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Product Review

Coconut Waters Review

Best Coconut Water? See Our Tests and Comparisons of Popular Brands Looking at Sugar, Electrolytes, Taste and Price.

Coconut Waters Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review

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

Product Review

D-Mannose Supplements

Find out if D-mannose helps prevent urinary tract infections and how products compare.

D-Mannose Review 2023

Product Review

Water Filter Pitchers Review

See the Best Pitchers For Different Filtering Needs

Product Review

Alginate Supplements Review (For Reflux)

See Our Top Pick Alginate Supplements For Reducing Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Alginate supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Plant-Based Milks Review (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Macadamia, Oat, Pea, and Soy)

Find the Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternative. ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really In Plant-Based Milks.

Plant Based Milks reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Canned Tuna, Salmon, Sardines & Mackerel Review

Find Fish With the Least Mercury & Arsenic and Most Omega-3s

Canned Fish Review 2025

CL Answer

When taking a water-soluble version of CoQ10, do I still need to take it with food?

Find out how best to take CoQ10 supplements, with water or food.

water-soluble version of CoQ10

CL Answer

Does drinking coffee deplete vitamins or minerals, such as magnesium, in the body? Can adding magnesium or other minerals reduce the acidity or improve the flavor of coffee?

Coffee can reduce absorption or increase loss of certain vitamins and minerals. Find out which are affected, and what steps can be taken to reduce the effect of coffee on these nutrients.

coffee cup with coffee beans on table

CL Answer

I do moderate exercise for about an hour a few times a week. Which supplements might help me, and which should I consider avoiding?

Info on what supplements are best for work out & exercise regimens, including electrolytes, protein, creatine, and BCAAs.

Supplements for Moderate Exercise

CL Answer

I thought the B vitamins were all water soluble and did not build up in the body, so you would not build up toxic levels. Am I wrong?

Learn more about water-soluble B vitamins including niacin, B6, B12 and folic acid, and why taking too much of these vitamins can be toxic. See the symptoms of overdose and toxicity from B vitamins. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

B Vitamins

CL Answer

Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap Water?

Some people consider bottled water to be a favorable alternative to tap water, but is it really better? Find out how bottled water and tap water compare in terms of taste, mineral content, acidity, and contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS.

Woman holding glass of water next to bottle of water

CL Answer

3 Tips to Prevent Powdered Supplements from Clumping

Learn more about how powdered supplements compare to capsules and if clumping is worrisome.

Powdered Supplements

CL Answer

I am 70 a year male in relatively good health. I plan on walking the Camino in France (500 miles). I am looking for a multivitamin that would best supply me with my needs during this walk/hike. What would be the best product or combination of products to use?

Find out if older adults who walk or hike should take a multivitamin, vitamin C, vitamin D, or other supplements, like electrolytes, when hiking. Plus, see our advice for choosing a good sunscreen.

Hiking 8

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.

Magnesium & Other Supplements for Muscle Pain & Cramps -- woman with leg cramp

CL Answer

Does coconut water help re-hydrate as well as sports drinks?

Find out how coconut water compares to sports drinks, including rehydration and possible side effects.

Coconut Waters Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

What is hydrogen water? Is it beneficial for alertness, athletic performance, arthritis or other conditions, and is it safe?

Find out if hydrogen water has benefits with regard to alertness, side effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients, metabolic syndrome, athletic performance, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, and other conditions, and learn if it is safe to use.

Portable hydrogen water generator

CL Answer

7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Pill Stuck in Your Throat

Some pills can be difficult to swallow and can even become lodged in the throat or cause damage to the esophagus. Learn seven practical tips to help avoid getting pills stuck in the throat.

Pill Getting Stuck in Throat

CL Answer

How important it is to reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water from my tap?

Removing dissolved solids (TDS) may be desirable if your tap water is known to contain large amounts of dissolved solids that negatively affect taste, but you may also be removing essential minerals. Learn more about our tests of water filter pitchers.

CL Answer

Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water, specialty salts, or other foods and beverages? How concerned should I be?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that can end up foods and beverages. Learn about microplastics found in drinking water and specialty salts. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Microplastics in water, plastic bottle of water pouring water into glass

CL Answer

Do water filters remove microplastics from tap water?

Find out if water filter pitchers and faucet mounted filters from Brita, Pur, Lifestraw and other brands remove microplastics from tap water.

Water Filters for Microplastics -- water filter pitcher pouring water into glass

CL Answer

Are fruit and vegetable “washes” or devices more effective than water for cleaning produce and removing pesticides? Are they safe?

Fruit and veggie washes, vinegar, and baking soda, as well as devices that use electrolysis, ozone water, or ultrasonic cleaning, are often promoted for removing dirt, bacteria and pesticides from produce. Find out if any work better than rinsing with water and if they are safe.

Fruits 3

CL Answer

Can fluoride in toothpaste, mouth rinses or drinking water cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children?

Find out if community water fluoridation increases the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or causes lower IQ in children, and learn what the American Dental Association recommends when using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouth rinses in children.

Small amount of toothpaste being applied to a toothbrush with a glass of water in the background

News Release

May 03, 2023

Best Water Filter Pitchers In 2023 According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, May 3, 2023 — ConsumerLab tests of popular counter-top water filter pitchers show there are wide variations in the amounts of fluoride, arsenic, and microplastics these products remove from drinking water – in fact, some filter pitchers were found to increase the amount of ...

CL Answer

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): How can I avoid PFAS in dental floss, food, water, and other products?

Some brands of dental floss may contain potentially toxic chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances). Get the details and learn which floss and pick products are our Top Picks.

Toxic PFAS Chemicals in Dental Floss -- Woman Looking at Dental Floss

CL Answer

Can heat and humidity destroy whey protein and other sports nutrition supplements (e.g., creatine, BCAAs, digestive enzymes) during shipping or while storing at home?

Find out if heat and humidity can degrade creatine, BCAAs, digestive enzymes, and other muscle enhancing supplements.

How Heat Effects Whey Protein and Creatine -- Scoop of Protein Powder

CL Answer

Are liquid or gummy vitamins better than tablets, capsules or softgels?

Find out if liquid or gummy vitamins and supplements are better than tablets, capsules or softgels, are better absorbed, or better for people who have had gastric bypass or who have other conditions.

Are Liquid Vitamins Better? -- liquid vitamin bottle and dropper

CL Answer

Where to Safely Buy Real Water Filters Online, Not Fakes or Counterfeits

ConsumerLab explains how to avoid counterfeit water filters when shopping online on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other sites. Learn to identify authorized sites and sellers and avoid fake filters. Use the brand-by-brand guide to protect yourself from risk.

Counterfeit Water Filters

CL Answer

How much calcium do you need each day, what forms are best, and how much is too much?

Learn about the recommended daily intake of calcium from food & supplements and why taking too much can be harmful. Also, learn about the forms of calcium that are available and which are best.

None

News Release

October 12, 2020

Some Water Filter Pitchers May Worsen Water Quality. CL Tests Reveal Big Differences Among Filters

White Plains, New York, October 12, 2020 — Water filter pitchers claim to remove unwanted substances such as chlorine and toxic heavy metals from tap water.

Clinical Update

10/27/2025

Vitamin Deficiency from Fasting

Be aware that extreme fasting (water only) can cause thiamin deficiency and neurological symptoms, as was recently reported. For more details see our B Vitamin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for thiamin and other B vitamins.

Clinical Update

11/18/2024

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water

Is bottled water or tap water better for you? Find out in our new article: Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap Water?

Clinical Update

11/01/2024

Arsenic in Water Linked to Heart Disease

Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water was linked to increased risk of ischemic heart disease in women, according to a recent study. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see how popular water filter pitchers compare on their ability to remove arsenic from water -- some remove at least 90%, while other remove less than 15%.

Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

Clinical Update

7/14/2023

PFAS in Tap Water

A study of tap water in U.S. homes found that, in many cases, both public supply and private well water exceed the EPA’s proposed limits for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Get the details in our article about PFAS.

Find out which water filter pitchers claim to remove PFAS from water in our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

Clinical Update

9/08/2023

Filtering PFAS from Tap Water

Using a water filter pitcher or other home water filter was linked to significantly lower blood levels of PFAS in a recent study. Get the details in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, and find out how water filter pitchers compare on removing PFAS, our Top Picks for removing PFAS, and our Top Picks for removing other substances in water.

Clinical Update

1/07/2022

Bacteria Build-up in Water Filters?

Water filter pitchers help remove contaminants and unpleasant taste from water, but can the filters harbor illness-causing bacteria? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

Clinical Update

5/05/2023

Do Water Filter Pitchers Really Remove PFAS?

In many parts of the U.S., drinking water exceeds proposed limits for potentially toxic PFAS compounds. How well do water filter pitchers remove PFAS? Find out in the PFAS section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

Also see our Top Picks for water filter pitchers.

Clinical Update

6/03/2025

Water Filter Odor

There are occasional complaints that water from water filter pitchers can smell fishy. Find out what can cause this and if it's a health risk in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

Clinical Update

11/29/2024

Fluoride in Bottled Water

How does the amount of fluoride in bottled water compare to that in tap water? Find out in the Minerals section of our article comparing bottled water vs. tap water.

Clinical Update

3/26/2026

Coconut Water vs Sports Drink: Which Rehydrates Better?

Is coconut water better than Gatorade or flavored water to rehydrate after a tough workout? A recent study may surprise you. Get the details in our Coconut Water Review, which includes our Top Pick among coconut waters.

Clinical Update

4/21/2023

Five More Water Filter Pitchers Tested

We tested five more water filter pitchers (Aquagear, Berkey, Brita, Kirkland, and LifeStraw) and found surprising results.

While all did an excellent job of removing the heavy metals lead, cadmium, and mercury, pitchers varied dramatically in their ability to remove chlorine, (which affects taste), fluoride, arsenic, total dissolved solids (TDS), and microplastic particles. Be aware that some pitchers actually increase the amount of microplastics in water after filtering!

See our Top Picks for:

The Review also shows which additional contaminants products claim to reduce (such as PFAS, solvents, and microbes), explains why you shouldn't drink the first few pitchers of water when using a new filter, and what to do if your water pitcher is unusually slow.

See the Water Filter Pitchers Review and our video about it.

Clinical Update

12/01/2023

Avoid Fake Water Filters

Counterfeit water filters have been sold in the U.S. Learn how to avoid buying one online. See our list of authorized water filter sellers.

Also see:

Clinical Update

9/19/2023

Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher & PFAS

Does Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher do a good job removing PFAS ("forever chemicals") from tap water? Find out in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks for removing PFAS as well as chlorine, arsenic, microbes, and more.

Clinical Update

10/11/2022

Removing Radium From Water?

A CL Member asked if water pitcher filters can remove radium from drinking water. Find out in the What to Consider When Using section of our Water Filter Pitchers Review.

Clinical Update

5/31/2024

Have Kidney Disease? Watch What’s In Your Water

People with chronic kidney disease are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals. Even low levels of lead in drinking water may be harmful, according to a recent study. See our Water Filter Pitchers Review for details. Also see our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

Clinical Update

6/25/2024

"Double" Filtering Water?

We were asked if it is “overkill” to use a Brita filter on water already filtered by a reverse osmosis system. See our answer in the ConsumerTips section of our Water Filter Pitcher Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

Clinical Update

6/28/2024

Has PUR Water Filter Changed?

A ConsumerLab member asked if the current PUR 7-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is different from what we tested 2020, so we put the question to PUR. See their answer in our Water Filter Pitcher Review, which includes our Top Picks among water filter pitchers.

Clinical Update

4/16/2024

PFAS Toxins in Drinking Water

Separately, the EPA recently finalized limits on PFAS in drinking water, but this gives water districts until 2029 to take corrective action. Learn more and see our Top Pick water filter pitcher for removing PFAS.

Clinical Update

12/05/2024

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters?

How well do reverse osmosis water filters remove toxic PFAS from water? Find out in the Water filters section of our article about PFAS, which includes our Top Pick countertop reverse osmosis filter based on our review of these filters (although we have not directly tested these products).

Product Update

12/18/2025

Water Filters Tested

How did Pur Plus, Amazon Basics, and Travel Berkey water filters perform in recent tests? Find out, plus learn how other water filter pitchers, and faucet, countertop, and reverse osmosis filters, fared, in our Water Filter Pitchers Review, which includes our Top Picks.

Clinical Update

2/23/2026

Bottled Water: How to Beat Microplastics

A recent study pointed to ways to avoid microplastics in bottled water. Learn more in our article about microplastics in drinks and foods.

Also see our Top Pick water filter pitchers for removing microplastics and other contaminants from tap water.

Clinical Update

6/21/2022

Drinking Water & PFAS

The EPA indicated last week that it intends to slash the amount of PFAS that can safely be in drinking water. Get the details in the Drinking Water section of our CL Answer about PFAS. Also see our information about water filters to remove PFAS.

Clinical Update

6/08/2019

Avoiding Microplastics in Bottled Water

There is increasing evidence of microplastics appearing in water -- including a study of popular bottled water brands. See the results in our answer to the question: Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water and specialty salts? How concerned should I be?

Clinical Update

8/30/2019

Microplastics in Food and Water

How many microplastic particles do we consume each year from our food and water? Find out in the updated answer to the question: Do water filters remove microplastics from tap water?

Clinical Update

7/17/2018

Too Much Coconut Water?

Drinking too much coconut water can be dangerous, particularly for certain people. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Coconut Waters Review. (Also see our tests and comparisons of popular coconut waters.)

News Release

April 25, 2019

Best Coconut Water? ConsumerLab Tests Popular Products, Reveals Top Pick

White Plains, New York, April 25, 2019 — Coconut water is often promoted as a healthy way to stay hydrated and a natural alternative to sports drinks.

News Release

August 04, 2011

Some coconut waters don't deliver on promises according to ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York — August 4, 2011 — Coconut water—the natural juice from green coconuts— is often touted as a natural alternative to sports drinks. But does it really deliver? "It depends on the brand," says ConsumerLab.com President, Tod Cooperman, M.D. ConsumerLab.

News Release

June 16, 2011

ConsumerLab.com puts multivitamins to the test

June 16, 2011, New York, NY — Laboratory test results of 60 multivitamins have shown that you can't always judge a supplement by its label—or by its price. "Consumers should know that multivitamins vary widely in quality, "says Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com.

News Release

March 31, 2009

ConsumerLab.com Warns of Problems with Multivitamins and Vitamin Water -- Defects Found in Over 30% of Supplements Selected for Testing; Several Popular Children's Multis Exceed Tolerable Upper Intake Levels

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MARCH 31, 2009 — Over 30% of multivitamins recently selected for testing by ConsumerLab.com were found to contain significantly more or less ingredient than claimed or were contaminated with lead.

Recalls & Warnings

March 02, 2026

Valley Springs Bottled Water Recalled

On February 6, 2026, Valley Springs Artesian Gold, LLC recalled certain units of its bottled water because they were bottled under insanitary conditions.

Recalls & Warnings

June 25, 2025

Topo Chico Mineral Water Recalled Due to Potential Bacterial Contamination

On May 28, 2025, The Coca-Cola Company initiated a recall of 241 cases of Topo Chico Mineral Water Carbonated due to the potential for contamination with Pseudomonas bacteria.

News Release

May 21, 2004

Consumers warned of pitfalls with some multivitamins and vitamin waters — Testing by ConsumerLab.com uncovers problems with many brands

WHITE PLAINS, NY — FRIDAY MAY 21, 2004 — (Updated June 2, 2004) — ConsumerLab.com reported the results today of a major new analysis of popular multivitamin products.

Recalls & Warnings

December 19, 2024

Jarritos Coconut Water Recalled

On November 4, 2024, Tipp Distributors, Inc. issued a recall all lot codes of Jarritos Coconut Water (17.5 fl oz cans) because the airtight seal on the lid of the cans may be compromised.

Recalls & Warnings

May 28, 2024

Fiji Water Recalled

On March 3, 2024, Natural Waters of Viti Limited issued a recall of over 78,000 cases of Fiji Natural Artesian Water 500 mL (24 pack) after firm testing found the presence of manganese, as well as bacteria.

Recalls & Warnings

March 18, 2021

Don't Drink Real Water Alkaline Water, FDA Warns After Reports of Liver Illness

On March 16, 2021, the FDA warned consumers not to drink or use Real Water bottled alkaline water while it investigates reports of hepatitis associated with the product.

Recalls & Warnings

March 30, 2021

Real Water Alkaline Water Recalled for Possible Link to Liver Illness

On March 24, 2021, Real Water, Inc. recalled all sizes of Real Water bottled alkaline water because it may be linked to multiple cases of non-viral hepatitis that occurred in Las Vegas, NV in November of 2020.

Recalls & Warnings

May 09, 2020

FTC Warns 45 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On May 7, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 45 companies for selling products such as herbal products, immune system boosters, and vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

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 19, 2018

Flawless Beauty Shut Down, Company's Kits and Products Recalled

On January 19, 2018, Flawless Beauty, LLC issued a recall for all lots of nineteen products sold individually or together as part of its "whitening kits."  

Recalls & Warnings

August 09, 2012

Makers of Mineral Water Containing Lithium Warned

On July 20, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Lithia Mineral Water, Inc. declaring Lithia mineral water product to be an approved drug following a 2011 facility inspection.