speeded recovery. For details, including dosage, plus our reviews of amino acid supplements, see the updated Muscle Enhancers Review >> 

6/07/2014

Help for Acne from Omega-3 & -6 Oils

A small clinical study found daily supplementation with either omega-3 fatty acids or an omega-6 fatty acid from borage oil significantly reduced the number and severity of acne outbreaks. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> and the Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose, Borage and Seed Oil Supplements Review >> 

5/09/2011

Does folic acid affect the risk of colon cancer?

Supplementation with higher amounts of folic acid (vitamin B-9) has been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer, but its effect on the risk of colon cancer has been unclear. A new study found no increase in colon cancer due to folic acid supplementation. But if you supplement with folic acid, be careful. See the B Vitamin Supplements Review for more >>

2/28/2023

TUDCA for Acid Reflux?

A CL Member with acid reflux reported symptom relief with TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) supplementation, but does clinical evidence support this use? Find out in our updated CL Answer about TUDCA.

Also, see our CL Answer about supplements that may improve or worsen acid reflux.

1/24/2023

Low-Carb Diet for Heartburn?

Does a low-carbohydrate or a ketogenic diet reduce symptoms of acid reflux? Find out what research suggests in our updated CL Answer about food, supplements, and acid reflux.

Also, find out if zinc carnosine and the supplement Acid Soothe help improve symptoms of acid reflux.

1/05/2024

Getting C15:0 Fatty Acid from Food?

Can a person get a clinically relevant dose of C15:0 fatty acid (in the supplement fatty15 promoted for hair, nails, sleep and aging) from food? Find out in the Getting C15:0 fatty acid from food section of our article about C15:0 fatty acid.

1/12/2024

How to Take C15:0 Fatty Acid

Should C15:0 fatty acid (in fatty15, which is promoted for improving hair, skin, and sleep and for slowing aging) be taken on an empty stomach or with food? Find out in the How to take section of our article about C15:0 fatty acid.

Also, learn whether C15:0 fatty acid is "essential," as some claim.

3/15/2024

Carcinogen in Folic Acid

Several folic acid supplements were recently recalled in Canada due to a carcinogenic impurity that can occur with folic acid (vitamin B-9). For details, see the Quality Concerns section of our B Vitamins Review, which includes our Top Picks for folic acid and B complexes.

12/14/2013

B-12 Deficiency and Acid Inhibitors

A large, new study found the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency to be significantly higher among people taking proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Prevacid, Prilosec) or H2-blockers (e.g., Pepcid, Zantac) than among those not taking these medications. The drugs reduce acid production in the stomach, but acid is needed to release B-12 from foods, so deficiency can occur. B-12 supplements can help because acid is not needed for their absorption. For details -- and our reviews of supplements with vitamin B-12 -- see the updated B Vitamin Supplements Review,   

For more information, see ConsumerLab's answer to the question, I take omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to reduce stomach acid. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?.

2/28/2021

Folic Acid for Cognitive Function?

Does folic acid supplementation help with cognitive function in older people? Find out what a new study showed in the Memory and Cognition section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for folic acid.

5/09/2023

Stomach Acid Reducers

If you use medication, such as omeprazole to reduce stomach acid, be aware that this can also reduce certain vitamins and minerals in your body, and supplements can affect how well these acid reducers work. See the updated information.

Also see our CL Answer about supplements for indigestion and heartburn.

7/12/2022

Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Pain?

Do hyaluronic acid injections reduce pain or improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis? Find out what a recent analysis showed in the Hyaluronic acid section of our Joint Health Supplements Review.

2/15/2022

Peppermint For Acid Reflux?

Does peppermint oil improve or worsen acid reflux? Find out in our updated answer about Supplements and Acid Reflux.

5/13/2015

Treating ADHD with Omega-3s?

A new study giving boys omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) showed modest improvement in an important aspect of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. For details about this and other studies with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, as well as our tests of products, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

12/26/2017

Folic Acid & Risk of Autism

Supplementing with adequate (and not excessive) folic acid around the time of conception is associated with a lower risk of autism in offspring, and a recent study suggests this may be particularly important for women who take antiepileptic medication. For details, see the "Folate" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> (Also see information about getting folic acid from prenatal vitamins in the "Prenatal" section of the Multivitamin Review.)

6/12/2018

Methylfolate vs. Folic Acid

Methylfolate (L-5-methylfolate, sold as Metafolin and Quatrefolic) is a form of folate promoted for use by people with common genetic mutations that affect the MTHFR enzyme. But is it really better than folic acid? A study recently tested them head-to-head. Get the results in the Folate section of the B Vitamins Review. Also see our Top Picks among methylfolate and folic acid products.

7/05/2016

Folic Acid Supplementation Mitigates Alzheimer's

A recent study in people with Alzheimer's disease found that folic acid supplementation decreased inflammation and slightly improved mental functioning. However, participants began the study unusually low in folic acid relative to normal U.S. levels. For more details see the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> Also see results of a folate/B-12 study which showed reduced brain shrinkage in Alzheimer's patients.

11/20/2018

Best Olive Oil for Heart?

This week, the FDA agreed that oils that are at least 70% oleic acid may claim to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease when substituted for saturated fats. Oleic acid is the dominant fatty acid in olive oil. However, our tests of popular extra virgin olive oils show that only some reach the 70% level. Get the details in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. (Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.)

3/15/2015

Folic Acid Reduces Risk of Stroke

A large study in people taking blood pressure-lowering medication found that the addition of a daily folic acid (vitamin B-9 or folate) supplement significantly reduced the chance of having a stroke. This benefit is most likely to occur among people whose blood levels of folate are low. More details, including dosage and ConsumerLab.com's test-based quality ratings of folic acid supplements, are found in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>

9/06/2017

Lower Cognitive Function in Kids Linked to High Prenatal Folic Acid

Children of mothers who took high amounts of folic acid around the time of pregnancy had lower cognitive and verbal scores when tested at 4 to 5 years of age, according to a new study. Similarly, as we reported last year, pregnant women with higher levels of folate (from folic acid) had offspring with higher rates of autism. While it is important that pregnant women get a moderate amount of folic acid to prevent spinal cord defects, higher amounts should be avoided. See the Folate section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review for details.

2/17/2013

Autism and Folic Acid Supplements

A new study found that women who took folic acid supplements around the time of conception had a significantly reduced risk of bearing a child with autistic disorder. Get more details in the recent update to the folic acid section of the B Vitamins Review >>

1/08/2012

B-12 and Folic Acid for Memory

Small but significant improvements in short and long-term memory were found to occur in older people (aged 60 to 74) given modest daily amounts of vitamin B-12 and folic acid. But don't expect immediate results. Improvements were seen only after 2 years of supplementation. See the update in the B Vitamins Review for the dosage used, as well as our ratings of supplements with vitamin B-12 and folic acid.

1/23/2024

Hyaluronic Acid for Joint Pain?

Did taking hyaluronic acid reduce pain and improve function in people with knee pain in a recent study? Find out in the Hyaluronic acid section of our Joint Health Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among supplements for joints.

11/07/2023

Does fatty15 work?

Does pentadecanoic acid (C15:0 fatty acid), found in the supplement fatty15, slow aging, or improve metabolism, sleep, hair or nails? Find out in our new article about pentadecanoic acid.

8/04/2023

Take Folic Acid Before Pregnancy

The importance of taking folic acid at least one month before pregnancy was reiterated this week in a major report. For details, see our article about folic acid and pregnancy, which includes a video. Also see our Top Pick among prenatal vitamins in our Multivitamins Review.

2/22/2017

Does Your Multivitamin Have Too Much Folic Acid?

Folic acid is in multivitamins because it is provides the essential B vitamin, folate. Getting too much folate, however, carries risks. What most people don't know is that you actually get 70% more folate from folic acid than labels currently reveal and many supplements expose you to amounts of folate which are not only way above what you need but over the daily limit for tolerable intake. Companies now have until mid-2018 or later correct their labels, but until then you may be in the dark.

To find out which multivitamins exceed the tolerable limit for folate, see the update in the Multivitamins Review. You'll also learn how the daily requirements for many other nutrients have changed and differ from what labels currently tell you.

7/10/2014

Don't Be Fooled by "Good Source of Omega-3s" Claim

Over the years, ConsumerLab.com has pointed out that products sometimes claim to provide a percentage of the Daily Value (DV) of omega-3 or -6 fatty acids, even though no such Daily Value has been established. Now, the FDA has prohibited certain related statements on omega-3 supplement and food labels that could mislead consumers into thinking a product provides some percentage of this imaginary amount. Get the details, including what to watch out for on labels, plus our tests of fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acid supplements, in the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >> 

1/19/2019

Is Omega-6 a Problem?

Do omega-6 fatty acids like LA and GLA, found in many seed oils, promote inflammation in the body? No, and yes, according to the latest findings. Get the details in the Is Omega-6 a Problem? section of our Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acid Supplements Review.

7/13/2018

Fish Oil for Depression?

Several studies have evaluated omega-3 fatty acids to decrease the severity of depression. Find out if it works in the Depression section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.)

9/20/2016

Omega-3 and -6 Improves Reading Skills in Children

A combination of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA plus an omega-6 fatty acid improved reading skills and comprehension in school-age children. For details, including dose, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 and -7 Supplements Review >>

12/23/2017

Folic Acid for Cognition

Giving folic acid to older people with relatively low levels of blood folate resulted in improved cognitive performance, according to a recent study. For details, see the "Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer's Disease" section in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> (Also see our Top Picks for folate and other B vitamin supplements.)

3/06/2015

Green Lipped Mussel Oil Reduces Pain and Inflammation After Exercise

Green-lipped mussel oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) significantly reduced pain and inflammation days after exercise in young healthy men, compared to a placebo, according to a new study. For details, and ConsumerLab.com tests of the product used in the study, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> 

3/28/2014

Fish Oil Lowers Blood Pressure

Fatty acids from fish and fish oil may reduce blood pressure, particularly in those with high blood pressure, according to a recently published review. For details, information about other uses of fish oil, and our tests of fish oil supplements, see the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> 

11/11/2015

Fish Oil Freshness

50% of omega-3 fatty acid supplements recently purchased by researchers in Canada failed tests for freshness, exceeding limits for oxidation. Although the study raises some important issues, it also had significant shortcomings. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>

8/29/2015

Does Fish Oil Slow Cognitive Decline?

Results of a large U.S. study suggest that taking fish oil does not slow cognitive decline in the elderly. Before you nix fish oil for this purpose, be aware of an important caveat about the people in the study. Get the details about this and other studies of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as our tests of popular products, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

10/05/2018

Amino Acids After Knee Replacement?

Does taking amino acids after knee replacement surgery help maintain muscle volume, mobility, and strength? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks in this category).

7/16/2019

Is Methylfolate the Best Form of Folate?

Methylfolate has been promoted as a better form of folate (vitamin B9), particularly for people with certain common genetic variations. A clinical study recently put methylfolate to the test against folic acid and folinic acid. The results were surprising. Get the details in the Folate section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among folate and other B vitamin supplements.

8/04/2013

Supplement Helps Dry Eye

A supplement containing omega-6 (from black currant seed oil) and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) was recently shown to improve symptoms of dry eye. Get the details about this formula (plus our test results of other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids supplements) in the updated Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxseed Oils Review >>

7/14/2013

Fish Oil Linked to Prostate Cancer?

Headlines this week about a study showing an association between the fatty acids in fish oil and the development of prostate cancer have stirred concerns about consuming fish and fish oil supplements. For details about this study and studies of other effects of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as test results and comparisons for 74 fish and other marine oil supplements, see the updated Fish/Marine Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review >>

5/05/2013

Omega-6 for Eczema?

Supplements with the omega-6 fatty acid GLA from evening primrose oil or borage oil have long been promoted to treat eczema. However, a recent review of data from 27 studies casts doubt on this use. Get more information about this, and about omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, in the updated Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxeed Oil Supplements Review >>

9/30/2022

Folic Acid & Risk of Self-Harm

Can taking folic acid (vitamin B-9) reduce the risk of self-harm and suicide? Find out what a recent study found in the Depression section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

1/24/2023

Exercise While Fasting

To build muscle and burn fat, some people exercise without having eaten since the prior day. Having some protein or amino acids around the time of exercise can help with building muscle – but what’s the best time to do that? Find out what research suggests, in our updated CL Answer about essential amino acids.

Also see: I do moderate exercise for about an hour a few times a week. Which supplements might help me?

1/27/2023

Aloe or Probiotics for Heartburn?

Can aloe or probiotics help reduce symptoms of acid reflux? Find out approaches to acid reflux.

6/01/2022

Disinfectants With Hypochlorous Acid

Are disinfectants with hypochlorous acid, such as Force of Nature and CleanSmart effective alternatives to harsher cleaning chemicals? Find out in our article about COVID-19 and Disinfecting.

12/16/2020

Omega-7s to Lower Cholesterol?

Can taking sea buckthorn, a source of omega-7 fatty acids, lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study found in the Omega-7 Fatty Acids section of our Fish Oil Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

3/23/2021

Folic Acid and Colorectal Cancer

Do higher intakes of folic acid and other sources of folate increase or decrease the risk of colorectal cancer? It may depend on time, according to a new study discussed in the Folate section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among B vitamin supplements.

5/18/2021

Folic Acid for Hot Flashes?

Can folic acid supplementation reduce hot flashes or improve mood in postmenopausal women? See what a new study found in the B Vitamin Supplements Review.

6/28/2021

Hyaluronic Acid for Wrinkles?

Does supplementing with hyaluronic acid reduce wrinkles or improve skin elasticity in middle-aged men and women? See what a new study found in the Aging Skin and Wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for collagen supplements for skin and for joints.

6/09/2023

Meds that Affect Magnesium

Some medications decrease magnesium in the body. These include medications that lower stomach acid as well as chemotherapy agents. Get the details in the Deficiency section of our Magnesium Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.

Also see: I take omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to reduce stomach acid. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

10/17/2023

Honey for Acid Reflux?

Can eating manuka honey help improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our article about manuka honey.

Also see: Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?

3/12/2024

Low-Acid Coffee for Reflux?

Are “low-acid” coffees easier on the stomach or less likely to cause reflux than regular coffee? Find out now in our article about coffee.

Also find out how coffee affects:

• Heart attack risk
• Cholesterol levels
• Blood pressure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Dementia risk
• Cancer risk

12/08/2023

Dementia & Folic Acid

Taking folic acid without getting enough B-12 has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Learn more in the Folate section of our B-Vitamin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among B-Complexes.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

1/17/2016

Omega-3's and Cognition

Studies in older individuals have shown that omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish oil may improve certain areas of mental functioning and reduce age-related cognitive decline. Benefits have also been found in younger individuals.

A study has been underway which evaluates the effects of krill oil in adolescents with lower educational performance. It was recently reported that baseline testing (before starting krill) of the students showed a positive association between levels of EPA + DHA in their blood and performance on some, but not all, measures of cognitive performance. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>

1/20/2023

Heartburn – What Helps and What Hurts?

Find out which supplements or foods help relieve acid reflux (heartburn) and which worsen it.