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CL Answer

What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?

Find out if black seed oil has health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, asthma, weight loss, and others. Dosage, forms, including black seed oil and black seed powder, safety information, using black seed oil in foods and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

News Release

December 22, 2020

Best and Worst Ginger Supplements, Chews & Spices Identified by ConsumerLab. Contamination, Less Ginger Than Expected in Some Products.

White Plains, New York, December 22, 2020 — Ginger is not only a popular spice but may reduce nausea from motion sickness and pregnancy and modestly decrease pain from osteoarthritis. Key compounds in ginger known as gingerols are believed to be active components of ginger.

CL Answer

Are there supplements I should avoid when taking apixaban (Eliquis) or similar blood thinner drugs like Xarelto?

Learn about supplement interactions with apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and other blood thinner drugs in the direct factor Xa inhibitors class.

CL Answer

Do any supplements or foods help with migraine? Do any trigger migraine?

Find out if supplements such as magnesium, CoQ10, riboflavin, butterbur, feverfew and others help with migraine. Also learn about foods that may trigger migraine, including chocolate and watermelon.

CL Answer

Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?

Find out if supplements such as turmeric, fish oil, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), boswellia, ginger, white willow bark or arnica may, or may not, be helpful to people sensitive to NSAIDs.

Product Review

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review

Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies

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.

CL Answer

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

Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.

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.

Product Review

Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Boswellia, Collagen and Turmeric)

One-Third of Joint Health Supplements Failed to Pass Our Tests. See Which Passed or Failed, and our Top Picks.

CL Answer

Which supplements help for osteoarthritis of the hip?

Supplements for hip pain and osteoarthritis, such as SAMe, ginger and collagen, may help or reduce pain.

CL Answer

I've heard that grapefruit juice can interact with medications because it inhibits an enzyme that breaks down drugs in the body. Do any supplements interact the same way with drugs?

CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as grapefruit, can interact with certain medications by inhibiting the liver enzyme that metabolizes many drugs. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Are there supplements, foods, or beverages that I should avoid when taking clopidogrel (Plavix)?

Learn about supplement interactions with clopidogrel (Plavix). Supplements that may interact with this medication include cannabidiol (CBD), grapefruit, St. John's wort, ginkgo and others.

CL Answer

Which supplements are helpful to have when traveling? Any tips on how to best store supplements on trips?

Find out which vitamins & supplements can be helpful when traveling, including melatonin, ginger, and more, and find out how you can carry them with you.

CL Answer

What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?

Info on which supplements to avoid before surgery due to increased risk of bleeding or interference with anesthesia.

Product Review

Apple Cider Vinegar Review — Bottled Liquids and Supplements

Find the Best Apple Cider Vinegar. See Which Apple Cider Vinegar Liquids and Supplements Passed Our Tests of Quality.

CL Answer

I take warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant drug. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Find out which supplements should be avoided when taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin (Coumadin), including vitamin K, St. John's wort, and curcumin.

CL Answer

Which dietary supplements, health foods or spices contain high levels of lead?

Information about lead and heavy metals in vitamins, supplements and foods. Information on the adverse effects of lead.

CL Answer

How can I avoid aconite – a toxin – in Aconitum supplements?

Aconite is a highly toxic alkaloid found in Aconitum plants ( also called monkshood, wolfsbane, or devil's hood). Aconite poisoning can cause low blood pressure, chest pain, increased or decreased heart rate, and irregular heart rhythm that can lead to cardiac arrest and death. Find out which supplements may contain aconite and how to avoid it.

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.

CL Answer

Do any supplements naturally suppress appetite and help with weight loss?

Learn which natural ingredients can suppress appetite and find if these natural appetite suppressants help with weight loss.

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.

CL Answer

After taking a curcumin supplement, I started getting chronic diarrhea which went away when I stopped taking it. Can curcumin supplements cause diarrhea?

Learn more about the side effects of curcumin supplements, including diarrhea and other gastrointestinal discomfort.

CL Answer

Which supplements help with arthritis?

Learn more about supplements for joint health, including products such as Wobenzym and Zyflamend and ingredients such as collagen, curcumin, glucosamine and chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), SAMe, and others.

Recalls & Warnings

February 02, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Ginger, Echinacea, and More

On December 10, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Prairie Dawn Herbs following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Chest Tea, Ginger Oil, Dandelion root Tincture, Echinacea purpurea Tincture, Antispasmodic Tincture, ...

CL Answer

Do any supplements reduce the side effects of chemotherapy? Should any be avoided?

Find out if there are any supplements that can help with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nerve damage and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Product Review

Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review

See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes

Product Review

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review

Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

Product Review

Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)

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

CL Answer

Can beetroot juice improve my workout performance?

Find out if beetroot juice can help improve exercise endurance or performance, how it works, the clinical evidence, and cautions.. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

I recently read that turmeric is only effective if it is combined with black pepper. Is this true?

Find out the best way to take turmeric and curcumin supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Is it better for a fish oil (or krill oil) supplement to have more DHA than EPA?

Information on EPA and DHA in fish and krill oil supplements, including improving cognition, depression, anxiety, acne, and more.

Product Review

B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)

See Which B Vitamins Are ConsumerLab's Top Picks!

Product Review

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review

See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products

CL Answer

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

Find out which supplements help improve memory, brain function and cognition, including fish oil, some B vitamins, cocoa, and curcumin. ConsumerLab's answer explains the evidence for supplements promoted to help with brain function and cognition.

Product Review

Green Tea Review: Tea Bags, Matcha Powders, and Supplements

Some green teas provide barely any green tea polyphenols, while some others are high strength. See the Test Results and Our Top Picks for Green Tea.

Product Review

Green Coffee Bean Extract Supplements Review (for Weight Loss)

Choose the Best Green Coffee Bean Extract. 50% of Green Coffee Bean Extract Supplements Don't Deliver Expected Ingredients.

CL Answer

Can beetroot juice or supplements lower blood pressure or improve exercise performance, and are they safe?

Learn more about beetroot juice and beetroot supplements and if beetroot can really help lower blood pressure.

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

How does turmeric spice compare to curcumin (turmeric extract) in supplements? I sprinkle it on my foods and wonder if that's equivalent to taking a supplement.

What is the difference between turmeric spices used in the kitchen and turmeric supplements? Is sprinkling turmeric on my food equivalent to taking a turmeric supplement? ConsumerLab's answer explores this question.

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

A tea called Throat Coat made me lethargic and I was found to have low potassium. Is this a known problem? I was drinking 5 cups a day.

Throat Coat tea information, including licorice root content, potassium loss, and symptoms such as lethargy, increased blood pressure and fluid retention. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Contamination of Dry Shampoos with Benzene — What You Need to Know

Benzene, a carcinogen, has been detected in several dry shampoo aerosol sprays. Find out which dry shampoos were found to contain benzene and how much was in each one, plus how tips for reducing your exposure to benzene.

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

Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review

Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests

Recalls & Warnings

September 06, 2022

Sand Ginger Powder Recalled in Canada Due to Aconite

On September 1, 2022, Ka Wing Hong issued a recall of Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder (sand ginger powder), a common spice used in Asian cuisine, due to aconitine contamination.

Product Review

Vitamin K Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, and Vitamin D)

Should You Take Vitamin K? Beware of Products That Don't Deliver.

Product Review

Aloe Juices, Gels, and Supplements Review

How Much Aloe is Really in Aloe Products? Find Out and See Our Top Picks.

Product Review

Bone Broth Review

Find the Best Bone Broth. Find Out How Much Collagen and Sodium Is Really In Popular Bone Broths.

Product Review

Weight Loss Supplements Review (7-Keto DHEA, Forskolin and Stimulant Blend Supplements)

Choose the Best Weight Loss Supplement. Be Careful With Weight Loss Supplements — Few Pass Quality Testing and Safety Review.

Recalls & Warnings

May 02, 2016

The Republic of Tea Recalls Turmeric/Ginger Teas Due to Salmonella Risk

On April 29, 2016 The Republic of Tea issued a recall of several Organic Turmeric Ginger teas because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

CL Answer

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?

Supplement interactions with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs like omeprazole (Prilosec) and Nexium.

CL Answer

I read that turmeric may be a GI irritant. I have GI problems and wonder if I should avoid turmeric and curcumin?

Find out if turmeric/curcumin supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritability.

CL Answer

Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS supplements may help reduce irritable bowel symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Supplements include probiotics, melatonin, and flaxseed.

CL Answer

Which supplements and foods help with gout and which may worsen it?

Find out about the effects on uric acid levels and gout of fish and fish oil, coffee, beer, animal meat, milk proteins, vegetable proteins, fructose, lemon juice, tart cherry juice, vitamin A, vitamin C, and niacin

Recalls & Warnings

April 24, 2024

Organic Basil Sold at Trader Joe’s & Other Markets Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On April 18, 2024, Infinite Herbs, LLC issued a recall of certain packages of Infinite Herbs and Melissa’s brand fresh organic basil due to the potential presence of Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

May 24, 2023

Seller of Echinacea, High Blood Pressure Products & More Warned for Drug Claims

On May 12, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to H.E.A.L.

Recalls & Warnings

April 27, 2023

Ground Cumin Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On April 20, 2023, Lipari Foods issued a recall of one lot of Lipari branded Ground Cumin Tubs due to the potential presence of Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

December 20, 2021

Pantene, Herbal Essences, & Other Brands of Dry Shampoo and Conditioner Recalled Due to Benzene

On December 17, 2021, Procter & Gamble issued a recall of 26 aerosol spray dry shampoos and conditioners from six brands, including Aussie, Herbal Essences, Hair Food, Old Spice, Pantene, and Waterless Hair Care, because some of the products were found to contain benzene.

Recalls & Warnings

June 08, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of "CoronaBox" Containing Vitamin D, Probiotics & More for Unsupported Claims

On May 24, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Everything Health LLC following a review of the company's website by the FDA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which found the company promoted its CoronaBox (which contains cordyceps, vitamins, and K2, magnesium, ginger, probiotics ...

Recalls & Warnings

March 02, 2022

Seller of Holistic Tea Warned by FDA

On February 17, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Vital Health & Wellness following an inspection of the company’s website, which found statements made about the company’s product, Dr. Miller’s Holistic Premium Holy Tea, to be drug claims.

News Release

February 16, 2011

Some turmeric and curcumin supplements fail quality review -- ConsumerLab.com finds 20% of turmeric supplements selected for review deliver less than 15% of promised compounds

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 16, 2011 — Supplements containing the herb turmeric or its key compound, curcumin, have become popular in the U.S. ConsumerLab.com cautioned today that two out of ten turmeric products recently selected for quality testing were found to provide only 7.

Recalls & Warnings

February 22, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Melatonin & Other Sleep Supplements

On February 18, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to SANA Group LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Sleep Sana Sleep Drops and Sleep Shots to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

February 22, 2021

FDA Warns Sellers of St. John's Wort

On February 18, 2021, the FDA issued warning letters to two companies following reviews of the companies' websites, which found statements made about the companies' St. John's Wort products to be drug claims. These products include St.

Recalls & Warnings

April 17, 2020

Earth Angel Oils Warned for Coronavirus Claims

On April 14, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Earth Angel Oils for selling products with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

February 19, 2019

DG Baby Gripe Water Herbal Supplement Recalled

On February 15, 2019, Kingston Pharma, LLC issued a recall of all lots of DG Baby Gripe Water herbal supplement with organic ginger and fennel extracts due to the presence of an undissolved ingredient, citrus flavonoid.

Recalls & Warnings

October 17, 2017

Organic Tarragon Spice Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On October 16, 2017, Organic Spices, Inc. dba Spicely Organics issued a recall of its Organic Tarragon because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

February 25, 2017

Radio "Infomercials" for Cognitive and Joint Health Supplements Deceived Consumers, Says FTC

On February 22, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission and the Maine Office of the Attorney General announced a complaint the marketers of CogniPrin and FlexiPrin, charging that they made misleading claims about the supplements in radio infomercials deceptively formatted as talk shows.

Recalls & Warnings

December 05, 2014

Maker of Immune Supplement Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On November 20, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Urban Moonshine, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

February 06, 2016

Seller of Turmeric, Milk Thistle and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On January 15, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Terra Firma Botanicals, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

February 19, 2014

Seller of Sexual Enhancement Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations

On February 11, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Maximus Niterider International Group, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

December 16, 2013

Weight Loss Capsules Recalled Due Allergen Risk

On December 13, 2013, Stone Independent Research, Inc. issued recall of one lot of Zanocap Scientific Weight Loss 500 mg capsules because they contain undeclared whey protein, which is derived from milk.

Recalls & Warnings

May 10, 2013

Seller Of Sexual Enhancement and Hormonal Balance Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations

On April 26, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Pristine Bay, L.L.C.

Recalls & Warnings

May 07, 2013

FDA Warns Consumers Of Three More Sexual Enhancement Supplements Containing Undeclared Drugs

On May 7, 2013, the FDA issued a warning to consumers, urging them not to purchase or use three sexual enhancement products which were found to contain undeclared drugs.

Recalls & Warnings

February 13, 2013

FDA Warns Maker of Weight Loss and Whey Protein Supplements For Manufacturing Violations and Misbranding

January 25, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer SciLabs Nutraceuticals, following a facility inspection which found the company's dietary supplements and supplement ingredients, including N-Large 2, Flo-Gard AB, Nitrogen Glutamine capsules, Nutritech nutritional ...

Recalls & Warnings

November 26, 2012

Court Injunction Halts Sale of Cholesterol, CoQ10, Progesterone, Prostate Supplements and More

On November 20, 2012, Pharmacist's Ultimate Health agreed to cease sales and distribution of its dietary supplements by entering into a Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota.

Recalls & Warnings

August 30, 2012

FDA Warns of Medical Claims Made For Numerous Chinese Herbal Products

On August 15, 2012, the FDA warned Dragon Herbs that promotional statements made on the company's website constitute drug claims for twenty herbal products, including CardioPro 2000, Cordyceps, Duanwood Reishi, Gynostemma, Ginseng and Astragalus Combination, Dang Gui and Gelatin, Sweet Relief, ...

Recalls & Warnings

January 11, 2013

Consumers May Be Eligible For Cold, Allergy and Weight Loss Supplement Refunds

On January 7, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that consumers who purchased the Iovate Health dietary supplements Accelis, nanoSLIM, Cold MD, Germ MD, or Allergy MD between January 2006 and July 2010 may qualify for a refund.

Recalls & Warnings

June 07, 2013

Seller of Red Rice Yeast With CoQ10, Respiratory Supplement And More Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On February 25, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Altasource, LLC, dba Meta Labs LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's dietary supplements, including Respiratory Response, African Mango, Coffee Black Salve, Meta-Cell, Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Red Yeast Rice with ...

Recalls & Warnings

September 25, 2007

Recall of Contaminated Baby Supplement

On September 21, 2007 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers not to consume Baby's Bliss Gripe Water, apple flavor, with a code of 26952V and expiration date of October 2008 (shown as '10/08' on the label). The product is distributed by MOM Enterprises, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

November 02, 2012

Manufacturer of Prostate, Inflammation and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims

On October 15, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ortho Molecular Products, Inc. for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Candicid Forte, Inflamma-bLOX, Lipitrol, Mucosagen, Prostatrol Forte, Resvoxitrol, Paracid Forte, VascuPak HTN and Lithium Orotate.

Recalls & Warnings

May 23, 2013

Seller of Sexual Enhancement, Cholesterol, Resveratrol Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims

On May 2, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Alternative Health Supplements, following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about several dietary supplements, including Regenerect, Alligin, Astaxanthin Advantage, HDL Cholesterol Management, Resveratrol, Coral Calcium ...

Recalls & Warnings

March 15, 2013

Maker of Liquid Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On January 31, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Liquid Health, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

May 14, 2014

Maker of Mood, Smoking Cessation Supplements and More Warned for Violations, Drug Claims

On April 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to CDJ Holding, Incorporated, d.b.a.