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Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements

Greens Review Oct 2023

Are "fruit" and "veggie" powders and pills worthwhile? See ConsumerLab's tests and reviews of supplements, including those that contain grasses, chlorella, and spirulina. Also learn what nutrients these ingredients provide and potential side effects.

Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review

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CL Answer

Is spirulina safe? I heard that it can contain toxins, such as BMAA and microcystin toxin.

Is Spirulina safe? Find out if Spirulina contains toxins like BMAA and microcystin toxin.

Spirulina Powder and Pills

Product Review

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review

Best Multivitamins -- Caution with Gummies

News Release

November 02, 2023

Spirulina and “Greens” Supplement Tests Show Some Problems

White Plains, New York, November 2, 2023 —  ConsumerLab tests of spirulina, chlorella, and “greens” supplements revealed that tablets of three brands of spirulina failed to disintegrate within the allotted time, and several other products contained amounts of lead unsuitable for regular consumption ...

News Release

February 09, 2022

Caution With Spirulina Supplements: ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Lead Contamination, Quality Concerns

White Plains, New York, February 9, 2022 — Problems were discovered in three out of four spirulina supplements recently tested by ConsumerLab. One product was found to be contaminated with lead, and two other products, which were tablets, failed to disintegrate within the expected time.

CL Answer

Which supplements are best for seasonal allergies?

Find out which supplements are best for allergies and can help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms, including bromelain, curcumin, vitamin D, and CLA.

Supplements for Seasonal Allergies -- Woman Outside Sneezing

CL Answer

How does Athletic Greens’ AG1 compare to multivitamins and Greens powders? Is AG1 worth it?

ConsumerLab reviews the ingredients in AG1, its safety and possible side effects, and how AG1 compares to other products.

A pouch of AG1 on white background

Product Review

Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review

Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests

Product Review

Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)

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

CL Answer

I'm over 50 and looking to take a vitamin B-12 supplement. Many contain a form of vitamin B-12 called cyanocobalamin, yet I read on the Internet that this form is toxic. Should I be concerned?

Looking to see if the cyanocobalamin form of vitamin B-12 is safe? Read research and safety information on ConsumerLab's report.

Vitamin B-12

CL Answer

Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

Find out which supplements can help lower or control blood sugar. Supplements including turmeric/curcumin, fiber, cinnamon, and ginseng are believed to help lower blood sugar.

Blood Sugar Control -- blood test and blood sugar chart

Product Review

Rhodiola Rosea Supplements Review

Do Rhodiola Supplements Help With Depression and Anxiety? Find Out and See Which Rhodiola Supplements Provide the Best Quality & Value.

Rhodiola Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

News Release

January 31, 2019

Contamination Still an Issue in Some Greens and Whole Food Products, ConsumerLab Tests Reveal

White Plains, New York, January 31, 2019 — Powders and capsules containing ingredients such as wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, and fruits and vegetables are a popular way to get vitamins, minerals and other plant-based nutrients, but past tests by ConsumerLab have found that these products ...

Product Review

Zinc Supplements, Lozenges, and Melts Review

Find the Best Zinc Supplements, Including Lozenges for Colds.

Zinc Review 2024

Product Review

Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review

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

Product Review

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review

Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

Product Review

Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review

Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands

Product Review

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review

Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Do any supplements help with fatty liver disease? Are some diets more beneficial than others?

Find out if supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, milk thistle, curcumin, choline, probiotics, vitamin D, reishi mushroom, or extra virgin olive oil are beneficial for fatty liver disease and learn which diet (Mediterranean, ketogenic, DASH, or fasting diets) seems to have greatest benefit.

Overweight man holding his right side near his liver

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and is it safe?

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is commonly promoted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Find out if it works.

Woman holding her wrist due to joint pain

CL Answer

Is it okay to buy supplements as tablets? I've heard that tablets may go through our system without dissolving. Is there any way to know whether tablets will properly dissolve?

Find out if supplements taken as tablets dissolve well in the body, including our test results on disintegration.

Tablets

Recalls & Warnings

December 12, 2018

Seller of Protein Powder, Spirulina & Other Products Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On October 31, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to DynaPro International, Inc.

News Release

January 03, 2019

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks -- 20% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail CL's Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, January 3, 2019 — Combined with resistance exercise, protein supplements can help athletes build muscle and older people prevent muscle loss. They can also help people with diabetes maintain blood sugar levels when consumed as part of a low-calorie diet.

Recalls & Warnings

April 27, 2023

Seller of Magtein, Veggie Caps, & More Warned for Drug Claims, Manufacturing Violations

On March 8, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Spartan Enterprises Inc., dba Watershed Wellness Center, after a review of the company’s website found statements about its Dr. Bob’s Naturals Spirulina, Dr. Bob’s Naturals Magtein, Dr.

Recalls & Warnings

October 09, 2023

Organifi Settles Charges of Unsupported Claims

Organifi, LLC has agreed to pay $150,000 in civil penalties and $50,000 in investigative costs as restitution to settle charges that the company made unsupported claims that its Gold, Pure, Green Juice, and Red Juice products could balance hormone and cortisol levels, regulate the ...

News Release

August 08, 2016

ConsumerLab Finds Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic Contamination in Greens and Whole Foods Supplements

White Plains, New York, August 9, 2016 — Powders, pills and drinks made from ingredients like wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, chlorella, leafy vegetables and fruits are a popular choice for people looking to increase their intake of vitamins, minerals and other plant-based nutrients.

News Release

July 08, 2013

Contamination a Common Problem in "Greens" and "Whole Foods" Products According to ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York — July 8, 2013 — "Greens" and "whole foods" powders and pills, made from wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, leafy vegetables and other chlorophyll-containing ingredients, as well as fruits, were recently tested by ConsumerLab.

News Release

June 11, 2013

31% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail Tests by ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York — June 11, 2013 — What's really in a scoop of "protein powder"? sIn some products, a lot less protein or a lot more carbohydrates than you would expect, and perhaps even a serving of something you don't want -- lead. That's according to recent tests by ConsumerLab.

News Release

June 09, 2010

ConsumerLab.com tests "greens" and "whole foods" products; Most offer healthful nutrients, but some found contaminated with heavy metals

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JUNE 9, 2010 — "Greens" powders, made from wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, leafy vegetables and other chlorophyll-containing ingredients, were recently tested by ConsumerLab.com for potential contamination with heavy metals and pesticides. ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

April 03, 2024

FDA Warns Ambaya Gold for Promoting Products for Depression, Cancer, & Arthritis

On December 5, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Ambaya Gold Health Products, LLC following review of the company’s website and social media, which found statements about the company’s Brain Balance, Immune System Boost, Dentist In A Bottle, Essensiac, Fulvic Green, Silver ...

Recalls & Warnings

May 03, 2013

Maker of Omega-3, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort Supplements And More Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On March 19, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Sunset Natural Products Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

October 08, 2019

Seller of Tea, Colloidal Silver, Homeopathic Products Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On September 12, 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to Herbal Healer Academy, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

August 01, 2013

Maker of Algae Products Warned For Drug Claims, Manufacturing Violations

On March 8, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Algaen Corporation following a facility inspection and website review which found statements made about the company's AlgaBerry products to be drug claims. 

Recalls & Warnings

August 20, 2019

Seller of Liposomal Curcumin, Vitamin C & Melatonin Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On August 6, 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to Let's Talk Health, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

March 30, 2019

FDA Warns Seller of Reishi, Joint Supplements, Ginseng & More for Pesticides, Other Violations

On March 12, 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to Yanqing "Michael" Li and Chang Su, owners of the website http://www.woohoonatural.

Recalls & Warnings

September 18, 2012

Maker of Noni, Nopal, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding, and Manufacturing Violations

On August 27, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Naturavit, Inc. for making statements about dietary supplements Noni Imperial Hawaiian, Garlic and Parsley, Cholestol, Nopal and Diatrin that constitute drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

December 02, 2014

Seller of Energy & Joint Supplements, Aloe, Silver and More Warned for Drug Claims

On November 24, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Jansen Enterprises, LLC, dba HealthWorksUSA, following an inspection of the company's website which found statements made about Nutra Blast Natural Energy, Ionic Silver Water, Nutra Complete, and Nutra Gel to be drug claims. 

Recalls & Warnings

January 21, 2014

"Stem Cell" Supplement Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On January 19, 2014, Stemvida recalled StemAlive 90 Capsules because they were found to contain undeclared milk (labeled as bovine colostrum).

Recalls & Warnings

June 17, 2004

FTC Challenges Deceptive Weight Loss Claims for Supplement Targeted at Hispanics

On June 17, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a new law enforcement action challenging false advertising for the 1-2-3 Diet Kit, a purported weight loss product.

Recalls & Warnings

October 24, 2012

FDA Seizes Many Supplements from New York Company Due To Drug Claims

On October 23, 2012, U.S. Marshalls, acting on behalf of the FDA, seized dietary supplements and unapproved drugs from Confidence, Inc., a supplement manufacturer in Port Washington, N.Y. The products included dietary supplements Dr.

Recalls & Warnings

August 20, 2013

Weight Loss Supplement Formulas For Men and Women Recalled Due To Undeclared Drugs

On August 16, 2013, Herbal Give Care LLC issued a voluntary recall of all lots of weight loss dietary supplements Esbelder man, Esbelder fem and Esbelder siloutte because they were found to contain the undeclared drugs sibutramine, N-desmethylsibutramine, and N-di-desmethylsibutramine.