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Clinical Updates
January
More Cocoa Benefits
January 10, 2015
A recently published study showed that hot cocoa made with a flavanol-enriched powder resulted in improvements in cognitive performance as well as reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol, and improved glucose metabolism. The study was conducted in people ages 65 to 80 who drank the cocoa each morning. More details, as well as our tests of cocoa powders, are found in the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Another Use for Green Tea?
January 15, 2015
A recently published study found that rinsing with green tea reduced plaque-forming bacteria in the mouth just as well as a prescription mouthwash. Get the details, including the form and dose of green tea used, in the Green Tea Supplements, Drinks and Brewable Teas Review >>
Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer
January 16, 2015
Higher blood levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer, and a new study shows this association to be strongest with a particular subtype of colon cancer. The risk of this cancer in those with higher vitamin D levels is only 10% of that in those with low levels. For details about this and the uses of vitamin D, as well as our ratings of vitamin D supplements, see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Reduces Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea
January 19, 2015
A yogurt containing a combination of probiotic species was found to dramatically reduce the occurrence of mild and severe diarrhea in children being treated with antibiotics primarily for ear and throat infections. Probiotics have also been shown to have similar benefits in adults. For more details, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Pea Protein for Muscle
January 27, 2015
Like whey protein, pea protein is now being used in protein powders. A recent placebo-controlled study compared the two and suggests that pea protein is a viable option for increasing muscle mass. See the details in the Protein Supplements Review >>
February
Fewer Heart Disease Deaths Among Multivitamin Users
February 06, 2015
A new study found that multivitamin-mineral users were 35% less likely to die of heart disease than non-users over a period of about 20 years. The apparent benefit was greater for certain people and depended on the type of multi. For more details, as well as our product reviews, see the Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review >>
Iron After Blood Donation
February 10, 2015
A new study showed that iron supplementation speeds the recovery of hemoglobin levels by several weeks after blood donation and suggests that the current time between donations may be too short. For details, as well as our tests of iron supplements, see the Iron Supplements Review >>
Creatine Tested for Parkinson Disease
February 16, 2015
Taking creatine daily for at least five years did not slow the progression of Parkinson disease according to a recently reported study involving nearly 1,000 patients. For more details about the study, other studies with creatine (for strength, fibromyalgia, etc.), and our tests of creatine supplements, see the Product Review of Muscle Enhancers (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids) >>
Probiotic Prevents Bloating from Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
February 20, 2015
Acid-blocking PPI drugs, such as Prilosec (omeprazole) and Protonix (pantoprazole) may cause people to experience bloating and other unpleasant bowel symptoms, possibly due to overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine. A recent study suggests that taking a probiotic may help prevent these symptoms from occurring. For more details, as well as our reviews of popular probiotics, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Alpha Lipoic Acid Improves Results When Dieting
February 27, 2015
Women who took alpha lipoic acid while dieting lost significantly more weight and body fat than those who only reduced their calorie intake, according to a new study. For the dose, how it was taken, plus our tests of popular alpha lipoic acid products, see the Alpha Lipoic Acid Review >>
Selenium and Prostate Cancer
February 28, 2015
A new study suggests that men who have prostate cancer should not take supplements providing high-dose selenium. Earlier research has similarly advised against high-dose selenium for people with already adequate selenium intake. For details and more about selenium, see the Selenium Supplements Review >>
March
Caution Urged with Melatonin
March 02, 2015
In light of increasing use of melatonin in children, an expert is cautioning that its long-term safety has not been established and it should be used carefully. For more about this -- as well as other concerns with melatonin, its efficacy, and our reviews of melatonin supplements, see the Melatonin Supplements Review >>
Impressive Results with Curcumin in Colitis
March 02, 2015
A recent study in people with ulcerative colitis not responsive to traditional therapy found that the addition of curcumin to the regimen led to remission in more than 50% of patients. For details about the treatment, as well as our reviews of curcumin products, see the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review >>
Green Lipped Mussel Oil Reduces Pain and Inflammation After Exercise
March 05, 2015
Green-lipped mussel oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) significantly reduced pain and inflammation days after exercise in young healthy men, compared to a placebo, according to a new study. For details, and ConsumerLab.com tests of the product used in the study, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>
Vitamin D Helps in Pregnancy
March 06, 2015
A new study showed that giving vitamin D to women with low levels of vitamin D resulted in a dramatic reduction in pre-term labor, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes compared to untreated women. For details, see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Folic Acid Reduces Risk of Stroke
March 14, 2015
A large study in people taking blood pressure-lowering medication found that the addition of a daily folic acid (vitamin B-9 or folate) supplement significantly reduced the chance of having a stroke. This benefit is most likely to occur among people whose blood levels of folate are low. More details, including dosage and ConsumerLab.com's test-based quality ratings of folic acid supplements, are found in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
Zinc Lozenges for Colds
March 16, 2015
A recent review of placebo-controlled studies of zinc lozenges given at the start of a cold shows that they not only shorten the duration of symptoms in the throat, but in the nose and muscles as well. It is critical, however, that the right type of zinc, dose, and dosing schedule be used. Get the details, as well as our reviews of zinc lozenges and supplements, in the Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review >>
Vitamin D for Blood Pressure?
March 20, 2015
Low levels of vitamin D in the blood are associated with high blood pressure. However, a recent review of many studies concludes that giving vitamin D doesn't help lower blood pressure. For more details about this and other potential uses of vitamin D, as well as our test-based reviews of products, see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Vitamin D and Reducing Injuries From Falls
March 24, 2015
Although vitamin D may be able to reduce the risk of falls in women deficient in vitamin D, a new study shows that, among women with sufficient vitamin D, it does not help and may have a negative effect. At the same time, the study showed that an exercise regime cut the rate of injuries from falls by half. Get more details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Preventing Eczema with Probiotics
March 28, 2015
Allergy experts recently concluded that, when there is a family history of allergy, probiotics (taken by the mother or child) can reduce the risk of the child having eczema. For more information about this and other uses of probiotics — as well as our test reviews of products, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Vitamin D for Diabetic Neuropathy
March 31, 2015
Supplementing with vitamin D can reduce pain and symptoms of diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy in people with type 2 diabetes who are vitamin D deficient, a recent study reports. More about the use of vitamin D in diabetes and many other conditions, as well as our product test results, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
April
Avoid Fish Oil When Getting Chemotherapy
April 07, 2015
A series of studies in mice and people suggest that fish oil from supplements, and consumed from certain fish, can interfere with chemotherapy. More details are in the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>
Muscle Supplements and Testicular Cancer
April 14, 2015
A study of men who have used muscle-building supplements shows a disturbing increase in the risk of testicular cancer. More information is in the Muscle Enhancers (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids) Review >>
Vitamin D and Statin-Related Muscle Pain
April 14, 2015
Taking high doses of vitamin D may reduce statin-related muscle pain in people with low blood levels of vitamin D, according to a new study. Get more information and our test reports on vitamin D supplements in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Probiotics Might Reduce Risk of Depression
April 18, 2015
After taking a probiotic daily for 4 weeks, people in a recent study were less likely to have negative thoughts in response to sadness -- a predictor of whether or not sadness turns into depression. This adds to a growing body of preliminary studies suggesting benefits of probiotics in anxiety and depression. For details, including the type and dose of probiotic used, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Green Tea Extract and Prostate Cancer
April 21, 2015
A new study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, showed that fewer men with pre-cancerous lesions developed prostate cancer if given a daily green tea extract supplement, although the results were not statistically significant due, in part, to the small size of the study. However, a somewhat similar study found a significant benefit. Learn more about these studies, and see our test results for green tea supplements, teas, and drinks, in the Green Tea Review >>
May
Too Much Vitamin D
May 01, 2015
A U.S. study showed a recent 26-fold increase in the percentage of people with excessive blood levels of vitamin D, driven by increased supplement use. Although acute toxic effects were rare, potential long-term risks exist with these high levels. See the details in Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Flaxseed Oil for Improving Cholesterol?
May 09, 2015
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 >>
Treating ADHD with Omega-3s?
May 12, 2015
A new study giving boys omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) showed modest improvement in an important aspect of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. For details about this and other studies with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, as well as our tests of products, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>
Fish Intake and Breast Cancer Risk
May 12, 2015
Women with breast cancer who consumed the most fish had a lower risk of death compared to women who did not eat fish, a new study reports. Get the details, plus evidence for the use of fish oil supplements to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer, and our tests of popular products in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >>
Niacin Reduces Skin Cancer
May 15, 2015
A recent study suggests that high-dose niacin (vitamin B-3) may reduce the risk of developing certain types of skin cancer. A closer look at the study, however, raises questions about its relevance to people in North America. Get the details, as well as more information about niacin and our product test results & comparisons, in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
Vitamin D Strengthens Muscle
May 19, 2015
In a recent study, a modest daily dose of vitamin D led to impressive gains in leg strength in women who were deficient in the vitamin. Details about this study (including dosage) and other studies of vitamin D, along with our reviews of products, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Fish Oil Increases Muscle/Strength
May 23, 2015
Last week we reported that vitamin D could help increase strength -- this week it's fish oil. A recent study found that taking a high dose of fish oil led to increases in muscle and strength in older individuals -- without additional exercise. As reported earlier, a lower of dose of fish oil may improve results of exercise. For the details, including specifics about the fish oil used, see the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>
Adding Vitamin D to Statin Treatment
May 26, 2015
A recent study among people taking statin medication for high cholesterol showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels when daily vitamin D was added as treatment. Improvements were greatest among those who began with lower blood levels of vitamin D. More details, along with our reviews of products similar to the one used in this study, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Probiotic May Aid Fat Loss
May 30, 2015
A recent study in overweight men and women showed a small decrease in fat among those taking a probiotic for 12 weeks. Other small studies have shown similar benefits using different probiotics. More details, along with our reviews of probiotics containing organisms similar to those in these studies, are found in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
June
Green Tea for Weight Control?
June 02, 2015
Many studies have looked at whether green tea can help with weight management. The results have been mixed. A recently published study used a high-dose green tea extract. Although the researchers concluded it worked, a closer look suggests otherwise, and points to a potential risk. For details, as well as the results of our tests of green tea supplements, beverages, and brewable green tea, see the Green Tea Review >>
Melatonin Increases Bone Density
June 06, 2015
Research has begun to suggest that melatonin may have a positive effect on the skeleton. The latest study shows that giving post-menopausal women with bone loss daily melatonin causes small, but significant improvements in bone density. Details, including dosage, as well as our tests of melatonin supplements, are found in the Melatonin Supplements Review >>
Cocoa for Memory
June 09, 2015
Cocoa flavanols have been shown in some studies to provide a cardiovascular benefit and, in older individuals, memory improvement. A recent study in younger men and women showed that daily use of a cocoa extract had little effect on memory and no cardiovascular benefit, although it did improve mental fatigue shortly after taking the extract. Learn more about the effects of cocoa, dosage, and see our tests and reviews of cocoa products in the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review >>
Do Plant Sterols Help?
June 09, 2015
Many studies have shown that taking plant sterols with meals can lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. While that's a good thing, a recent study questions whether this reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease — the main target of treatment. Get the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols and Policosanol) Review >>
High-Dose Vitamin D Increases Upper Respiratory Infections
June 16, 2015
A study among older people found that taking a high dose of vitamin D every 2 months increased the risk of upper respiratory infection by 48% compared to taking low-dose vitamin D daily. Infections lasted two days longer for those taking the high dose versus the low dose. For details, including dosage, as well as our test reports on vitamin D supplements, see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Lutein and Visual Processing
June 20, 2015
Lutein and zeaxanthin are known to help certain people who suffer from macular degeneration, an eye disease. A new study suggests that they may also improve visual processing, perhaps through effects outside the eye. For more details of the study, including dosage, as well as our tests of supplements, see the Review of Vision Supplements with Lutein and Zeaxanthin Review >>
Probiotic Foods and Social Anxiety
June 20, 2015
A new study shows that consumption of fermented foods like yogurt and kefir (which are likely to contain probiotic organisms) was associated with lower levels of social anxiety. This suggests that such foods may serve as a low-risk intervention for reducing social anxiety. More about the study is found in the Probiotics Review >>
Problem with Too Much Krill Oil
June 23, 2015
Researchers recently gave overweight men a very large daily amount of krill oil (with a smaller amount of fish oil) with the hope it would improve their insulin sensitivity. Unfortunately, the opposite happened, suggesting that the oil could increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Details about the study, including dosage, are found in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>
Fish Oil for Dry Eye
June 23, 2015
A large study of computer-using young men and women experiencing dry eye found that fish oil significantly improved symptoms. Benefits have also been reported in postmenopausal women with dry eye. Details, including dosage, are found in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>
How Vitamin B-12 Causes Acne
June 26, 2015
Vitamin B-12 is a critical nutrient and many people, particularly those over 50, should supplement with B-12 to avoid deficiency. However, at doses higher than those used to prevent deficiency, B-12 may occasionally trigger acne. A new study appears to explain the B-12/acne connection. For details, see the "Cobalamin (B-12)" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
July
Fish Oil and Alzheimer's Disease
July 03, 2015
The evidence is mixed on whether fish oil can help people with Alzheimer's disease. A benefit was seen in a study reported last year, but a recently reported study found no benefit with fish oil combined with antioxidants. More details are found in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Lowers Triglycerides
July 07, 2015
Although past studies have not found probiotics to lower triglyceride levels, a recent study found a combination of two probiotic strains significantly decreased triglycerides in men and women with moderately high levels. More details, including dosage, are found in the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Green Tea for Weight Management?
July 10, 2015
Green tea has been touted for weight management, but a recent study with a green tea extract casts doubt. More details are found in the "What It Does" section of the Green Tea Review >>
Probiotics May Not Work As Thought
July 21, 2015
Research continues to reveal promising uses for probiotics, but it's also showing that probiotics don't necessarily work by changing the types of organisms in our gut. A new study with Culturelle sheds light on this. Details, along with information about what probiotics can and cannot do and our tests of 43 probiotic supplements, are found in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Does Cocoa Benefit Some More Than Others?
July 25, 2015
A recent study of natural cocoa taken daily showed potential cardiovascular benefits -- but they seemed greater for some people than others. See the details in the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Stanols Lower Cholesterol
July 28, 2015
Many studies have shown that plant sterols and stanols can help lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. A new placebo-controlled study, which involved advice on diet and exercise, found benefit with a slightly lower dose of stanols than typically recommended. Get the details in the "What to Consider When Buying" section of the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review »
Magnesium Helps in Prediabetes
July 28, 2015
A recent study in people with prediabetes who were deficient in magnesium showed that a daily dose of magnesium significantly improved their glucose status. Details, along with our recent tests of magnesium supplements, are found in the Magnesium Supplements Review »
August
Vitamin D and Inflammation
August 01, 2015
A new study of elderly people given vitamin D showed little effect on markers of inflammation in the body. Correcting very low levels of vitamin D may be helpful, but further raising vitamin levels does not seem necessary for proper immune function. In fact, there may be some downside. For details about this and other uses for vitamin D (and our product test results), see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Prebiotics for Immune Health
August 01, 2015
Prebiotics are complex sugars which can support the growth of probiotic organisms in the gut. A recent study reported a specific type of prebiotic increased amounts of beneficial bacteria and improved certain markers of immune function in older men and women. Get the details, including dosage, plus our tests of popular probiotics and prebiotics in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
More Evidence Against Too Much Vitamin D
August 04, 2015
A well-controlled study has shown that post-menopausal women do not benefit from taking vitamin D when they are not truly deficient. Get the details on appropriate dosage and use of vitamin D, as well as product test results, in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Adverse Reactions with St. John's Wort
August 04, 2015
A recent analysis found adverse reactions associated with St. John's wort were similar to those reported for the prescription SSRI antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac), and serious adverse reactions were most likely to occur when the herb was taken in addition to a prescription drug. Get the details, plus more about concerns and potential drug interactions and our tests of popular supplements in the St. John's wort Supplements Review >>
Green Tea May Inhibit Starch Absorption
August 08, 2015
A study recently found that taking a green tea extract along with a starchy meal (corn flakes) significantly reduced carbohydrate absorption. This may help explain why green tea may help modestly with weight management. Details about this study, including dosage, along with our tests of green tea supplements and teas, are found in the Green Tea Review »
Curcumin May Reduce Muscle Pain After Exercise
August 11, 2015
A small study has reported that curcumin reduced muscle pain after exercise in young, healthy men. Get the details, including dosage, plus more about curcumin for other types pain and our tests of popular products, in the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >>
Lutein, Zeaxanthin & Meso-Zeaxanthin for Macular Degeneration
August 11, 2015
A recent study comparing three different lutein and zeaxanthin formulas found each significantly increased macular pigmentation in men and women with early age-related macular degeneration. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of popular lutein and zeaxanthin products, in the Vision Supplements Review »
Cocoa Increases Blood Flow to Brain
August 18, 2015
A small study found that drinking a cocoa drink high in flavanols significantly increased blood flow to the brain, which, the researchers propose, might have potential cognitive benefits. Get the details, including dosage, plus more about cocoa and memory, and our tests of popular products, in the Cocoa Supplements and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Falls
August 18, 2015
A recent study found that in older adults, many of whom had insufficient levels of vitamin D and a history of falls, vitamin D supplementation reduced the number of reported falls by almost half. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of popular products, in the Vitamin D Supplements Review »
Are Green Tea Pills Safe?
August 24, 2015
Studies have suggested that extracts of green tea can reduce the risk of certain cancers, improve memory, shrink uterine fibroids, and even help with weight reduction. However, liver toxicity has been a concern with green tea extracts. A large, government-funded study recently found that pills of green tea extract can be safe for many people, but some may experience adverse reactions, including elevated liver enzymes. Get the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Green Tea Review, along with information about what green tea does and our tests of green tea extracts, brewable teas, and beverages >>
Do We Need More Vitamin E?
August 25, 2015
A study recently suggested that many Americans don't get optimal intake of vitamin E from their diets. A closer look at this study, however, indicates that most people in the U.S. shouldn't worry. For details see the ConsumerTips section of the Vitamin E Supplements Review >>
Does Fish Oil Slow Cognitive Decline?
August 28, 2015
Results of a large U.S. study suggest that taking fish oil does not slow cognitive decline in the elderly. Before you nix fish oil for this purpose, be aware of an important caveat about the people in the study. Get the details about this and other studies of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as our tests of popular products, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>
September
Vitamin D Increases Strength
September 01, 2015
A recently published review of clinical studies found that supplementing with vitamin D can improve muscle strength in young, healthy men and women. This has also been found in older individuals and may relate to the fact that vitamin D receptors occur in skeletal muscle. However, this benefit may be limited to vitamin D deficient individuals. Get the details in the "Muscle, balance and falls" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Approved for Throat Infections
September 01, 2015
A branded probiotic lozenge can help reduce the frequency of certain throat infections, including strep, according to a health claim recently approved in Canada. Details about the product (which is also available in the U.S.) are found in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
CLA Linked to Acute Hepatitis
September 01, 2015
CLA supplements are popular for slimming, but a recent report of acute hepatitis (liver inflammation) associated with use of CLA is concerning. Get the details, plus more about evidence, safety, and our tests of popular products in the CLA Supplements Review >>
Melatonin for Anxiety Before Medical Procedures?
September 04, 2015
Some studies in men and women show that melatonin can reduce anxiety before surgery. A recent study in children found it can also reduce the anxiety and pain associated with blood tests. For details, including dosage, evidence for other uses of melatonin, and our tests of popular products, see the Melatonin Supplements Review >>
Vitamin C: The Exercise Replacement?
September 08, 2015
A small clinical study recently found that taking vitamin C had a positive effect on blood vessels similar to a daily walk. The study focused on overweight and obese individuals, in whom blood vessel tone is compromised. Long-term effects were not studied. Get details about the study (including dose) and other pros and cons of vitamin C in the Vitamin C Supplements Review >>
Resveratrol for Alzheimer's Disease?
September 11, 2015
High doses of a synthetic resveratrol stabilized a marker of disease progression in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's, a recent study reports. However, more research is required to determine if resveratrol is effective for Alzheimer's. Get the details about this and other studies with resveratrol, and our tests and comparisons of products, in the Resveratrol Supplements Review >>
Cardiovascular Benefits of Cocoa Flavanols
September 11, 2015
A drink rich in cocoa flavanols modestly improved certain measures of cardiovascular health in healthy, middle-aged men and women, according to a recent study. Get the details, including dosage, plus our tests of popular products, in the Review of Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements >>
Soy Isoflavones Maintain Bone Calcium
September 15, 2015
A new study showed that soy isoflavones can reduce loss of calcium from bones in postmenopausal women. Certain formulations were more effective than others, although none was as effective as drug therapy. For details, see the Menopause Supplements Review >>
Adequate Vitamin D May Lower Risk of Alzheimer's
September 15, 2015
A study showed that men and women with adequate levels of vitamin D in their blood were less likely to experience declines in cognitive functioning associated with Alzheimer's dementia than those with lower levels. More about the study, including the vitamin D level considered adequate, as well as our reviews of supplements, is found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Adequate Vitamin D Reduces Frequent Respiratory Infections
September 19, 2015
A study in people with frequent respiratory infections found that taking vitamin D for one year resulted in fewer infections than taking placebo. In contrast, a similar study did not find a benefit. Why the difference? Find out in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Increases Bowel Movement Frequency
September 21, 2015
A certain probiotic increased the number of weekly bowel movements in healthy men and women who reported a low frequency. Get the details, including brand and dosage, plus our tests of popular products in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Melatonin Helps Post-Op Sleep
September 28, 2015
A study found that giving melatonin to women significantly improved their sleep time during the weeks after breast cancer surgery. For details, including our tests of products, see the Melatonin Supplements Review >>
Inaccurate Yohimbe Labels
September 29, 2015
Yohimbe supplements contain an active compound, yohimbine, which is an old drug for erectile dysfunction. A recent study found that most yohimbe supplements don't list the amount of yohimbine they contain, and those that do are typically inaccurate — similar to what ConsumerLab.com has found. For more about the study as well as our own tests of products, see the Sexual Enhancement Supplements Review >>
October
Fish Oil for Depression
October 02, 2015
A small study found that taking EPA and DHA daily significantly reduced depression in young men and women. Get the details, including dosage, plus our tests of popular products, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements Review >>
Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Falls
October 02, 2015
A study found that giving a modest daily dose of vitamin D significantly reduced the rate of falls in women who were prone to falls and were deficient in vitamin D. Get details about this and other studies, as well as results of our product tests, in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Melatonin Safety in Women
October 02, 2015
A year-long, placebo-controlled study in postmenopausal women found that moderate doses of melatonin resulted in no increase in daytime drowsiness or adverse events. Get more details and about this and other melatonin studies (and see tests of products) in the Melatonin Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Improves IBS Symptoms
October 05, 2015
A probiotic significantly improved symptoms in men and women with a particular type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a recent study. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of popular products, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Calcium Supplements Increase Kidney Stone Growth
October 13, 2015
Calcium supplementation is known to increase the risk of kidney stones in postmenopausal women. A new study shows that taking calcium nearly doubles the monthly growth of such stones in women prone to getting them. The study also assessed the effects of vitamin D supplementation. Details are found in the Calcium Supplements Review >>
Headlines Saying "Vitamin D and Calcium Don't Prevent Colon Cancer" Are Not Quite Right
October 16, 2015
A study released this week found that vitamin D and calcium supplements did not reduce the risk of developing colorectal polyps in people prone to them. A closer look at the study, however, suggests that this may not be true for everyone. Get the details in the update in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >> and the Calcium Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Shortens Respiratory Infections
October 20, 2015
Studies have shown probiotics to reduce the duration and severity colds when taken throughout a cold season. A new study in children shows short-term use of a probiotic -- started at the time a household member gets sick -- also significantly reduces the duration and severity of acute respiratory infections. For details, including our tests of probiotic supplements, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Men's Health Supplements Don't Help Prostate Cancer
October 20, 2015
While there is some evidence that certain supplements may help relieve symptoms of prostate enlargement (BPH), a recent study shows no benefit with regard to prostate cancer treatment. Details are in the Prostate Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Helps with Constipation
October 23, 2015
A recent study found that taking a particular probiotic twice a day after meals significantly increased the number of bowel movements in people with chronic constipation. For details about the probiotic and dose, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Niacin Helps Prevent Skin Cancers
October 23, 2015
A study published this week showed that taking a form of niacin daily significantly lowered the rate of new basal-cell and squamous-cell skin cancers in patients with a history of such cancers. For details about the supplement and dose, see the B Vitamins Review >>
Whey Protein and Muscle
October 26, 2015
As noted in our Protein Review, many studies show that extra protein can help build more muscle and increase strength when resistance training. But, as shown in a recent study in postmenopausal women, just eating extra protein without exercise provides no benefit. Get the details in the Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>
Prebiotic Helps With Weight
October 26, 2015
A certain prebiotic was found to increase the amount of weight men and women lost while on a calorie-restricted diet. For details, including brand and dosage, plus our tests of popular probiotics and prebiotics, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
November
Triglyceride-Lowering with a Probiotic
November 06, 2015
Studies with probiotics have demonstrated modest lowering of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, but the evidence has been mixed regarding triglycerides. A recent study in which a probiotic was added to a kefir drink showed a 17% reduction in triglycerides along with a modest reduction in LDL — effects not seen with the kefir alone. Details are found in the Probiotics and Kefirs Review >>
Too Much Vitamin D Can Increase Colds
November 07, 2015
A recent study in people with asthma found that giving high-dose vitamin D increased the risk of developing a cold among those who achieved higher levels of vitamin D or were African-American. Nearly half of those in the study were not vitamin D deficient to start. In contrast, studies have found that giving moderate doses of vitamin D to people who are vitamin D deficient decreases the risk of colds. The point, in our opinion: Maintain an adequate, but not excessive, level of vitamin D. For details (including dosage, levels, and our tests of products) see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
When to Use Lutein
November 07, 2015
Lutein and zeaxanthin can help people who have macular degeneration of the eye. However, a recent study found that taking lutein and zeaxanthin may only help those with existing low levels of these compounds. Get more details, including dosage, in the Lutein and Zeaxanthin Review >>
Fish Oil Freshness
November 10, 2015
50% of omega-3 fatty acid supplements recently purchased by researchers in Canada failed tests for freshness, exceeding limits for oxidation. Although the study raises some important issues, it also had significant shortcomings. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>
Cocoa Flavanol Safety
November 10, 2015
A new study found that, even at high doses, cocoa flavanols did not cause adverse cardiovascular effects in healthy men and women. However, be aware that drug interactions and certain side effects can occur. Details are provided in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review >>
Ideal Vitamin D Levels to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk?
November 20, 2015
A study of a large group of Americans found that the risk of developing cardiovascular disease was 35% higher in people with low levels of vitamin D. Get the details, plus more about maintaining healthful blood levels of vitamin D, and our tests of products, in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
Be aware that there is also a risk of getting too much vitamin D >>
Be aware that there is also a risk of getting too much vitamin D >>
Genetically-engineered Salmon: How it Compares
November 20, 2015
This week the FDA approved a genetically-engineered, farmed salmon as safe for consumption — but how do amounts of omega-3's and hormones compare with non-genetically engineered salmon? Get the details in the update to the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>
Cocoa for Wrinkles?
November 23, 2015
A study in older women found that drinking a high-flavanol cocoa drink each day increased skin elasticity. And while wrinkles deepened among those drinking a placebo, they stayed stable in the cocoa-drinking group. For details about the amount of cocoa consumed (and its flavanol content), as well as our tests of flavanols (and contaminants) in popular cocoa powders and chocolates, see the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review >>
Herbal Arousal
November 23, 2015
We have previously reported that ashwagandha extract may improve fertility in men. A new study suggests that it can improve sexual function in women. Details about the product and dosage, and our tests of products on the market, are found in the Ashwagandha Review >>
Melatonin for Itchy Skin
November 28, 2015
Atopic dermatitis is an itchy inflammation of the skin, affecting up to 10% of adults and 30% of children. A recent study in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis found that taking melatonin modestly reduced symptoms and, not surprisingly, reduced the time needed to fall asleep. For details about this and other uses of melatonin, as well our reviews of available melatonin supplements (including several similar to the one studied), see the Melatonin Supplements Review >>
