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Clinical Updates
January
Vitamin E Helps Alzheimer's Patients
January 03, 2014
A new study suggests that high-dose vitamin E can help people with Alzheimer's disease retain their ability to perform activities of daily living (such as dressing) for several months longer than those given placebo, reducing caregiver time. A similar dose of vitamin E has been shown in other studies to slow the progression of the disease in some people and to reduce the rate of conversion to Alzheimer's among people with mild cognitive impairment. For details -- including the dose and form of vitamin E used and our tests of supplements on the market which can provide this dose -- see the update to the Vitamin E Supplements Review >>
Green Tea "Blocks" Beta-Blocker
January 17, 2014
A new study shows that drinking green tea can drastically reduce the amount of a beta-blocker (nadolol, Corgard) absorbed into the bloodstream. Beta-blockers are typically taken to lower blood pressure, raising concern for people using green tea along with this beta-blocker and, possibly, related medications. Get the details, along with our tests of green tea drinks and supplements, in the update to the Green Tea Review >>
If you take a beta-blocker (which includes the popular drugs metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol) and propranolol (Inderal)), be aware that chromium and CoQ10 may offer benefits.
If you take a beta-blocker (which includes the popular drugs metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol) and propranolol (Inderal)), be aware that chromium and CoQ10 may offer benefits.
Vitamin D Helps Fibromyalgia
January 17, 2014
Fibromyalgia is an inflammation of the muscle and soft tissue which causes pain and fatigue. A recent study found that giving vitamin D reduced the pain associated with fibromyalgia. For details about the dose and target vitamin D blood level in the study, as well as our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Multivitamin Lowers Cataract Risk
January 18, 2014
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.
Fish Oil / Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Alzheimer's
January 30, 2014
A new study found that fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid can slow cognitive and functional decline in people with Alzheimer's disease. Get the details in the Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review >> and the Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review >>
February
Probiotic Helps Women Shed Pounds
February 01, 2014
Recently, a study found that women on a reduced-calorie diet lost significantly more weight if they took a particular probiotic than women on the same diet who took a placebo. Get details about the probiotic used and the dosage in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Vitamins C & E Blunt Exercise Effect
February 06, 2014
A recent study found that giving high-dose vitamin C or vitamin E to people involved in intensive exercise training blunted cellular changes thought to be important for improving muscular endurance. These and similar results recently reported with resveratrol raise concerns about high-dose antioxidant supplementation during exercise training. For details, see the updates to the "Concerns and Cautions" sections of the Vitamin C Supplements Review >> and the Vitamin E Supplements Review >>
Vitamin E, Selenium Can Increase Cancer Risk
February 26, 2014
In some men, taking high doses of vitamin E or selenium may double the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer, according to a recent analysis. For details, including the dose, see the updates to the Vitamin E Supplements Review >> and the Selenium Supplements Review >>
New Curcumin Increases Bioavailability
February 27, 2014
Curcumin (from turmeric) is not well absorbed, so many formulations have been developed to increase its bioavailability. A recent study found a new formulation to be 49 times as bioavailable as standard curcumin, making it, by far, the most available form on the market. Get the details about this and other formulations of curcumin, as well as CL's tests and reviews of turmeric and curcumin products, in the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >>
March
Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Survival
March 07, 2014
A new analyses of clinical studies found that women with the highest blood levels of vitamin D had a much higher rate of survival from breast cancer than women with the lowest levels. Details on what may be the most beneficial levels, as well as our test results for vitamin D supplements, are found in the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Glucosamine & Chondroitin Help Maintain Knee Joint
March 07, 2014
A 2-year study in people with osteoarthritis of the knee found that those who took a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin had only half the amount of narrowing of the knee joint space as those who took placebo. This beneficial finding differs from that of another large study published several years ago which did not find a benefit on joint space. The new study used a different form of glucosamine than the previous study. Get the details, as well as our tests of supplements with these ingredients, in the updated Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia) >>
Probiotic Helps with Colic
March 18, 2014
Daily use of a probiotic reduced crying time in infants by nearly half and regurgitation by more than one-third in a recent study. Probiotics have also reduced abdominal pain in older children. Based on their safety, probiotics seem worth a try for these uses. Details about the products and dosage are in the update to the Probiotics Review >>
Fish Oil Study Finds No Heart Benefit
March 22, 2014
Findings of a large study reported this week showed that a daily fish oil supplement did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly people. So what's the bottom line for fish oil and heart disease? See the update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes the latest information about potential uses of fish oil and our tests of popular fish oil supplements.
CoQ10 Not Helpful in Parkinson Disease
March 26, 2014
A study among people with early Parkinson Disease found that high-dose CoQ10 was not effective in slowing progression of the disease. For details about the study, information about other uses of CoQ10, as well as our tests of supplements, see the updated CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review >>
Fish Oil Lowers Blood Pressure
March 27, 2014
Fatty acids from fish and fish oil may reduce blood pressure, particularly in those with high blood pressure, according to a recently published review. For details, information about other uses of fish oil, and our tests of fish oil supplements, see the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>
Vitamin D for Weight?
March 28, 2014
A study of overweight women who were dieting and exercising found that taking vitamin D did not increase the amount of weight they lost. Those attaining the highest blood levels of vitamin D did lose more weight than other women, but this may not have been due to vitamin D. For details about the study, information about other uses of vitamin D, and our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
April
Reduced Risk of Death with Vitamin D
April 05, 2014
A recent review of clinical studies involving vitamin D concluded that supplementation with vitamin D-3 significantly reduced overall mortality among older individuals by 11%, while vitamin D-2 had no overall effect. The review did not define exactly when or how much vitamin D is most effective, but you can find sensible guidelines in the Summary section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Resveratrol for Glucose Control
April 12, 2014
A recent review of clinical studies shows that resveratrol can help with glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is not the general fountain of youth originally hoped. For more information about resveratrol, including our tests of resveratrol supplements, see the updated Resveratrol Supplements Review >>
Does Green Tea Improve Memory?
April 12, 2014
This week, news sources reported that a study found green tea helps working memory. While green tea may have benefits, a closer look at this study suggests the news was exaggerated and misleading. For details about the study (and information about other effects of green tea and our tests of green tea supplements, teas, and drinks) see the update in the Green Tea Supplements, Drinks and Teas Review >>
Probiotic Helps a Little with Allergy
April 19, 2014
Among people already taking a daily antihistamine, adding a daily probiotic provided a small, additional benefit -- particularly with ocular (eye) symptoms, according to a new study. For more information about the probiotic used, and our tests of probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Not Always Useful in Infant Colic
April 19, 2014
A month ago, we reported on a study that showed a probiotic could help prevent colic in infants. A new study, however, shows that the same probiotic given to infants who already have colic does not help more than placebo. For more details, and our tests of probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
May
Vitamin D Deficiency May Predict Advanced Prostate Cancer
May 02, 2014
According to a new study, prostate biopsies in men who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to show a higher grade and stage of cancer than biopsies in men with higher levels of vitamin D. For more details, as well as our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Does Fish Oil Help During Pregnancy?
May 02, 2014
A recent study shows that, at age 4, children born to women given DHA-rich fish oil during pregnancy do not fare better cognitively than other children. Other positive effects around the time of birth, however, suggest that supplementation may be worthwhile. For details, as well as our tests of fish oil supplements, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>
Lycopene May Improve Fertility
May 07, 2014
A new review of clinical studies reports lycopene supplementation improved measures of sperm health in men and increased pregnancy rates. For details, as well as our tests of lycopene supplements, see the updated Lycopene Supplements Review >>
Study Suggests Vitamin D Level for Blood Sugar Control
May 10, 2014
A certain minimum level of vitamin D in the blood is associated with normal control of blood sugar, according to a recently published study. The study focused on women who were overweight or obese but not diabetic. The vitamin D level is consistent with the range suggested by many other studies. For more details, as well as our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Vitamin D Helpful for Asthma?
May 20, 2014
A recent study reported that giving high-dose vitamin D to asthma patients did not significantly reduce the rate of failure with conventional medications. However, a closer look at the study suggests that this conclusion is misleading and that a benefit may exist. Get the details in the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Probiotic for IBS Symptoms
May 24, 2014
A recent study found that a multi-strain probiotic reduced certain symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Get the details, as well as our tests of probiotic products, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Gum for Throat Infections
May 28, 2014
A gum containing a probiotic has been found to significantly reduce the incidence of throat infections in children and has been approved to promote oral health and reduce bad breath. For more details, as well as our tests of probiotic supplements, see the update in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics: An Alternative to Antibiotics for Mastitis?
May 28, 2014
Two different strains of probiotics have been found to reduce breast pain and resolve infection in nursing mothers with mastitis, as well as reduce the rate of recurrence. For details, as well as our tests of probiotic supplements, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Not Enough Iodine in Prenatal Supplements
May 29, 2014
There is growing concern about inadequate iodine intake among pregnant and nursing mothers. Find out how much should be taken as a supplement -- and which vitamins do or don't have it -- in the update to the Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review >>
Danger Using Antidepressant with Garcinia cambogia
May 30, 2014
Taking the popular weight supplement Garcinia cambogia along with a common antidepressant may cause toxicity, according to a new report. For more details, as well as our tests of Garcinia cambogia supplements, see the Garcinia Cambogia Supplements Review >> (Also see the CL Answer about supplement interactions with antidepressants.)
June
Curcumin for Knee Osteoarthritis
June 02, 2014
A new study found that curcumin taken for six weeks significantly improved physical functioning and reduced pain among people with osteoarthritis of the knee. For details, as well as our tests of similar curcumin products, see the update to the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review >>
Fish Oil May Reduce Risk of Blood Clots
June 06, 2014
A study of more than 20,000 people found that those who ate fish several times per week had a reduced risk of venous blood clots, and that getting additional fish oil from supplements reduced the risk even further. Get the details, including our tests of fish oil and other omega-3 supplements in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>
Help for Acne from Omega-3 & -6 Oils
June 06, 2014
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 >>
Resveratrol for Memory?
June 10, 2014
A new study suggests that resveratrol may improve aspects of memory, as well as glucose control, in overweight individuals. For more information about the study and dosage, as well as our tests and comparisons of resveratrol supplements, see the update to the Resveratrol Supplements Review >>
Cocoa May Worsen Acne
June 10, 2014
Unlike the study we reported last week showing potential help for acne from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements, a new study found that giving pure cocoa to men ages 18 to 35 had the opposite effect -- overall, more pimples. Get the details, along with our tests and comparisons of cocoa and chocolate products, in the update to the Cocoa Powders, Extracts and Chocolate Review >>
Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis
June 12, 2014
A recent study shows that people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have significantly lower levels of vitamin D in their blood than healthy individuals of the same age, gender and body weight. More details, including the vitamin D levels in these groups, is found in the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Contaminated Chondroitin
June 12, 2014
A chondroitin ingredient on the market has been found to be contaminated with an inexpensive industrial compound. Get the details, along with our tests and comparisons of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint health, in the update to the Review of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia Supplements for Joint Health>>
Does Green Tea Really Help With Weight?
June 17, 2014
A new study found that a popular green tea extract did not cause a reduction in weight compared to placebo, despite the fact that some previous studies have shown a benefit. Get more details, including which green tea extract was used, in the update to the Green Tea Supplements, Drinks and Teas Review >>
Too Much Calcium for Some?
June 19, 2014
A new study found that supplementing with even moderate amounts of calcium may cause abnormally high calcium levels in the urine (a risk factor for kidney stones) of some postmenopausal women, even when total calcium intake doesn't exceed the recommended daily allowance. Get the details in the update to the Calcium Supplements Review (Including Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and Magnesium) >>
Green Tea and Liver Toxicity
June 19, 2014
Green tea extract was listed as one of the most common dietary supplements linked to liver injury in a newly published guideline for diagnosing and treating drug-induced liver injury. Find out what one of the authors of the guideline had to say about the catechin content of some green tea supplements, and get our test results showing the amounts of catechins in green tea supplements in the Green Tea Supplements, Drinks and Brewable Teas Review >>
Vitamin D May Help Lower Blood Pressure
June 23, 2014
A recent study in people with mild to moderate high blood pressure showed that taking a vitamin D supplement helped lower blood pressure. Subjects in the study were already taking a calcium channel blocker (nifedipine), but taking vitamin D reduced blood pressure by several additional points. For details, including the dose of vitamin D used, as well as our tests of vitamin D supplements which can provide this dose, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamin K, and Magnesium) >>
July
Curcumin Reduces Soreness After Exercise
July 04, 2014
Taking curcumin before and after intense exercise significantly reduced muscle soreness in young, healthy men, according to a new study. Get the details, including the brand and dose of curcumin used, plus our tests of curcumin supplements, in the updated Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review >>
Dark Chocolate Improves Walking in Peripheral Artery Disease
July 04, 2014
A new, small study found that people with peripheral artery disease who consumed dark chocolate with a high cocoa content were able to walk further than they normally could. Consuming milk chocolate did not have this effect. The improvement was seen shortly after consuming just one dose. For more details, including dosage, as well as our tests and comparisons of cocoa supplements and chocolate, see the update to the Cocoa Powders, Extracts and Chocolate (Sources of Flavanols) Review >>
Chlorella Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides
July 08, 2014
A daily dose of chlorella (an ingredient included in some "greens" and whole foods supplements) significantly reduced total cholesterol, "bad" VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in men and women with mildly elevated cholesterol. Get the details, including the dosage used, plus our tests and comparisons of supplements containing chlorella and other "greens" in the updated Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills >>
Don't Be Fooled by "Good Source of Omega-3s" Claim
July 09, 2014
Over the years, ConsumerLab.com has pointed out that products sometimes claim to provide a percentage of the Daily Value (DV) of omega-3 or -6 fatty acids, even though no such Daily Value has been established. Now, the FDA has prohibited certain related statements on omega-3 supplement and food labels that could mislead consumers into thinking a product provides some percentage of this imaginary amount. Get the details, including what to watch out for on labels, plus our tests of fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acid supplements, in the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>
Whey Protein for Blood Sugar Control?
July 11, 2014
Drinking a whey protein shake before a meal improves blood sugar and insulin response in men and women with type 2 diabetes, according to a new, preliminary study. Get more details, plus our tests of protein supplements, in the updated Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>
Vitamin D & Calcium for Diabetes Due to Pregnancy
July 11, 2014
A new study found supplementation with a combination of vitamin D and calcium improved fasting blood sugar levels, serum insulin levels, and insulin sensitivity in women with gestational (pregnancy-related) diabetes. For more details, including dosage, as well as our tests and comparisons of vitamin D and calcium supplements, see the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamin K, Magnesium) >>
Fish Oil May Prevent Cognitive Decline
July 15, 2014
A study of older individuals found that cognitive function and brain volume (size) were better preserved among those who reported using fish oil supplements than those who did not. The effect, however, was only seen in certain groups of people. For more about the study, and our tests and comparisons of fish oil supplements, see the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>
DHA for Periodontitis (Inflammation Around Teeth)
July 15, 2014
A new study found that giving DHA (from algal oil) along with low-dose aspirin led to greater reductions in local inflammation and pocketing around teeth than aspirin plus placebo. For more about the study, including dosage, and our tests and comparisons of algal oil supplements, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>
High-Dose Niacin with Statins Not Worth It
July 18, 2014
Further evidence was published this week showing that the addition of high-dose niacin (vitamin B-3) to cholesterol-lowering treatment with statin drugs provides no worthwhile benefit and appears to increase the risk of adverse side events. For details, see the Review of B Vitamin Supplements and Energy Drinks >>
Magnesium Improves Women's Physical Performance
July 22, 2014
A new study found that daily intake of a magnesium supplement significantly improved physical performance among older women compared to those given a placebo. Interestingly, none of the women in the study were deficient in magnesium based on blood tests. Get the details, including the dose and type of magnesium supplement used, as well as our quality ratings of magnesium supplements, in the updated Magnesium Supplements Review >>
Probiotics Lower Blood Pressure
July 25, 2014
Probiotics may help lower high blood pressure, especially when multiple strains are taken for a certain period of time, according to a new analysis. Get the details, as well as information about other uses for probiotics, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Curcumin for Major Depression
July 26, 2014
A new study found that curcumin may provide some benefit in treating major depression, particularly for people with atypical depression. Details about the type and amount of curcumin used, other uses for curcumin, as well as our tests of products, are found in the updated Turmeric and Curcumin Supplement Review >>
August
When Vitamin C May Curb a Cold
August 05, 2014
A recent small study among men with low to adequate levels of vitamin C showed that supplementing with vitamin C reduced the incidence of colds compared to placebo. The men taking vitamin C also reported having more energy -- although this finding was not statistically significant. Learn more about what vitamin C can and cannot do, the dose used in this study, and results of our tests of vitamin C supplements, in the update to the Vitamin C Supplements Review >>
Up To a Point, Alzheimer's Risk Falls with Vitamin D
August 07, 2014
A new study shows that, up to a point, the risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia fall with higher blood levels of vitamin D. However, the research also clarifies that exceeding a certain blood level of vitamin D provides no further benefit. In fact, additional research suggests that too much vitamin D can have negative effects. The message: Make sure you have a sufficient, but not excessive level of vitamin D. For details about these levels, as well as results of our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Lower Risk of Surgical Complications with Sufficient Vitamin D
August 19, 2014
A recent study found that higher blood levels of vitamin D were associated with lower risk of developing serious post-operative complications, including death. As in other studies, the apparent benefit of higher levels of vitamin D increased only up to a point. Get the details in the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Flaxseed Lowers Blood Pressure
August 21, 2014
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 >>
Taking Fish Oil with Sterols
August 30, 2014
A new study found that adding EPA and DHA from fish oil to a spread containing plant sterols is not a problem and may provide additional benefit for those with high cholesterol levels. For more information, including dosage amounts, see the update in the Review of Cholesterol-Lowerers >>
September
Does Garcinia cambogia Work?
September 05, 2014
A recent study in obese women found that taking a Garcinia cambogia extract for two months did not impact weight -- although it did modestly reduce triglyceride levels. This adds to an already mixed picture about the effects of Garcinia. Learn more about this and earlier studies, see our bottom line about Garcinia's efficacy, and see how popular brands of supplements have fared in our tests in the updated Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) Supplements Review >>
Lead in Dark Chocolate
September 09, 2014
Our recent tests of cocoa-based products found problems with many popular brands of cocoa powders, which were high in cadmium and/or lead. No problem was found, however, with a widely-sold dark chocolate bar, which also had a good amount of potentially beneficial flavanols. A new report by academic researchers in Brazil shows that some dark chocolate bars do contain lead in excess of what the FDA permits (although brands were not identified.) More about this, as well as our test results for 15 cocoa products, is found in updated Review of Cocoa/Cacao Powders, Extracts, Nibs, Supplements, and Chocolate >>
Can Vitamin E and/or Selenium Help Prevent Cataracts?
September 18, 2014
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 >>
Lower-dose Fish Oil Helps with Epilepsy
September 23, 2014
A small, but well-controlled study of people with drug-resistant epilepsy found that a modest dose of fish oil significantly reduced the frequency of seizures while a higher dose did not. The researchers note a possible explanation why the lower dose was more effective than the higher dose. Find out the details, including the dose and exact type of fish oil used, in the update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>
Risk of Bone Fracture Higher With Too Much and Too Little Vitamin D
September 26, 2014
A large study in elderly men identified a range of vitamin D blood levels associated with the lowest risk of experiencing a bone fracture. Risk nearly tripled among men with higher levels of vitamin D as well as among those with very low levels. For details, including the range of vitamin D associated with lowest risk of fracture, see the update in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Vitamin D for Asthma
September 26, 2014
A pilot study in older people with asthma found that daily supplementation with vitamin D improved symptoms among those with uncontrolled asthma. These people were also most likely to have had low blood levels of vitamin D to start. Get the details, including the dose used, and more information about the role of vitamin D in asthma, in the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
October
Black Cohosh Improves Menopause Symptoms and Decreases Fibroid Size
October 04, 2014
A popular black cohosh supplement significantly improved symptoms of menopause and decreased the size of fibroids, according to a new clinical study. Among women who, instead, took a hormone replacement drug, menopausal symptoms also improved, but the size of fibroids slightly increased. Get the details, including the brand and dose, in the update to the Menopause Supplements Review >>
Energy Drinks: Athletic Performance & Side Effects
October 07, 2014
A recent study found that a caffeinated energy drink improved athletes' self-perceived muscle power, but also increased insomnia and nervousness. Get the details in the update to the B Vitamin Supplements and Energy Drinks Review >>
CoQ10 Benefit Takes Time
October 09, 2014
A large study found that a daily dose of CoQ10 reduced the chances of hospitalization or death by almost 50% in people with moderate to severe heart failure -- but only after being taken for an extended period of time. Find out how much CoQ10 was taken and for how long, and get our quality ratings and comparisons of CoQ10 supplements, in the updated CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review >>
Caution with St. John's Wort
October 09, 2014
St. John's wort is known to interact with a large number of prescription drugs. That number grew larger recently when the FDA approved two new drugs to cure hepatitis C infection. Taking these drugs while using St. John's wort may lead to reduced therapeutic effect and is not recommended. More information about this and other drug interactions with St. John's wort is found in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the St. John's Wort Supplements Review >>
Curcumin for Cognition and Fatigue
October 17, 2014
A study found that taking curcumin daily improved certain measures of cognitive function and fatigue in healthy men and women ages 60 to 85. Get the details, as well as our reviews of curcumin products, in the updated Curcumin Supplements Review >>
Green Coffee Bean Study Retracted
October 20, 2014
Evidence for this popular supplement's effect on weight diminished recently when the authors of a clinical study admitted that the data was unreliable. The study had been funded by the maker a popular type of green coffee bean extract. For details, as well as our tests of these products, see the update in the Green Coffee Bean Supplements Review >>
Probiotics Reduce Cholesterol / Improve Liver Function
October 24, 2014
Adding probiotic organisms to yogurt appeared to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol in a study of people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a common condition. Levels of liver enzymes also improved and more weight loss occurred when people ate the probiotic yogurt, in contrast to those who ate regular yogurt. The probiotic organisms used in this study are found in several products recently tested by ConsumerLab.com. See the details in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
November
Resveratrol Blunts Benefits of Exercise
November 04, 2014
A new, small study adds to the evidence that resveratrol may interfere with the positive effects of exercise. Get the details, plus evidence regarding other uses for resveratrol and our tests of products, in the updated Resveratrol Supplements Review >>
CoQ10 Improves Symptoms in War Veterans
November 11, 2014
A new study found that a moderate dose of CoQ10 improved symptoms of Gulf War illness (such as word recall, fatigue, and irritability) in veterans. A larger dose did not show this effect. Details, as well as results of our product tests, are found in the CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Review >>
Ginseng for Lower Blood Sugar
November 13, 2014
A new study found that a certain kind of ginseng helps lower blood sugar levels in people with impaired fasting glucose. For more about this study and related studies on blood sugar and diabetes with other types of ginseng (which have had mixed results), see the Ginseng Supplements Review >>
Do B Vitamins Boost Memory?
November 15, 2014
This week, a study was reported in the media suggesting that taking vitamin B-12 and folic acid does not help with memory. But a closer look at this and related studies shows a benefit for some people. Get the details, plus our tests and comparisons of B-vitamin supplements, in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
Keep Energy Drinks Away from Kids
November 16, 2014
It was reported this week that 40% of calls to poison centers for "energy drink exposure" involved children under age 6, many of whom experienced serious side effects. For more about this and other concerns with energy drinks, as well as our test results for popular products, see the B Vitamins & Energy Drinks Review >>
Ginseng for ADHD
November 18, 2014
A ginseng extract showed promise in improving the symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without adverse effects in children ages 6 to 15 in a placebo-controlled study. You can get details about this and other studies with ginseng, as well as our test results for ginseng supplements in the Ginseng Supplements Review >>
Turmeric for Memory
November 21, 2014
A new study shows a modest benefit of turmeric on short-term memory among older individuals with pre-diabetes. Details about the study and dosage used, as well as results of our tests of popular products, are found in the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >>
CoQ10 Reduces Statin-Related Muscle Pain
November 25, 2014
Taking a moderate dose of CoQ10 reduced statin-related muscle symptoms in 75% of patients in a recent study. More details, as well as our tests of CoQ10 and ubiquinol products, are found in the CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Review >>
Take Vitamin D with a Meal Containing Fats
November 25, 2014
We've been suggesting this for years and a new study re-emphasizes the point. Get the details in the ConsumerTips section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
December
Vitamin D for COPD
December 02, 2014
A study of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that taking vitamin D significantly reduced the risk of moderate to severe exacerbation, but only among people who began the study deficient in vitamin D. Get the details and information about other uses of vitamin D, along with our quality ratings of vitamin D supplements, in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Prebiotic for Reducing Anxiety?
December 06, 2014
We've reported in the past that some probiotic bacteria may help reduce anxiety. A new study suggests that one type of prebiotic powder (which helps probiotic bacteria grow) has a related beneficial effect. See the update in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Soy for Menopause Symptoms
December 13, 2014
Many studies have shown that soy isoflavones, in the right dose, can reduce hot flashes in women experiencing menopause. A recently published study of soy looked at additional urogenital symptoms of menopause and found some benefit. For more about this, and to find supplements which deliver a proper dose, see the Menopause Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Reduces GI Pain in IBS
December 16, 2014
A yeast-based probiotic was recently shown to significantly reduce abdominal pain and discomfort among people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The most notable effect occurred after 4 weeks of use. Other studies, typically using bacterial probiotics, have also shown some benefit in IBS. For details, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
