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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

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.

Clinical Update

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.

Clinical Update

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.

Clinical Update

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.

Clinical Update

7/22/2024

Betaine for Reflux?

Does betaine hydrochloride reduce acid reflux (heartburn) and is it safe? Find out in our article about supplements that may help or worsen acid reflux.

Also see our tests and Top Picks among alginate supplements which may help with acid reflux.

CL Answer

Is drinking coffee good or bad for heart health?

Learn more about coffee and caffeine, its safety, if it's good for you, how much coffee is too much and its impact on your heart.

Product Review

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review

Choose the Best Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplement — See the Amounts of Active "R-Isomer" We Found

Clinical Update

1/27/2023

Aloe or Probiotics for Heartburn?

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

Clinical Update

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?

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.

Black seed oil benefits -- bowl of black cumin seeds and bottle of oil

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of zinc carnosine, also called polaprezinc, and is it safe?

Find out if zinc carnosine is beneficial for any GI conditions, including stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, taste disturbances, aspirin-induced small-bowel injury and oral mucositis, and learn if it is safe.

Zinc carnosine supplements in wooden spoon in front of oysters

CL Answer

Which supplements can help with indigestion and/or heartburn?

Information on supplements for heartburn that can help relieve gastrointestinal symptoms - heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.

Supplements for Indigestion and Heartburn -- man with heartburn pain

Clinical Update

1/20/2023

Heartburn – What Helps and What Hurts?

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

CL Answer

Is it true that low-carb or Mediterranean diets help for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Find out if a low-carb diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, or lifestyle changes help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Low-carb & Mediterranean Diets for GERD? -- Table with Mediterranean foods such as fish, olive oil, walnuts, vegetables

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, including Oral-B Glide, 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

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

Clinical Update

4/30/2020

Alpha Lipoic Acid and Reflux

A CL member reported experiencing acid reflux when using alpha lipoic acid. This effect has been reported in clinical studies with higher doses -- which is not surprising consider that alpha lipoic acid is, after all, an acid. Ways to avoid this issue are discussed in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for alpha lipoic acid.

Clinical Update

1/31/2023

What Helps or Worsens Reflux?

Find out if the following improve, or worsen, symptoms of acid reflux:

Clinical Update

10/27/2023

Top Pick for Manuka Honey

See how brands compare and which is our Top Pick among manuka honey products in our article about Manuka honey. 

Also find out how manuka honey may reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Clinical Update

10/03/2023

Melatonin for Reflux?

Is it helpful to take melatonin when taking a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) to improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? See what the latest study found in the Other uses section of our Melatonin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for melatonin.

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

Clinical Update

4/09/2024

Fish Oil and Heartburn/Reflux

In some people, fish oil causes heartburn or reflux. See tips for reducing these side effects in our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among fish, krill, and algal oil supplements.

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

CL Answer

Is Ester-C the best form of vitamin C?

Info on Ester-C Vitamin C, including which form of vitamin C is best, fully-reduced, liposomal and others based on absorption and side effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Is Ester-C the Best Form of Vitamin C? -- bottle of Ester-C

CL Answer

What is TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid)? Does it have any proven health benefits, and is it safe?

TUDCA information, including its potential health benefits, safety, possible interactions, and cost.

What is Tudca - white capsules poured out of container

CL Answer

I have IBS and don't want to take medication if I can help it. I've heard that peppermint works for IBS, but is there good research to support this?

Information about using peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including clinical evidence, dosage, safety and more.

Peppermint Oil for IBS? -- Bottle of peppermint oil and capsules and peppermint leaf

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

Are enteric coated supplements better than non-enteric coated ones?

Learn about the pros and cons of enterically coated supplements, including ingredient absorption,safety and price.

Glass of Water and White Pill

CL Answer

Is there evidence that d-limonene can help fight cancer?

Find out if d-limonene can help fight cancer or help for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder), including evidence from clinical studies.

Lemon with Peel Coming Off

Recalls & Warnings

March 01, 2023

Seller of Dr. Miller’s Herbal “Detox” Teas Warned by FDA for Drug Claims

On February 3, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Jackson Health & Wellness Clinic after inspection of the company’s website found statements about the company’s Dr. Miller’s Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Super Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Ultimate Tea, Dr.

CL Answer

How do I choose the best CoQ10 supplement?

Looking to choose the best CoQ10 brand supplement? Understand which CoQ10 you are buying, differences in dose, absorption, quality and more. ConsumerLab explores this topic.

Pill Bottle Q10 Spelled Out with Supplements

CL Answer

8 Supplements That May Help Treat Peptic Ulcers – And Some to Avoid

Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection are typically treated with antibiotics, but certain supplements may also help. Find out which 8 supplements might be beneficial - and which should be avoided.

Supplements for peptic ulcer disease - young man with stomachache

CL Answer

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, depression, numbness and tingling in the legs, loss of balance, changes in skin and hair, and others. Find out who is a greater risk for B12 deficiency, and how B12 supplements can help. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency -- paper with question "Are you getting enough vitamin B12" and boxes to check yes or no

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

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review

Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Do hair loss supplements, such as Viviscal, Hair La Vie, and Nutrafol, or topical essential oils work?

Vitamins and supplements that may help with hair loss and thinning, including saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, protein, iron, and vitamin D.

Supplements for Hair Loss -- woman looking at hairbrush

CL Answer

Are gummy vitamins better or worse than pills?

Learn more about gummy supplements, including those for multivitamins, vitamins C and D, calcium, and B vitamins.

Problems With Gummy Vitamins -- bottle of gummy vitamins

CL Answer

Which ingredients should toothpastes and other dental products contain, and which should be avoided?

Learn about ingredients you want in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products and which ingredients you may want to avoid.

Toothpaste in the shape of question mark coming out from toothpaste tube

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of manuka honey, and is it safe?

Manuka honey health benefits, how it differs from common, store-bought honey, safety, evidence for using manuka honey for wounds, sore throat and cough, constipation and more.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey -- jar of manuka honey

CL Answer

Does Bacopa extract improve memory, mood, or sleep? Is it safe?

Find out if bacopa improves memory and cognition, mood or sleep, and whether it's been shown to be helpful in people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Plus, learn about the safety and common side effects of bacopa.

Bacopa for Memory and Cognition -- Bacopa leaves and powder

CL Answer

Can melatonin help with stomach pain?

Find out if melatonin supplements can help with stomach pain, ulcers, reflux and dyspepsia, or if it can cause stomach upset.

Melatonin and Stomach Pain -- women with stomach pain

Product Review

Melatonin Supplements Review

Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.

Melatonin Review 2024

Clinical Update

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:

CL Answer

Can any vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores or cold sores?

Find out which, if any, supplements, including iron, L-lysine, monolaurin, olive leaf extract, vitamin B-12, and zinc, may be beneficial for canker sores or cold sores.

Lip of woman with a cold sore

Product Review

L-Arginine Supplements Review

Choose the Best L-Arginine Supplement. Find Out Which L-Arginine Supplement Passed CL's Tests.

L-Arginine Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

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

Clinical Update

1/24/2023

Reflux Supplement Interactions

Alginate supplements can help reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD – a common cause of heartburn), but they may also reduce the absorption of medications, as well as vitamins, and minerals. Learn how to avoid this in the Concerns and Cautions section our Alginate Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among alginate supplements.

Clinical Update

11/28/2023

Gaviscon – For Reflux

A CL member noted that he purchases Gaviscon from the UK. Learn how it compares to alginate products sold in the U.S. and Canada in our Alginate Supplements Review (For Reflux), which includes our Top Picks among alginate supplements.

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.

Throat Coat Tea and Potassium Loss -- box of Throat Coat tea

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.

Recalls & Warnings

May 30, 2020

FTC Sends Refund Checks for TrueAloe and AloeCran

On May 26, 2020, the FTC announced it is mailing 22,581 checks totaling more than $470,000 to consumers who purchased deceptively marketed supplements, TrueAloe and AloeCran.

CL Answer

Can apple cider vinegar really lower blood sugar or help me lose weight?

Find out if apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar and help with weight loss, and learn about its safety and side effects. ConsumerLab’s answer explains.

Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

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.

Grapefruit Juice, CYP3A4 and Supplement Interactions -- glass of grapefruit juice and grapefruit halves

News Release

February 22, 2022

Considering an Algae-based Supplement for Reflux? See What ConsumerLab Found

White Plains, New York, February 22, 2022 — Alginate supplements have been shown to be more effective than antacids in treating heartburn, indigestion, and other symptoms of GERD (gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease).

CL Answer

I read that famotidine (Pepcid) may help treat COVID-19. Is this true? Might a proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec, help?

Pepcid (famotidine) was reported to improve outcomes in people with COVID-19 in China. But is there evidence that Pepcid really helps to treat COVID-19?

Can Pepcic (famotidine) Treat COVID-19? -- Box of Pepcid and Handout About COVID-19

CL Answer

Can drinking coffee weaken bones or make arthritis worse?

Learn about the effects of coffee intake on bone mineral density, risk of osteoporosis, and risk of fracture. Also, find out if drinking coffee might increase the risk of arthritis or worsen symptoms.

Recalls & Warnings

October 22, 2019

Seller of TrueAloe and AloeCran Settles Charges of Making False Claims

NatureCity, LLC, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges that they deceived consumers by making false claims about their TrueAloe and AloeCran products.

Recalls & Warnings

February 10, 2018

Warning to D-Limonene, Vitamin C Seller

On January 31, 2018 the FDA issued a warning letter to Long Life Unlimited, LLC following a review of the company's website which found promotional statements and testimonials made about products including Balance 600, D-Limonene, Rapha Remedy, Rapha Remedy w/ p73 Wild Oregano, Vitamin C, ...

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

August 16, 2023

FDA Warns Sellers of Homeopathic Products for Infants and Children

On August 9, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to ALVA-AMCO Pharmacal Companies, LLC and CalmCo LLC, previously named Ketomi LLC, following a review of the company websites, which found statements about company homeopathic products to be drug claims because they are intended to diagnose, cure, ...

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.

News Release

May 05, 2002

Study finds supplement users avoid prescription drugs due to side effects, not cost — Brands top rated by users also identified in new survey by ConsumerLab.com

WHITE PLAINS, NY — March 5, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com, traditionally known for its independent laboratory evaluations of dietary supplements and nutritional products, announced surprising findings today from a new survey of supplement users.

News Release

March 06, 2002

Study finds supplement users avoid prescription drugs due to side effects, not cost — Brands top rated by users also identified in new survey by ConsumerLab.com

WHITE PLAINS, NY — March 6, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com, traditionally known for its independent laboratory evaluations of dietary supplements and nutritional products, announced surprising findings today from a new survey of supplement users.

Recalls & Warnings

June 04, 2004

FTC Charges Marketers of Two Supplements with False Claims to Cure Range of Diseases

On June 3, 2004 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged marketers of two dietary supplements with falsely claiming that their products can prevent and cure cancer and other diseases. According to the FTC’s complaint, Boston-area marketers Direct Marketing Concepts, Inc. (DMC), ITV Direct, Inc.