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January

Omega-3's and Cognition

January 16, 2016
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Studies in older individuals have shown that omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish oil may improve certain areas of mental functioning and reduce age-related cognitive decline. Benefits have also been found in younger individuals.

A study has been underway which evaluates the effects of krill oil in adolescents with lower educational performance. It was recently reported that baseline testing (before starting krill) of the students showed a positive association between levels of EPA + DHA in their blood and performance on some, but not all, measures of cognitive performance. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>

Omega-3's May Be Important in Preventing Cognitive Decline

January 19, 2016
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We have reported in the past that a certain combination of B vitamins slowed cognitive decline as well as brain shrinkage in older people. Now, further analyses finds that these benefits only occurred in people having certain blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids (as found in fish oil). Get the details in the B Vitamins Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D Reduces PMS Symptoms

January 22, 2016
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A recent study found that taking vitamin D significantly improved symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in young women who were deficient in vitamin D. Get the details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Leucine Protects Muscle In Middle-Aged

January 23, 2016
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A recent study found that active, middle-aged people restricted to bed rest for several days lost significantly less muscle mass and function if given a leucine supplement along with their meals. Fat gain was also reduced. Get the details, including our tests of leucine-containing supplements, in the Muscle Enhancers Review >>

Fish Oil Helps in Schizophrenia

January 25, 2016
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A study found that concentrated fish oil greatly reduced symptoms in more people who had recently experienced a first episode of schizophrenia than did a placebo. The greatest effect was on depressive symptoms, which is consistent with other studies which have shown fish oil to reduce depression, particularly in people who do not regularly eat fish.

This impact on depression has also been suggested as one reason why fish oil has shown some benefit in people with cognitive decline. Details about the studies and products used, including our tests and reviews of similar fish oil supplements, are found in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Probiotic May Help Prevent ADHD

January 30, 2016
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A study found that none of the children given a specific probiotic around infancy (as well as to their mothers) developed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared to 14% of those given a placebo. Details about this preliminary but intriguing study and the commonly-available probiotic used are found in the Probiotic Supplements and Kefirs Review >>

February

Football & Vitamin D

February 05, 2016
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The outcome of today's Super Bowl 50 may be influenced by players' levels of vitamin D. Several studies show that having the right amount of vitamin D in the body reduces the risk of falls in the elderly, but research also shows benefits for younger adults — including fewer injuries among NFL football players. Get the details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review and enjoy the game!

Extra Protein Helps During Exercise & Dieting

February 09, 2016
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A study among obese young men found that giving extra protein during a period of dieting and intense exercise caused them to lose more fat and gain more muscle than men to whom additional protein was not provided. Several other recent studies in both young and old individuals have shown significant benefits from additional protein – but only when combined with exercise. Get the details in the Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

Sale of GMO Salmon Halted

February 09, 2016
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Although genetically engineered salmon has been approved for sale by the FDA, the agency recently announced sale of the salmon will not be permitted just yet. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil and Blood Pressure

February 15, 2016
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As explained in our Fish Oil Review, fish oil supplements may not provide overall cardiovascular benefits — eating fish is better. However, a recent analysis found that a certain kind of fish oil may help people with high systolic blood pressure. For details, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D Needed For Nursed Infants

February 18, 2016
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A recent study found that the longer a child is nursed, the higher the risk of being deficient in vitamin D. See the details and recommendations in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Gastrointestinal Side-Effects of Chlorella

February 20, 2016
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In response to a CL Answer about Spirulina, CL members have reported vomiting after using another algae-based supplement, Chlorella — a common ingredient in "greens" powders and drinks. We then reviewed clinical studies of Chlorella and found high rates of other gastrointestinal side-effects. For details see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills Review >>

March

Ginseng for Metabolic Syndrome?

March 01, 2016
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A study in men with metabolic syndrome found no benefit on blood sugar levels from taking ginseng, but a small increase in testosterone. Get the details about this and other uses for ginseng, as well as our quality ratings in the Ginseng Supplements Review >>

Probiotic Helps with IBS

March 01, 2016
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A probiotic was found to improve many symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a recent study. Studies with other probiotics have also shown benefits, but be aware that the choice of probiotic seems to depend on the type of IBS. Get the details, as well as our quality ratings, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer

March 04, 2016
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A recent study looked at the association between vitamin D blood levels and the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Based on the findings from this and related studies, there seems to be a reasonable approach with vitamin D to potentially lower prostate cancer risk. Get the details (as well as our tests of products) in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Knee Arthritis & Vitamin D

March 07, 2016
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People with knee osteoarthritis (worn joints) and generally low vitamin D levels given vitamin D for 2 years showed greater improvement in some, but not all, symptoms compared to those given a placebo. Get the details (as well as our product test results) in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D and MS

March 14, 2016
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A study found that children born to women significantly deficient in vitamin D during pregnancy were much more likely to develop multiple sclerosis as adults. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Don't Take Green Tea With Iron?

March 15, 2016
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A study shows that iron can bind to a key flavanol (EGCG) in green tea, causing it to lose its anti-oxidant activity. Should you avoid iron-containing foods when using green tea? Find out in the "What to Consider When Using" section of the Green Tea Supplements and Teas Review >>

Curcumin for Muscle Soreness?

March 21, 2016
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Some studies show that curcumin (from turmeric) can reduce muscle soreness after exercise. However, a more recent study failed to show this benefit. Get the details, including the dose and brand of curcumin used, in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review >>

NAC Reduces Compulsive Picking

March 25, 2016
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A number of studies have shown that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a supplement with wide variety of uses, may also reduce compulsive behaviors. The most recent study showed significant improvement in adults with skin picking disorder. Details about this and other studies with NAC, and our ratings of NAC supplements, are found in the N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplements Review >>

Chocolate May Help Exercise

March 28, 2016
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In a tasty new study, men who ate dark chocolate for several days were able to cycle somewhat further than those given a placebo (white chocolate), possibly due to the flavanols in dark chocolate -- which also appear to provide cardiovascular benefit. For details about the study and the chocolate, and ConsumerLab's tests and reviews of dark chocolates and other cocoa-based products, see the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review >>

April

Vitamin D Improves Heart Output

April 04, 2016
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A recent study in people with chronic heart failure (poor heart output) found that vitamin D improved heart output. However, the study did not achieve its main objective — to increase walking distance. The dose may have been to blame. For details see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Too Much Vitamin D Weakens Legs

April 11, 2016
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In recent months we have reported that giving too much vitamin D to people who don't need it increases the risk of falls. A major study now shows that it also weakens leg muscles — apparently to the surprise of the researchers. Keep in mind that giving vitamin D to people who are deficient in it can decrease the risk of falls. Get the details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

How Fish Oil May Help With Depression

April 15, 2016
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Studies have shown that fish oil can help some people suffering from major depression. A recent study suggests how it may work. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D and Allergy

April 16, 2016
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Vitamin D is known to modulate the immune system. Having sufficient levels is associated with reduced risk of allergy and asthma. A recent study showed that giving vitamin D to pregnant women and their infants resulted in fewer infants being allergic to house dust mites and needing to see a doctor for asthma. For details, see "Allergy," as well as "Asthma," in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D and Cancer

April 19, 2016
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Several studies, including one published this month, show that sufficient levels of vitamin D in the body are associated with decreased risk of various forms of cancer. What's the best level? See "Cancer" in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Diabetes Cured With Low Cal Diet

April 19, 2016
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A recent study found that type 2 diabetes was reversed in 40% of people who followed an 8-week, very low calorie diet consisting mainly of a diet shake. Get details about the study in the "What It Does" section of the Protein Powders and Drinks Review – for Body Building, Sports & Dieting >>

Curcumin and Cognition

April 22, 2016
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Curcumin (from turmeric) has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory effects, helpful in osteoarthritis and gastrointestinal conditions, and even an anti-depressant effect. A recent long-term study evaluated its effects on cognition and memory in older people. See the results in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review (which includes our tests of popular products) >>

Knee Supplements Studied

April 25, 2016
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A recent clinical trial evaluated glucosamine with chondroitin versus placebo for reducing pain and improving function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. See the details, along with results of our tests of popular supplements, see our Review of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia Supplements for Joint Health >>

Probiotic for Fat Loss

April 29, 2016
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A new study found that a probiotic decreased body fat in overweight adults, without diet or exercise. The probiotic in the study differs from many on the market in an interesting way. Get more information about this and other studies with probiotics, as well as our tests of products, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

May

Fish Oil & Antidepressants

May 09, 2016
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Several studies suggest that fish oil can help people suffering from major depression. A new study indicates that it can have additive benefit for people already taking a prescription antidepressant. The amount and type of omega-3's seem to make a difference. Get the details in the "What It Does Section" of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Probiotics a Waste of Money?

May 14, 2016
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Some headlines this week suggested that probiotics are not worthwhile. The stories cited a new research study which found that probiotics do not cause a lasting effect on the gut. The headlines are misleading, as we explain in the "What It Does" section in our Probiotic Supplements Review >>

Probiotics Reduce Diarrhea from Anitibiotics

May 17, 2016
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Many studies show that using a probiotic supplement when taking antibiotics reduces the risk of developing diarrhea, or, as shown in a new study, the duration of diarrhea. We've summarized key points on what type, dose, and dosing schedule of probiotics work best in the "What It Does" section of our Probiotic Supplements Review >>

June

Osteoarthritis and Vitamin D

June 03, 2016
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A large, long-term study among older people with knee osteoarthritis found no benefit from taking vitamin D. More details about this -- and about vitamin D for many other conditions -- are found in the "What It Does" section in our Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Whey Protein Improves Recovery After Hip Fracture Surgery

June 07, 2016
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Whey protein improved strength and the ability to perform certain activities of daily living in older adults who underwent surgery for hip fracture, according to a recent study. Get the details, including dosage, and more about other benefits, in the Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

B Vitamins & Autism Risk

June 11, 2016
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Excessive blood levels of B-12 and/or folate in pregnant women were found to be associated with an increased risk of autism in their children, according to a new study. While these vitamins are critical, too much may be problematic. Get the details in the B-12 and Folate sections of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>

Green Tea & Cognition

June 17, 2016
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Green tea consumption has been associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults. However, a recent study evaluating the effects of a green tea powder on older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia failed to show a benefit. For more information, see the "What It Does" section of the Green Tea Review >>

Which Menopause Supplements Really Work?

June 24, 2016
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Certain supplements may be better than others for hot flashes, vaginal dryness or night sweats according to a recent analysis of clinical studies. Get the details for soy, red clover and black cohosh in the "What It Does" section of the Menopause Supplements Review >>

July

Folic Acid Supplementation Mitigates Alzheimer's

July 04, 2016
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A recent study in people with Alzheimer's disease found that folic acid supplementation decreased inflammation and slightly improved mental functioning. However, participants began the study unusually low in folic acid relative to normal U.S. levels. For more details see the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> Also see results of a folate/B-12 study which showed reduced brain shrinkage in Alzheimer's patients.

Lower Risk of Death With Green Tea

July 05, 2016
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A long-term study of men in China found that those who regularly drank green tea — particularly larger amounts — were less likely to die during the study and had lower risks of dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer, compared to non-green tea drinkers. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Green Tea Review >>

Vitamin D & Fatty Liver

July 11, 2016
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Vitamin D supplementation may decrease fat accumulation in the liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are vitamin D deficient. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Magnesium Lowers Blood Pressure

July 12, 2016
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Magnesium supplementation may help to lower blood pressure, but only in those who are deficient in the mineral, according to a new analysis. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Magnesium Supplements Review >>

Magnesium and Heart Disease

July 15, 2016
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People with lower blood levels of magnesium were 36% more likely to die from heart disease than those with moderate levels according to a new, long-term study. For more details, see the "What It Does" section of the Magnesium Supplements Review >>

Fish Intake During Pregnancy Increases Child's IQ

July 15, 2016
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Consuming fish during pregnancy is associated with increased IQ in children, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Vitamin C and Breast Cancer

July 22, 2016
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Higher intakes of vitamin C from foods are linked to lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in women, but getting vitamin C from supplements on top of that may increase the risk, says a new study. Get the details in the Vitamin C Supplements Review >>

August

Fish Oil Helps After Heart Attack

August 01, 2016
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High-dose fish oil supplementation improved the heart's ability to pump blood in people recovering from a heart attack, a recent study found. Get the details in the "What It Does" section in our Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D for Asthma

August 01, 2016
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Short term supplementation with vitamin D improved symptoms of asthma in children, according to a new study. Get the details in the "What It Does" section in our Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Is Ester-C Better?

August 02, 2016
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One of the forms of vitamin C in supplements is Ester-C. In addition to being non-acidic, a recent study suggests another possible benefit over regular vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Get more information about this and other forms of vitamin C in the "ConsumerTips" section of the Vitamin C Supplements Review >>

Spirulina Lowers Cholesterol

August 08, 2016
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Spirulina, a common ingredient in greens and whole foods supplements, was found to lower total and "bad" LDL cholesterol, but only in certain people. Get the details, plus our tests of products containing spirulina, in the Greens and Whole Foods Powders, Drinks and Pills Review >>

Inulin for Constipation

August 15, 2016
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A small study among men and women with constipation found that inulin, a type of prebiotic, was able to modestly increase the frequency of bowel movements in men and women with constipation. For details, evidence for other uses of prebiotics and our tests of products, see the Probiotics Supplements Review >>

Ginkgo for Memory and Cognition?

August 16, 2016
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A branded ginkgo biloba extract improved a measure of cognition in men and women with self-reported memory impairment -- but did not improve memory. Get the details, plus more about the evidence for ginkgo and our tests of products, in the Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Review >>

Biotin Caution

August 19, 2016
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Very high-doses of biotin (vitamin B-7) can cause misleading laboratory results and lead to unnecessary antithyroid treatment, according to a new report. For details, see the Biotin section of the B Vitamins Supplements Review >>

Calcium Supplements & Risk of Dementia

August 19, 2016
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Taking calcium supplements is associated with an increased risk of dementia in certain elderly women, according to a new study. Get the details in the "Cautions and Concerns" section of the Calcium Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D, Blood Sugar & Insulin Resistance

August 19, 2016
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Vitamin D, Blood Sugar & Insulin Resistance --A moderate, daily dose of vitamin D had positive effects on blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in healthy men and women who largely were deficient in vitamin D, according to a new study. Get the details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Omega-3s and Diabetic Eye Disease

August 22, 2016
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Getting the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from eating fish is associated with a much lower risk of developing sight-threatening retinopathy in diabetics, according to a recently published study. The same benefit has been shown in non-diabetics. But do omega-3 supplements help? Find out in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Resveratrol for Blood Sugar?

August 29, 2016
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Despite preliminary studies which found resveratrol to help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, a larger long-term study found no benefit. Find out more in the "What It Does" section of the Resveratrol Supplements Review >>

September

Vitamin D & Asthma

September 06, 2016
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A daily, moderate dose of vitamin D reduces hospitalizations and use of steroid medication in people with mild to moderate asthma, according to a new study. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

CoQ10 for Wrinkles

September 10, 2016
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Taking a daily dose of CoQ10 may help to reduce facial wrinkles in older women, according to a preliminary study. Get the details and learn more about CoQ10 supplements in the "What It Does" section of the CoQ10 Supplements Review >>

Raising Vitamin D Levels May Reduce Risk Factor For Breast Cancer

September 13, 2016
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A study among postmenopausal women showed that raising vitamin D blood levels helps reduces blood estrogens, which are a known risk factor for breast cancer. And there's something that reduces estrogen levels even more! For more details, see the "What It Does - Cancer" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Getting Too Much Folic Acid

September 15, 2016
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Researchers recently warned that many people who use supplements may be over-consuming synthetic forms of folate, which carries risks. Current labels are misleading. Get the details in the Folate section of the B Vitamins Review >>

Mania From Garcinia

September 16, 2016
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There are recent reports of people experiencing mania when taking Garcinia cambogia (HCA). For details see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Garcinia Cambogia Supplements Review >>

Curcumin for Arthritis

September 19, 2016
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An analysis of several clinical studies showed compelling evidence that curcumin (extracted from turmeric) can be effective in treating symptoms of osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review >>

Omega-3 and -6 Improves Reading Skills in Children

September 19, 2016
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A combination of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA plus an omega-6 fatty acid improved reading skills and comprehension in school-age children. For details, including dose, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 and -7 Supplements Review >>

Probiotic Speeds Recovery From Fracture

September 26, 2016
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A probiotic increased the speed of recovery from bone fracture in older men and women. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotics Supplements Review >>

October

Curcumin for Depression & Anxiety

October 03, 2016
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Curcumin reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with major depression, at a lower dose than previously used, according to a new study. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review >>

Omega-3s Drop in Farmed Salmon

October 07, 2016
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Farmed salmon has historically provided more omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) than wild salmon. But new research shows this is changing, as discussed in the "Farmed vs. Wild Salmon" section of the Fish Oil Review >>

Niagen Form of Niacin May Cause Flushing

October 10, 2016
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Niacin is known to cause flushing (redness) and skin tingling at moderate doses. Other forms of niacin are said cause less flushing. One of these is Niagen. However, results of a recently published study suggest that it can cause flushing and "hotness" after just a single dose. More details are in the "Niacin" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>

Heart Concern With Calcium Supplements

October 12, 2016
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A study of American men and women found an increased risk of coronary artery calcification (atherosclerosis) among those who used calcium supplements compared to those who did not, despite the fact that higher total daily calcium intake was associated with a decreased risk of calcification. Other studies point in a similar direction, as described in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Calcium Supplements Review >>

How Much Do Oats Lower Cholesterol?

October 18, 2016
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A new report shows that you can lower bad cholesterol by nearly 5% when eating certain amounts of whole oats or oat bran. For details, as well as our tests of products, see the Oat Cereals Review >>

Vitamin D Sweet Spot

October 19, 2016
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Having the right blood levels of vitamin D has many proven benefits, but too little and too much vitamin D can be problematic. A new study shows this also to be true in people with diabetes with regard to a type of nerve damage that can affect blood pressure and heart rate. For details see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Cocoa Lowers Blood Sugar

October 21, 2016
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In addition to potential cardiovascular, memory, and other benefits, a new analysis shows that cocoa flavanols may reduce fasting glucose and improve insulin resistance. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review >>

Too Much Folate & Nerve Damage

October 21, 2016
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One quarter of American men and women have a gene variation which puts them at higher risk of nerve damage if consuming too much of folate (vitamin B-9) daily, according to a new study. Considering that most older Americans consume more than this amount (largely due to excessive supplement use) this should be a warning to many. For more details, see the "Folate" section of the B Vitamins Review >>

Vitamin D Spray

October 30, 2016
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A study found that vitamin D oral spray was no better than capsules in raising vitamin D levels in healthy men and women. However, a similar study in people with intestinal conditions that can affect absorption suggests a spray may be better. For details (as well as our ratings of products), see the ConsumerTips section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

November

Curcumin for Allergy

November 01, 2016
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A recent pilot study suggests that curcumin can significantly reduce symptoms of seasonal allergy. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review >>

Melatonin for Migraine

November 04, 2016
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Melatonin was shown to reduce migraine headaches as well as a prescription migraine drug but with fewer side-effects in a recent study. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Melatonin Supplements Review >>

Cinnamon to Lower Blood Sugar?

November 04, 2016
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A study in people with elevated blood sugar levels found that a particular cinnamon extract (which CL has tested) modestly lowered blood sugar levels. The way the data was analyzed, however, appears flawed in our opinion. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of Cinnamon Supplements and Spices Review >>

Taking Curcumin With an NSAID?

November 06, 2016
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Studies have shown that curcumin (an extract of turmeric) can improve symptoms of knee arthritis as well as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. But is there benefit in taking them together? A new study provides an answer, as discussed in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D & Breast Cancer Survival

November 11, 2016
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A new study making headlines this week found that women with "the highest" levels of vitamin D had better survival rates from breast cancer than women with the "lowest rates." What was left out of news stories — and may surprise you — is what these levels are. Find out in the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Many Americans Not Getting Enough Potassium

November 15, 2016
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Americans may not be getting enough potassium according to a new study. Get the details, plus information about how to increase your intake of potassium in the "What To Consider When Using" section of the Potassium Supplements Review >>

Understanding How Much Vitamin D You Need

November 15, 2016
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Misunderstanding the daily requirement for vitamin D is common and can have adverse implications. To address this issue, leading experts recently published an article re-explaining the requirements. We've summarized this in the "How Much Do You Need and How Much Is Too Much?" section in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil for Strength?

November 18, 2016
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A daily dose of fish oil increased strength in women who did resistance exercise, but not in men, according to a new study. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Probiotic for Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort?

November 21, 2016
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Probiotics can help with a range of gastrointestinal issues, but a recently published, large clinical trial found that a popular probiotic was only slightly helpful to people with a history of abdominal discomfort and bloating. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil for Psychosis?

November 28, 2016
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no added benefit from giving fish oil in conjunction with other psychiatric therapy. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

December

Vitamin D Keeping You Up?

December 07, 2016
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A study of women given daily doses of vitamin D found that those who achieved the highest blood levels of vitamin D experienced a deterioration in the quality of their sleep. This is consistent with an earlier study showing decreased production of melatonin with high-dose vitamin D. For details, see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Cocoa for High Blood Pressure?

December 12, 2016
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A new study in which people with mild hypertension were given a cocoa beverage and dark chocolate daily for eight weeks found that it only helped lower blood pressure when people were taking certain blood pressure-lowering medications. For more details about this and other studies with cocoa and dark chocolate, as well as our tests and comparisons of products, see the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D for Autism

December 12, 2016
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A recent study among young children with autism found that high-dose vitamin D reduced autism symptoms from moderate to mild. This is a preliminary study and more research is required. For details about this study and other uses of vitamin D, as well as our tests and comparisons of products, see the "What It Does" section Vitamin D Supplements Review »

Ashwagandha for Knee Osteoarthritis

December 16, 2016
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A new study in which people with mild knee osteoarthritis were given ashwagandha supplements daily showed significant improvements in pain and inflammation. For more details about this and other studies with ashwagandha, as well as our reviews of products, see the "What It Does" section of the Ashwagandha Supplements Review >>

Vitamin D and Autism Risk

December 16, 2016
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Children whose mothers are vitamin D deficient during pregnancy are much more likely to have autistic traits by age six than those whose mothers have sufficient levels during pregnancy, according to a new study. Get the details, as well as our reviews of vitamin D supplements, in the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review »