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Clinical Update

2/27/2025

Energy Gels

Energy gels are a convenient on-the-go carbohydrate source, but some products contain much less than claimed on the labels according to a recent study. Get the results in our article about energy gels.

CL Answer

I read that sterol supplements to lower cholesterol like CholestOff can block the absorption of vitamins. Is that true?

Find out if CholestOff and other sterol supplements can block vitamin absorption in the body and other safety concerns.

Elderly Man Reading Supplement Bottle

CL Answer

When is the best time of day to take a multivitamin?

Find out the best time of day to take your multivitamin for best absorption of vitamins and minerals, whether you should take your multi with food, which vitamins and minerals may inhibit the absorption of other vitamins and minerals, or medications. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Energy Gels: What Are They Used For and Do They Contain Their Labeled Ingredients?

Energy gels are a convenient on-the-go carbohydrate source, but some products may not contain the amount of carbohydrates stated on the label.

Young woman consuming an energy gel while hiking

CL Answer

Do diamine oxidase (DAO) supplements for histamine intolerance really work?

DAO supplement info for histamine intolerance, including diamine oxidase safety, evidence from clinical studies, and dosage.

Person in Pink Shirt Scratching Arm

CL Answer

Should I take, or avoid, any supplements if I take omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), or other proton pump inhibitors for heartburn?

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

CL Answer

How can I find supplements that are gluten-free on ConsumerLab.com?

Gluten-Free supplements & vitamin information including other dietary features like vegetarian, vegan, and kosher on ConsumerLab.com. Our answer explains.

Finding Gluten-Free Supplements -- gluten-free seal

CL Answer

Which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately?

Find out the best way to take vitamins and minerals and which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately for proper absorption. ConsumerLab answer explains the best way to take vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins & Minerals That Should Be Taken Together or Separately -- various vitamins in spoons

CL Answer

I have type 2 diabetes. Should I be concerned about ingredients like maltodextrin and maltitol that are found in some protein bars and drinks?

Learn more about maltitol and maltodextrin and their effects on blood glucose levels for people with type 2 diabetes.

Protein Bars and Powder

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

Which supplements should be taken with food?

Find out which supplements should be taken with food, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, fish oil, and CoQ10.

Woman holding a pill and showing it to a man while sitting at a table about to eat a meal

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

CL Answer

What is the difference between CoQ10 and ubiquinol?

Understand the difference between CoQ10 (ubiquinone) and the active form, ubiquinol, and how they are best absorbed. ConsumerLab explains.

The Difference Between CoQ10 and Ubiquinol -- CoQ10 Supplement

CL Answer

Is it true that fish oil is better absorbed when taken with a fatty meal?

Find out if it's better to take fish oil supplements with a meal or on an empty stomach to maximize their absorption.

Best Way to Take Fish Oil -- fish oil capsules on plate with fork and knife

CL Answer

Which supplements or OTC medications help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?

Find out which supplements may help reduce flatulence (gas), and learn which supplements or foods may worsen symptoms of flatulence.

Older woman sitting on her bed and holding her stomach due to gas and bloating

CL Answer

Can white kidney bean extract lower blood sugar or help me lose weight?

Does white kidney bean extract help promote weight loss? Find out more including evidence from clinical studies and dosage.

White Kidney Bean Extract and Weight Loss -- White kidney beans

CL Answer

Could taking vitamin C (500 mg), CoQ10, grape seed extract, fish oil, vitamin D3/calcium/magnesium/zinc interfere with taking beta-sitosterol with dinner?

Learn about drug interactions & proper dosages for supplements such as CoQ10, vitamin D & C, fish oil, magnesium, zinc and grape seed extract.

Doctor Holding Handful of Fish Oil

CL Answer

Should you take olive oil as a supplement?

Although extra virgin olive oil has many possible health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease and improved blood sugar control, these and other benefits have been demonstrated when olive oil replaces for saturated fats in the diet, not when taken as a supplement, as we explain.

Olive oil being poured into a spoon being held over a bowl

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

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

Are there supplements I should take, or take differently, when intermittent fasting?

Supplements that may help when intermittent fasting. Information about whey protein, CoQ10, magnesium and others, plus coffee, fiber and more.

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.

Supplements Making Acid Reflux Worse -- Man with acid reflux pain

News Release

September 11, 2019

Some Nutrition Bars Contain More Carbs and Less Fiber Than Listed, ConsumerLab Tests Reveal

White Plains, New York, September 11, 2019 — Nutrition bars and cookies are promoted as a convenient way to get protein, fiber and other nutrients on-the-go, but recent ConsumerLab tests of popular nutrition bars and cookies reveal that some contain more carbohydrates (as well as fat and ...

Clinical Update

3/21/2020

When to Eat Protein

Some evidence indicates that it is best to distribute protein across meals throughout the day to maximize protein production in muscle. A recent study suggests that there is one meal when protein intake could be higher for nearly everyone, and there is another meal when older people particularly fall short. For details see the When to Take section of the Protein Powder and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders and drinks.

Clinical Update

1/05/2019

Is Protein Best Before or After a Meal?

A new study showed that the timing of protein supplementation around a meal can determine the effect on blood sugar in people with insulin resistance. Find out the best timing in the update to the Protein Powders, Drinks, and Shakes Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products.)

Clinical Update

5/30/2017

Olive Oil Helps in Pre-Diabetes

Adding extra virgin olive oil to a meal decreased the rise in blood sugar and increased insulin levels after the meal, according to a new study in people with pre-diabetes. Similar benefits with olive oil have been shown in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For details, see the "Insulin Control and Blood Sugar" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review, which includes our tests and comparisons of popular olive oils on the market.

Clinical Update

3/21/2020

CoQ10 Bioavailability

CoQ10 is not well absorbed unless taken with fats or oils, such as with a meal. Bioavailability-enhanced formulations allow CoQ10 to be taken without a meal, but how good are they? We've added new information about one such formula and how it compares to taking regular CoQ10 in the Absorption and Bioavailability Enhancers section of the CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for CoQ10 and ubiquinol.

Clinical Update

2/28/2023

Kombucha for Blood Sugar?

Drinking kombucha (a fermented beverage containing probiotics) with a high-carb meal may blunt the rise in blood sugar after the meal, according to a recent study. Get the details in the What It Does section of our Probiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

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

Clinical Update

3/03/2023

How You Eat a Meal Affects Blood Sugar

The order in which you eat foods during a meal can improve blood sugar control. Learn more in our updated CL Answer about supplements and food for blood sugar control.

Clinical Update

5/23/2023

Top Pick Protein Meal

With the addition of Ka'Chava to our Protein Powders Review, we compared it to six other products as a meal replacement. See which is our Top Pick.

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 26, 2016

36% of Meal Replacement Powders and Shakes Fail ConsumerLab.com's Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, July 26, 2016 — [Note: This review has been archived and is no longer available online. For ConsumerLab's most recent tests of meal replacement shakes, drinks and mixes, please see our Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review.

Recalls & Warnings

February 09, 2022

FDA Warns Seller of Colloidal Silver Eye Drops, Copper Products & More

On February 1, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to New Earth Healing Essentials, LLC d/b/a 5D Full Disclosure following a review of the company’s website, which found statements made about some of the company's products, including Plasma Colloidal Silver Eyedrops, Gaia’s ...

News Release

October 08, 2013

ConsumerLab.com Reports Problems and “Top Picks” Among Bars for Energy, Fiber, Protein, Meal-Replacement, and Whole Food

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — October 8, 2013 — Which nutrition bars provide the best combination of nutrition and taste, and are accurately labeled? ConsumerLab.com recently set out to answer this question by purchasing popular bars in the U.S.

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

August 20, 2007

ConsumerLab tests products in booming nutrition drink market — most deliver what's promised but extra cholesterol found in some — New report covers drinks and powders for endurance/recovery, body building, meal-replacement and dieting

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — AUGUST 20, 2007 — A new report from ConsumerLab.com finds most nutrition powders, shakes and drinks meet their nutrient claims, but three products — two sports drinks and a meal supplement — contained more cholesterol than claimed.

News Release

February 08, 2005

ConsumerLab.com reports on nutrition bars — Highlights major differences, inaccuracies, and urges consumers to "know your bar"

WHITE PLAINS, NY — February 8, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com reported test results today for 34 nutrition bars, including those designed for high protein, low-carb/diet, energy, or meal-replacement.

Recalls & Warnings

December 10, 2024

Nu Go Nutrition Bars Recalled

On December 3, 2024, Wegmans announced a recall of Nu Go Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Nutrition Bar due to an undeclared milk allergen.

Recalls & Warnings

August 17, 2021

Love & Peas Protein Rich Meal Replacement Recalled

On July 30, 2021, Nature's Sunshine issued a recall of certain lots of Love & Peas Protein Rich Meal Replacement because it may contain milk.

Recalls & Warnings

March 04, 2008

Airborne Settles Lawsuit Over False Advertising of its "Miracle Cold Buster"

On March 4, 3008, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) announced that the makers of Airborne -- a multivitamin and herbal supplement whose labels and ads falsely claimed that the product cures and prevents colds -- will refund money to consumers who bought the product, as part of a ...

Recalls & Warnings

August 14, 2008

Airborne to Pay $30 Million for Deceptive Advertising of Cold Remedy -- Refunds Available

On August 14, 2008, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Airborne Health, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

July 12, 2019

PROBAR Meal Bars Recalled

On July 11, 2019, PROBAR LLC issued a recall of certain flavors and lots of its Meal® bars because they may contain undeclared milk and soy allergens. There has been one report of an allergic reaction to-date.

Recalls & Warnings

February 01, 2016

Garden of Life Shakes and Meals Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On January 29, 2016, Garden of Life LLC issued a recall of certain Raw Meal Organic Shake & Meal Chocolate, Original, Vanilla and Vanilla Chai products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

February 06, 2013

Ingredient Supplier Warned For Meal Replacement Product Misbranding and Adulteration

On October 4, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement ingredient supplier Raw Deal, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

February 16, 2016

Garden Of Life Recall Expanded

On February 13, 2016, Garden of Life LLC expanded its January 2016 recall of certain Raw Meal Organic Shake & Meal Chocolate, Original, Vanilla and Vanilla Chai products to include additional lots of these products, because they have the potential to be contaminated with ...

Recalls & Warnings

June 15, 2016

More Nutrition Bars Recalled Due to Listeria Risk

The following nutrition bars are being recalled because they contain sunflower kernels or may have come in contact with equipment processing sunflower kernels which have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (use the links below for affected lot numbers, UPC, and/or ...

Recalls & Warnings

November 27, 2017

Protein Bars Recalled After Consumer Finds Piece of Plastic in Bar

On November 23, 2017, Leclerc Foods recalled one lot of Fit & Active Chocolatey Chip Protein Meal Bars distributed to ALDI stores, as a precautionary measure after a small piece of yellow plastic was discovered by a consumer.

Recalls & Warnings

December 23, 2017

Seller of Meal Replacement, Protein Drinks, Cranberry and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On July 6, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Professional Botanicals, Inc.