Product Reviews and Information for Cataracts
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CL Answer
Do any supplements help prevent or improve cataracts?
Find out which supplements may help with cataracts, including selenium and vitamins A, B1, B3, C, and E.
CL Answer
Can castor oil eye drops improve or dissolve cataracts? Is castor oil or tea tree oil helpful for other eye conditions such as blepharitis or dry eye?
Can castor oil eye drops help cataracts or for other conditions such as blepharitis? Find out if castor oil eye drops are safe to use, and if they help for other conditions. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Vitamin C Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin C Supplements
Clinical Update
9/19/2014
Can Vitamin E and/or Selenium Help Prevent Cataracts?
A study in older men in the U.S. found that taking large daily doses of vitamin E and/or selenium did not significantly reduce the risk of developing cataracts. But could the dose have been too high to be helpful? Other research has shown that "less is more" when it comes to antioxidant supplementation for cataracts. For more information, see the updates to the Vitamin E Supplements Review and the Selenium Supplements Review >>
CL Answer
Does ergothioneine help prevent age-related problems such as impaired cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or cataract, and is it safe?
Learn about ergothioneine and its potential use for cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cataract, or kidney disease, as well as its safety and cost of supplements containing this ingredient.
CL Answer
Can supplements, natural eye drops, or lifestyle modifications improve symptoms of dry eye?
Can supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or curcumin (from turmeric) help treat dry eyes? Find out, including formulas and doses that have shown benefit. Also, learn if drinking more water or using eye drops containing castor oil, N-acetylcarnosine or aloe can help with dry eye.
Clinical Update
1/19/2014
Multivitamin Lowers Cataract Risk
A large, long-term study using a low-dose multivitamin found that it reduced the risk of developing cataract (a clouding of the lens of the eye) by 9% compared to placebo. Interestingly, the reduced risk of cataract was negated when a separate vitamin C supplement was also taken. For details about the study and dosage, as well as our tests and comparison of multivitamins, see the updated Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
3/07/2020
Melatonin and Cataracts
Do you have cataracts (clouded lenses of the eye)? A recent study suggests that having them removed and replaced with a certain type of intraocular lens may increase natural melatonin production. For details, see the ConsumerTips section of the new Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among melatonin supplements.
Clinical Update
8/26/2017
High-Dose B Vitamins & Cataract Risk
Taking high doses of B vitamins, including B vitamin complexes, folic acid and B6, was associated with a higher risk of age-related cataracts among middle-aged men and women, according to a new study. For details, see the "ConsumerTips" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
CL Answer
Are L-carnosine supplements helpful and safe?
Learn about the potential health benefits of L-carnosine, as well as possible safety concerns, drug interactions and cost.
CL Answer
What are CoQ10 side effects?
CoQ10 side effects, such as nausea, headache, and insomnia, and how you can reduce the occurrence of CoQ10 side effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?
Find out eye floaters (vitreous floaters) be treated with supplements like vitamin C, lutein, ginkgo, milk thistle, collagen or hyaluronic acid, or with products such as VitreousHealth.
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.
CL Answer
Which vitamins and minerals should someone over 70 take?
Find out which vitamin and mineral supplements men and women age 70 and older should take, recommended intakes for vitamin D, B6, B12, iron, plus multis, vision supplements, protein and more.
Clinical Update
9/19/2024
Propolis for Vision?
Propolis is found in some eye formulas, but is there good evidence that is helps with conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage? Find out in our Vision Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among lutein and AREDS formula supplements.
Also find out if propolis has shown benefit for fatty liver disease or arthritis.
Clinical Update
8/08/2023
Castor Oil Eye Drops
Are castor oil eye drops helpful for dry eye, blepharitis, or cataracts, and are they safe? Find out in our article about castor oil eye drops.
Clinical Update
8/23/2022
Can-C Eye Drops for Dry Eye?
A product called Can-C Eye Drops has been promoted for improving dry eye as well as reducing the risk of cataracts. Does the evidence support this? Find in our updated CL Answer about supplements for dry eye.
Clinical Update
9/22/2018
Vitamin C and Prostate Cancer
Does taking vitamin C reduce the chance of developing prostate cancer? Find out what studies are showing, including one reported this month, in the What It Does section of the Vitamin C Supplements Review. (Also learn about vitamin C and cataracts and see our Top Picks for vitamin C.)
CL Answer
I've been taking a Daily Advantage multi but am now concerned by the very high % DV for vitamin C (833% DV), niacin (325% DV), and B vitamins (over 1,000% DV for several). What do you think?
Learn about the safety of taking multivitamins containing far more than Daily Values, including upper and lower limits for nutrients.
Product Review
Vision Supplements Review (with Lutein, Zeaxanthin & AREDS2 Formulas)
Find the Best Vision Supplement Based Our Tests
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of amla and is it safe?
Learn about amla (Indian gooseberry), including its potential health benefits and possible safety concerns.
CL Answer
Are light boxes effective for preventing and treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as "winter depression," or circadian rhythm disorders such as jet lag? Which light boxes are best?
Learn about the benefits and safety of light boxes (including who is most likely to benefit), how to use these devices, which commercially available products appear to meet the technical requirements, and who should not use light boxes.
Product Review
Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review
Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies
CL Answer
Do glutathione supplements work to prevent aging or for other conditions?
Do glutathione supplements help with aging or other conditions such as cancer and diabetes?
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.
Product Review
Melatonin Supplements Review
Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.
Product Review
Selenium Supplements Review
Choose the Best Selenium Supplement. Find Out If You Need Selenium and Which Supplement Is Our Top Pick.
CL Answer
Are antioxidant supplements good or bad for you?
Learn more about whether antioxidants like astaxanthin, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10, curcumin, resveratrol, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are safe and if they help prevent chronic diseases.
Product Review
Vitamin E Supplements Review
Find the Best Vitamin E Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Vitamin E Supplements & CL's Top Picks.
Product Review
Zinc Supplements, Lozenges, and Melts Review
Find the Best Zinc Supplements, Including Lozenges for Colds.
CL Answer
Is it possible to take too much vitamin C?
Find out the daily value of vitamin C, along with possible side effects of excessive vitamin C intake. ConsumerLab explores the topic of proper vitamin C supplement usage, and why taking too much can be harmful.
Recalls & Warnings
November 09, 2023
Zazzee Naturals Warned for MSM Eye Drop Claims
On October 30, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Dexterity Health, LLC DBA Zazzee Naturals following review of the company’s Amazon storefront, which found statements about the company’s Liquid MSM Drops to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
September 14, 2023
FDA Warns CVS, Walgreens, Similasan & Others for Eye Drop Violations
On September 11, 2023, the FDA issued Warning Letters to the following eight sellers of homeopathic and other types of eye drops regarding the products noted in italics due to a variety of violations of FDA regulations, most notably that they were marked with claims suggesting that they could cure, ...
News Release
December 13, 2023
Best Vitamin C Supplements? ConsumerLab Selects Its Top Picks
White Plains, New York, December 13, 2023 — It’s officially cold season in the U.S., a time when many people may turn to vitamin C supplements to help “boost” their immune system and ward off colds.
Recalls & Warnings
November 29, 2023
Dr. Berne’s Whole Health Products Warned for Contaminated Eye Drop Products, Drug Claims
On November 22, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Dr. Berne’s Whole Health Products following review of the company’s website, which found statements about the company’s Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops 5%, Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops 15%, and Dr.
Recalls & Warnings
February 17, 2022
Seller of L-Theanine, Lutein, Noopept and More Warned for Drug Claims
On February 4, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Crystal Clear Supplements following a review of the company’s website and social media which found statements about Tianeptine Sodium Powder, Tianeptine Sulfate Powder, PEA Capsules, Phenibut Capsules, Synephrine Powder, Noopept ...
Product Review
B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)
See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2023
Dr. Berne’s MSM and Castor Oil Eye Drops Recalled Due to Bacterial and Fungal Contamination
On August 26, 2023, Dr. Berne’s Whole Health Products issued a recall of all lots of its MSM DROPS 5%, 15% Solution, Dr. Berne’s Organic Castor Oil Eye Drops and Dr. Berne’s MSM MIST 15% Solution due to the risk of bacterial and fungal contamination.
Recalls & Warnings
June 12, 2023
Children's Liquid Vitamin Supplement Recalled
On June 7, 2023, Procaps S.A. de C.V. issued a voluntary recall of various lots of Laboratorios Lopez’s Bacaolinita 8 fl. oz children's liquid vitamin supplement because it contains undeclared PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil.
News Release
June 06, 2020
Best Vitamin C Supplements Revealed by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, June 6, 2020 — Due to its role in maintaining immune system health, vitamin C has been promoted to help prevent and treat COVID-19, as well as other viral infections such as colds.
News Release
March 15, 2017
ConsumerLab.com Reveals Best and Worst Vitamin C Supplements -- 20% Fail ConsumerLab.com Tests of Quality
White Plains, New York, March 15, 2017 — Many people take large doses of vitamin C believing it will improve their health, prevent colds or reduce the risk of disease — but will it really? And when choosing a vitamin C supplement, can consumers be sure it contains what it claims? To ...
CL Answer
Do any supplements or foods help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure? Can any increase your risk of sun-related skin damage?
Find out which supplements may help protect from sunburn and sun-related skin damage, including beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and cocoa.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for flu?
Which supplements may help prevent or reduce symptoms of colds or the flu, including vitamin D, ginseng, NAC, and elderberry.
News Release
February 13, 2014
Calcium, Vitamin C, and Fish Oil Supplements Drop in Use, Probiotics Rise According to ConsumerLab.com Survey
White Plains, New York, February 13, 2014 — A recent survey of over 10,000 people who use dietary supplements shows that the use of calcium, vitamin C and fish oil supplements fell during 2013 while the use of probiotics increased.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help with COVID-19? Do supplements like vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?
Find out if natural remedies & supplements for coronavirus such as zinc, vitamin C, garlic, or elderberry help to prevent or treat COVID-19.
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
May 20, 2005
Seller of "Ocular Nutrition" Supplement Settles FTC Charges
On March 16, 2005, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Hi-Health Supermart Corporation (Hi-Health) and its owner, Simon Chalpin, settled FTC charges that they made unsubstantiated advertising claims that their product – Premier Formula for Ocular Nutrition-Optim3 (Ocular Nutrition) – ...
Recalls & Warnings
February 19, 2005
Seller of Eye Supplement Purporting to Restore Vision and Eliminate "Floaters" Settles FTC Charges
On February 15, 2005, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Hi-Health Supermart Corporation (Hi-Health) and its owner, Simon Chalpin, have settled FTC charges that they made unsubstantiated advertising claims that their product – Premier Formula for Ocular Nutrition-Optim3 (Ocular ...
News Release
December 16, 2009
"Eye health" supplements vary widely in formula but product quality is high according to ConsumerLab.com
"Eye Health" Supplements Vary Widely in Formula But Product Quality is High According to ConsumerLab.com
News Release
July 12, 2007
ConsumerLab.com finds lutein & zeaxanthin supplements vary widely in strength but most meet ingredient claims — Right amount of antioxidant may help prevent macular degeneration and improve vision
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — July 12, 2007 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that all but one of the thirteen lutein and zeaxanthin supplements it recently chose to test met quality standards.
News Release
December 20, 2004
Testing of Alpha-lipoic acid supplements by ConsumerLab.com finds most meet label claims but one with only 15% of ingredient — Antioxidant of potential benefit in diabetes and other conditions
WHITE PLAINS, NY — December 20, 2004 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that one of 21 alpha-lipoic acid supplements recently tested contained only 15% of the alpha-lipoic acid that it claimed. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant naturally produced in the body.
News Release
January 29, 2004
ConsumerLab.com finds lutein supplements vary widely in strength but most meet ingredient claims — Right amount of antioxidant compound may reduce risk of blindness
WHITE PLAINS, NY — January 29, 2004 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that only one of the 19 lutein/zeaxanthin supplements it recently tested failed to contain the claimed ingredients. Although product quality was generally high, ConsumerLab.
Recalls & Warnings
October 18, 2017
FDA Warns Seller of Arthritis, Blood Pressure, Diabetes Supplements For Making Drug Claims
On August 15, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Years to Your Health, Inc., following an inspection of the company's website which found a number of their products to be misbranded, as they contained drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
June 06, 2017
Seller of Vision, Cholesterol, Prostate Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims
On May 25, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Herbal Doctor Remedies following a facility inspection and review of the company's websites, www.herb-doc.com, www.ChinaSecretMed.com and www.theraherb.
Recalls & Warnings
August 22, 2013
UK Warns Against a Weight Loss Supplement Still Available to Americans
The British government has identified the "fat-burner" supplement "I Force Dexaprine XR" as an unlicensed medical product and is instructing its retailer to remove it from the market, according to a report published in NutraIngredients.com.
Recalls & Warnings
July 05, 2013
Seller of Vision Supplement Warned For Drug Claims
On June 25, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nutrient Synergy, Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about the dietary supplement Nepretin to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
August 30, 2012
Supplement Company Warned For Medical Claims and Misbranding Of Omega-3, CoQ10, Noni Juice And More
On July 12, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Alfa Vitamins Laboratories, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
March 31, 2005
FDA Warns Marketer of "Vitamin O" Product to Cease Unsubstantiated Claims
The U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) has sent a Warning Letter (dated February 8, 2005) to Donald L. Smyth, President, R-Garden Inc., and Rose Creek Health Products, Inc. warning that its "Vitamin O" product was, among other things, being marketed with unsubstantiated health claims.