Reviews and Information for Borage Oil
Evening Primrose & Flaxseed (ALA/GLA)
Find the best flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, hemp oil, and black currant oil supplements (sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), evidence for use for lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, potential skin benefits and more. Find out which ones passed our tests and why.
Evening Primrose & Flaxseed (ALA/GLA) Review
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CL Answer
I'm a vegan but my doctor wants me to take fish oil with EPA and DHA. Is there something I can take that would be as good as fish oil capsules but would satisfy the needs of a vegan?
Find out which vegan-friendly fatty acid supplements contain EPA and DHA and how they compare to fish oil.
CL Answer
I've heard fish oil may be helpful for dry eye. Is this true? How much should I take?
Can fish oil help treat dry eyes? Find out more along with how much to take.
News Release
November 27, 2017
Flaxseed and Other Popular Omega 3 & 6 Oil Supplements Tested, But Not All Brands Pass -- Tests of Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements
White Plains, New York, November 27, 2017 — Flaxseed oil and other popular seed oil are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and may help with inflammatory conditions. But which seed oil supplements are the best? To find out, ConsumerLab.
CL Answer
Which supplements can cause diarrhea?
Can supplements like magnesium cause diarrhea? Find out which supplements may cause diarrhea, such as vitamin B12, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin C and fish oil.
CL Answer
Which vitamins and supplements are good for acne, and are there any that make it worse?
Information about supplements for acne and clearer skin. Plus, find out which vitamins and supplements can make acne worse.
CL Answer
Is it better to take fish oil, flaxseed oil -- or both?
Fish oil and flaxseed oil -- how they are different, what they are used for, if and how they can help with arthritis, depression, lowering cholesterol & more.
CL Answer
Is echium oil a good alternative to fish oil? I am allergic to fish.
Echium oil as an alternative to fish oil. Learn more for those with fish allergies, including information on omega-3 fatty acids.
Clinical Update
7/12/2022
Toxin in Borage Leaves & Tea
A member asked if borage flower is toxic due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Learn about the safety of borage flower as well as borage leaf (used in teas) and borage oil in our updated CL Answer about pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Clinical Update
7/06/2022
Walnuts for Omega-3s?
Walnuts are often touted as a good source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, but can eating walnuts regularly increase blood levels of DHA and EPA (the omega-3s in fish oil)? Find out in the What It Is section of our Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
5/05/2013
Omega-6 for Eczema?
Supplements with the omega-6 fatty acid GLA from evening primrose oil or borage oil have long been promoted to treat eczema. However, a recent review of data from 27 studies casts doubt on this use. Get more information about this, and about omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, in the updated Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxeed Oil Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
6/07/2014
Help for Acne from Omega-3 & -6 Oils
A small clinical study found daily supplementation with either omega-3 fatty acids or an omega-6 fatty acid from borage oil significantly reduced the number and severity of acne outbreaks. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> and the Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose, Borage and Seed Oil Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
5/10/2015
Flaxseed Oil for Improving Cholesterol?
A recently published study looked at the metabolic effects of taking daily flaxseed oil on middle-aged men. It found a possible benefit among those with higher triglyceride levels, but overall results were not impressive. More about the study, flaxseed oil, whole flaxseed, and our tests and comparisons of products, is found in the Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, and Black Currant Oil Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
8/22/2014
Flaxseed Lowers Blood Pressure
Consuming milled flaxseed significantly lowered blood pressure in people with peripheral arterial disease, according to a recent clinical trial. Additional analysis of those results suggests the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- an omega-3 fatty acid -- in flaxseed may be responsible for the effect. Get the details, including the amount of flaxseed used, plus our tests of flaxseed, evening primrose, borage, and other seed oils containing ALA and GLA, in the updated Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, and Black Currant Oil Supplements Review >>
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.
CL Answer
Supplements for Eczema: Some May Help, While Others Don’t
Certain supplements may reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema), while others don't seem to work. Find out if gamma-linolenic acid, L-histidine, phytoceramides, probiotics, and other supplements may be beneficial.
Product Review
Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) Supplements Review
See Our Omega-3 Top Picks and Avoid Rancid Fish Oils.
News Release
May 07, 2014
Flaxseed and Other Popular Seed Oil Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com, But Not All Brands Pass -- Flaxseed, Black Currant, Borage and Evening Primrose Oils Reviewed
White Plains, New York, May 7, 2014 — Plant seed oils are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but which products offer the best value and quality? Recent analyses by ConsumerLab.
CL Answer
My dog is getting older and his veterinarian recently recommended giving him a glucosamine supplement for his joints. Has ConsumerLab.com tested these, or other supplements for pets?
Find out our test results on glucosamine for dogs and cats as well as other supplements for pets.
CL Answer
Should I be concerned about pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal supplements?
Find out which herbal supplement ingredients contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), learn why these constituents are a safety concern, and find out how supplements containing these ingredients are regulated in the U.S. and Europe.
News Release
January 11, 2011
Spoilage and labeling errors found with some omega-3 and -6 supplements; Review of evening primrose, flaxseed, borage, and black currant oil supplements
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JANUARY 10, 2011 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Only 11 of 17 products selected for testing met quality criteria for freshness and labeling.
News Release
December 10, 2007
ConsumerLab.com finds improvement in quality of omega-3 and -6 supplements — Results for 22 products made from evening primrose, flaxseed, borage and black currant oils
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — DECEMBER 10, 2007 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Two products were slightly low in one fatty acid, but this is an improvement over results from ConsumerLab.
News Release
July 12, 2005
ConsumerLab.com finds some supplements lower in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than claimed — Report available for 23 products made from oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose and flax
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 12, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of supplements made from the seed oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose, and flax.
Clinical Update
8/04/2013
Supplement Helps Dry Eye
A supplement containing omega-6 (from black currant seed oil) and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) was recently shown to improve symptoms of dry eye. Get the details about this formula (plus our test results of other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids supplements) in the updated Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxseed Oils Review >>
CL Answer
With herbal supplements, what is the difference between root powder and root extract? Does it matter?
Learn more about the different forms of herbal supplements, including aloe, boswellia, ginkgo, green tea, and milk thistle.
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.
Recalls & Warnings
March 09, 2022
Court Bars Salud Natural From Selling Aloe, Joint Supplements & More
On March 8, 2022, a federal court ordered Salud Natural Entrepreneur, Inc. to stop distributing nutritional supplements that violate the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
News Release
June 15, 2005
Two magnesium supplements fail testing due to lead contamination. Nineteen others pass. Report now available.
WHITE PLAINS, NY — JUNE 15, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of magnesium supplements sold in the U.S. In addition to being an essential mineral, magnesium may help prevent migraine headaches, menstrual pain, PMS, and leg cramps during pregnancy.
Recalls & Warnings
December 15, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Evening Primrose Oil and Beta Glucan
On December 2, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Smoky Mountain Naturals, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Evening Primrose Oil and Beta Glucan to be drug claims.
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.
News Release
April 27, 2005
ConsumerLab.com finds quality of most nutrition powders and drinks high, but identifies five protein powders with excess sodium or cholesterol — Report Now Available Online
WHITE PLAINS, NY — APRIL 27, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of nutrition powders, shakes and drinks. These products are used for general nutrition, dieting, and meal-replacement and are frequently used by athletes and bodybuilders.
Recalls & Warnings
January 23, 2020
Flaxseed Salmonella Risk Prompts Recall
Update: (2/4/20) This recall has been expanded to include additional Nopalina flaxseed products, which are highlighted below.
News Release
March 30, 2005
ConsumerLab.com finds most B-vitamins of high quality but three lacking in ingredients — Test Results for 41 Products Reported Along with Information on Use
WHITE PLAINS, NY — MARCH 30, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com reported test results today for B vitamin supplements that it recently purchased in the U.S. and Canada.
Recalls & Warnings
January 30, 2013
Seller of Omega-3 and Emu Oil Supplements Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding
On November 19, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Emu Products & Management, Inc. after a review of the company's website found statements that promoted the dietary supplements Multi-Omega Gel Caps, Recovery Gel Caps, ARP Gel Caps and the topical skin products Extreme Cryo Gel, F.A.C.E.
Recalls & Warnings
July 13, 2012
FDA Warns of Aloe Drug Claims and Misbranding
On June 12, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Set-N-Me-Free Aloe Vera Company concerning twelve of the company's products. Based on how the products were promoted, the FDA regards the products as unapproved new drugs and misbranded, with labels that provided inadequate directions for use.
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2017
Bones and Packaged "Bone Treats" Dangerous for Dogs
Giving your dog real turkey or chicken bones, or packaged "bone treats" could lead to serious injury or death, the FDA recently warned pet owners.
News Release
March 14, 2005
ConsumerLab.com reports on vitamin C supplements — Test Results for 29 Products Reported Along with Information on Use
WHITE PLAINS, NY — MARCH 14, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com reported test results today for a wide variety of vitamin C supplements purchased at retail. Vitamin C is the top-selling single vitamin in the U.S., with sales of $770 million in 2003 according to Nutrition Business Journal.
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.
News Release
August 07, 2002
ConsumerLab.com finds some spoilage and inaccuracy among omega-3 and 6 supplements — List released of evening primrose, flaxseed and other GLA/ALA products that passed testing
WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 7, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of health and nutrition products, released results today of its Product Review of Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxseed Oils: Sources of ALA and GLA (Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids).
News Release
July 16, 2002
ConsumerLab.com finds lead contamination remains a problem for certain mineral supplements — Lead found in iron, magnesium and, most recently, potassium pills
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 16, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that its testing has shown that approximately 5% to 10 % of certain mineral supplements are contaminated with lead. The findings are based on ConsumerLab.
Recalls & Warnings
January 13, 2015
Seller of Speech Disorder Supplement Agrees to Settle FTC Charges of Deceptive Claims
NourishLife, LLC, seller of supplements promoted for treating children's speech disorders, has agreed to pay $200,000 in order to settle FTC charges that claims made on the company's website and in brochures were deceptive and not supported by science.
Recalls & Warnings
February 23, 2016
Flax Seed and Chia Powders Recalled
On February 20, 2016, HEALTH MATTERS AMERICA INC., issued a recall of specific lots of Organic Traditions Sprouted Flax Seed Powder and Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed Powder because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Recalls & Warnings
October 24, 2012
Manufacturer of Green Tea, Vitamin E, Omega-3 and Cranberry Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations, Misbranding and Drug Claims
On October 16, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Advanced Nutritional Technology Inc.
News Release
April 16, 2002
ConsumerLab.com finds "Breast Enhancement" pills lack evidence of efficacy
WHITE PLAINS, NY — April 16, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that it found no hard evidence to suggest that current dietary supplements marketed for breast enhancement are effective.
News Release
April 03, 2002
More than one in five weight loss, slimming and/or diabetes supplements fail ConsumerLab.com evaluation — Problems found in chromium and pyruvate products; CLA products fine
WHITE PLAINS, NY — April 3, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that more than one in five products failed its recent Product Review of Weight Loss, Slimming and Diabetes-Management Supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
February 27, 2018
Dog Treats, Food Recalled Due to Salmonella, Listeria Risk
The following dog treats and dog food are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella, which can cause illness in pets who consume these products, as well as in pet owners who handle the contaminated products or touch ...
Recalls & Warnings
November 02, 2012
Maker of Joint Health, Blood Sugar, Prostate, Ginkgo Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding and Adulteration
On September 10, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Global Source Management & Consulting for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Scientific Joint Program capsules, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Healthy Blood Sugar Diabetic Support, Dr.
Recalls & Warnings
February 21, 2013
Pet Supplement Company Issues Recall Due To Potential Bacterial Contamination
On February 20, 2013, animal supplement company Nutri-Vet, LLC issued a recall of Nutri-Vet and NutriPet Chicken Jerky Products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Recalls & Warnings
January 16, 2014
Seller of Tea Supplements and Drinks Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On December 31, 2013, the FDA issued a warning to Prestige Chinese Teas Company, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
January 24, 2013
Excessive Lead and Mercury Found In Chinese Herbal Supplements
On January 23, 2013, Health Canada warned consumers that certain batches of the Chinese dietary supplements [W.S.
Recalls & Warnings
January 02, 2012
FDA Warns XYMOGEN of Manufacturing and Labeling Violations Regarding Multiple Products
On December 13, 2011, the U.S. FDA sent a Warning Letter to Atlantic Pro Nutrients, Inc. (dba XYMOGEN) regarding labeling and/or manufacturing violations relating to its products, which include Borage CP-240, CoQmax CF, Immune Rx, Iron Glycinate, and Green Tea 600.
Recalls & Warnings
December 13, 2013
Maker of Menopause Blend and Other Supplement Ingredients Warned by FDA of Violations
On November 21, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Raw Deal, Inc.
