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2025

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January

Gluten Concern with Trader Joes’ Oats

January 02, 2025

Be aware that a separate testing group reported excessive gluten in an oat product from Trader Joe’s. For details, see our Oats Review, which includes our Top Picks among oat products.

Is NMN Still Sold?

January 02, 2025

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) supplements are no longer sold by Amazon and Walmart. Find out why and where NMN is still sold in our NAD Booster Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Melatonin for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

January 02, 2025

Did taking melatonin improve cognition among older people with mild cognitive impairment in a recent study? Find out in our Melatonin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among melatonin supplements.

Fish Oil for Long COVID?

January 02, 2025

Does taking fish oil improve symptoms of long COVID such as shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, lack of taste, or loss of smell? Find out what a recent study showed in the COVID-19 section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil.

Heavy Metals in Multivitamins?

January 06, 2025

Tests conducted by a separate group reported "unsafe" levels of lead, arsenic, and/or cadmium in a children’s multi and a prenatal supplement (which ConsumerLab also tested). See our take on this in our Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among multivitamins.

Which Prenatals Have The Right Stuff?

January 06, 2025

Many prenatal vitamins may not correct nutrient deficits that occur in pregnancy, according to a recent study. Find out which products are closest to providing the right ingredients in the Prenatal section of our Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review.

Heavy Metals in Hemp Seeds?

January 06, 2025

Testing of Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts by a separate group identified levels of cadmium and arsenic it considered unsafe for children. See our take on these results in our article about hemp seeds.

Green Tea Interaction for Men

January 06, 2025

Green tea may significantly increase blood levels of a common medication for men. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Green Tea Review, which includes information about many other green tea interactions, including with statins and blood-thinners.

Also see our Top Picks among green tea beverages and supplements.

Risk With Too Much Vitamin A

January 06, 2025

Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) is a known risk when taking too much vitamin D, but it can also occur with high doses of vitamin A, as highlighted by a recent report. Get the details in our Vitamin A Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for vitamin A and beta-carotene.

Another Salmon Gone

January 09, 2025

We recently learned that our Top Pick for canned, sockeye “red” salmon, is no longer available. See our current recommendation in the Top Picks section of our Canned Fish Review – which includes our picks for tuna, pink salmon, sardines, and herring. (We are currently testing more canned fish products, based on members’ suggestions, so stay tuned for results.)

Estrogen Cream Side Effects

January 09, 2025

Be aware that a formulation change to a popular OTC estrogen cream may be causing unexpected side effects. See our article about estrogen creams for wrinkles.

Supplements for Hair

January 09, 2025

Find out if HUM Hair Strong Gummies or Nutrafol Men increased hair growth in recent studies. This, and more, is in our article about supplements for hair.

Low Magnesium Due to PPI Use

January 09, 2025

Be aware that long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs, such as Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid) can cause magnesium deficiency. Magnesium supplementation is sometimes not enough to reverse this. Learn more in our Magnesium Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for magnesium.

Baking Soda for Heartburn?

January 09, 2025

Baking soda may temporarily relieve heartburn but be aware that overuse can have adverse effects. Get the details in our article about supplements and foods for reflux and heartburn.

Also see our Top Picks among alginate supplements for reflux.

Protein Powder Contamination

January 13, 2025

Recent tests of protein powders by a separate group showed that certain forms of protein were more likely than others to be contaminated with lead and cadmium. For details, see our Protein Powders Review, which includes our Top Picks for protein powders and shakes.

Plastic from Tea Bags

January 13, 2025

A small study suggested that some plastic tea bags release much larger amounts of nanoplastics than others. For details, and how to avoid nanoplastics from tea bags, see our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.

Phthalates Found in Avocado Oil

January 13, 2025

Testing of avocado oils by a separate research group detected phthalates (hormone disruptors) in all samples. Find out how these amounts compare to safety limits in the Quality Concerns section of our Avocado Oils Review, which includes our Top Pick for avocado oil.

Viviscal and Liver Injury?

January 13, 2025

A CL member who took the hair growth supplement Viviscal attributed liver damage to the product. Find out if there have been similar reports, or ingredients in Viviscal linked with liver injury, in our article about supplements for hair.

Iron & Thyroid Function

January 13, 2025

Iron deficiency can cause an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), but it’s important that iron not be taken at the same time as thyroid medication. Get the details in our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

Also see our article about supplements and thyroid function.

Calcium Before Exercise?

January 16, 2025

A recent study suggested that taking calcium before load-bearing exercise helped prevent bone turnover, but is this important? Find out in the Bone health and fractures section of our Calcium Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for calcium.

Vitamin D & Migraine

January 16, 2025

Low blood levels of vitamin D have been linked with higher migraine frequency. A new study suggests why. Get the details in our Vitamin D Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for vitamin D.

Also see our article about supplements and migraine.

Red No. 3 To Be Banned

January 16, 2025

The colorant, Red No. 3, will be banned from foods and supplements starting in 2027. Find out why in our article about Other Ingredients in Supplements.

Prenatal for Men

January 16, 2025

AlphaSperm Men’s Prenatal + was recently Approved for quality by ConsumerLab through our voluntary Quality Certification Program and added to our Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review.

Ionic Foot Bath Claims

January 20, 2025

Ionic foot baths (such as IonCleanse and Healifeco Ionic Foot Spa) allegedly draw heavy metals out of the body. But is this supported by evidence? Find out in our article about foot pads and foot baths for removing toxins from the body.

Hormone Harmony Supplements?

January 20, 2025

Are Hormone Harmony (for menopause) and other Happy Mammoth supplements worth taking? We reviewed the evidence. See our conclusions in our article about these products.

Also see our take on The 'Pause Nutrition supplements by Dr. Mary Claire Haver.

Nicotinamide Riboside for Cognition?

January 20, 2025

Did nicotinamide riboside improve memory, attention or cognition among older people with cognitive decline in a recent study? Find out in the Nicotinamide riboside section of our NAD Booster Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for nicotinamide riboside.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Quinoa for Blood Sugar Control

January 20, 2025

Quinoa was found to be more effective than mixed grains at controlling blood sugar in a recent study. Learn more in our Gluten-Free Grains Review, which includes our Top Picks for buckwheat, quinoa, sorghum, millet and teff.

Nicotinamide for Glaucoma?

January 20, 2025

Some preliminary research suggests nicotinamide (a form of niacin) may help with glaucoma, but is this recommended? Find out in our B Vitamins Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among B vitamin supplements.

Which foods and supplements are most likely to contain lead?

January 21, 2025

We have identified 15 types of foods and supplements most likely to be contaminated with concerning amounts of lead, cadmium, arsenic, or mercury, based on our tests. See the list and learn more.

Toxin in Shilajit

January 23, 2025

A recent study detected the toxin thallium in five out of six shilajit supplements. Get our take on this finding in the Quality Concerns section of our Shilajit Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among shilajit supplements.

Dose For Your Liver?

January 23, 2025

The supplement Dose For Your Liver is promoted for improving liver health and signs of fatty liver disease, but does research support this? Find out in our article about supplements and diets for fatty liver.

Does "Organic" Mean Less Lead?

January 23, 2025

Are organic foods and supplements less likely to be contaminated with lead and other heavy metals than non-organic products? Find out in our article: Which foods and supplements contain lead?

Shatavari for Strength?

January 23, 2025

Did taking shatavari (wild asparagus) help increase muscle strength in women doing resistance training in a recent study? Find out in the Shatavari section of our Menopause Supplements Review.

Also see our article: Best Supplements to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss

Liver Concern With Provitalize

January 27, 2025

A CL member experienced elevated liver enzymes after taking Provitalize, a supplement promoted to help with menopausal weight gain and joint pain. Other cases have been reported. Get the details in our article about Provitalize.

Also see our Menopause Supplements Review and our take on other supplements promoted for menopause relief, including Happy Mammoth’s Hormone Harmony and The 'Pause Nutrition Supplements by Dr. Mary Claire Haver.

Do Estrogen Creams Cause Migraine?

January 27, 2025

Several CL members have reported migraine after using estrogen creams. Is this a known side effect? Find out in our article about estrogen creams for wrinkles.

Supplements for Dry Mouth?

January 27, 2025

Do any supplements or other products help for dry mouth, or make it worse? Find out in our new article about supplements for dry mouth.

Tea Tree Oil for Cold Sores?

January 27, 2025

Tea tree oil has been traditionally used for healing cold sores, but does it work? Find out what research suggests in the Tea tree oil section of our Essential Oils Review, which includes our Top Pick for tea tree oil as well as for lavender oil.

Also see: Can any vitamins or minerals help prevent or reduce canker sores or cold sores?

Cranberry Capsules for UTI

January 27, 2025

Did taking cranberry capsules reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs) among women with recurrent UTIs? Find out in the Urinary tract infections section of our Cranberry Juices and Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among cranberry supplements and juices.

Concern with Sorbitol in Flintstones?

January 30, 2025

A CL member asked if sorbitol in Flintstones multivitamins poses a risk. See our discussion about this in our Multivitamin Review, which includes our Top Pick multivitamins for children and adults.

Also see our article: Sugar Substitutes: Pros, Cons, and Best Choices.

CoQ10 for Tinnitus?

January 30, 2025

Did taking CoQ10 reduce the severity of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) in a recent study? Find out in the Tinnitus section of our CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for CoQ10 and ubiquinol.

Also see our article about supplements that may help or worsen tinnitus, which includes information about lifestyle modifications that may help and medications that may cause tinnitus.

Beetroot Juice for Strength?

January 30, 2025

Does taking beetroot juice before exercise improve strength? Find out what a recent study showed in our article: Can beetroot juice or supplements lower blood pressure or improve exercise performance, and are they safe?

Armour Thyroid: FDA Status

January 30, 2025

Is Armour Thyroid, a thyroid extract preferred by some people over levothyroxine (Synthroid), approved by the FDA and covered by insurance? Find out in our article about supplements for hypothyroidism.

Canker Sore Triggers and Treatments?

January 30, 2025

We added information about foods and chemicals that can trigger canker sores, as well as information about possible treatments for canker sores, in our article about canker sores and cold sores.

Soy Milk & Male Breast Swelling

January 30, 2025

Be aware that excessive soy milk consumption may cause breast swelling in men. Learn more in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Plant-Based Milks Review, which includes our Top Picks among plant-based milks.

February

Lead in Toothpaste

February 03, 2025

A “natural” toothpaste was recently found to contain lead. See our take on this in the Natural toothpastes section of our article on dental products.

Also, find out if flavorings in toothpaste can cause mouth irritation.

Facial Moisturizers With SPF

February 03, 2025

We’ve added three products to our list of safer facial moisturizers with sun protection. See our article on sunscreens, which includes examples of safer sunscreens, lip balms & glosses, and foundations.

Better Warnings

February 03, 2025

Many products sold in California have "Prop 65" health warnings about chemicals they contain, but without naming the chemicals. A new law requires more detail, but companies have years to comply. Learn more in our article about California Prop 65 warnings.

Also see our article about which foods and supplements are most likely to be contaminated with dangerous heavy metals, based on our tests.

Protein for Older People?

February 03, 2025

Does supplementing with protein lead to greater muscular benefits in older people involved in resistance training? See what a recent review of studies concluded in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of our Protein Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among protein powders, shakes, and drinks.

Also see: Best Supplements to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss

Probiotic to Lower Blood Sugar?

February 03, 2025

Did taking the probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila decrease blood sugar or improve insulin function in a recent study? Find out in the Blood sugar & appetite control section of our Probiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among probiotics.

Why High-Dose B-12?

February 06, 2025

A CL member asked why so many B-12 supplements contain very high doses of B-12, such as 1,000 mcg or more. Find out when this is, and isn't, appropriate in our article about B-12. Also see our B Vitamin Supplements Review for our Top Picks for vitamin B-12.

MCT Oil for Dandruff?

February 06, 2025

Is there evidence that applying medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil to the scalp reduces dandruff? Find out in the Skin and hair section of our Coconut Oil and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Benefit of Salt Substitute After Stroke

February 06, 2025

Among people who have had a stroke, switching from regular table salt to a potassium-enriched salt substitute may greatly reduce the risk of another stroke and death. Get the details and our list of good "lite" salts and salt substitutes in our Potassium Supplements Review.

New Top Pick Toothpaste

February 07, 2025

We’ve changed our Top Pick for sensitive teeth. Find out why and also see our toothpaste choices for bleeding gums and whitening in our article about toothpastes.

Avoiding Microplastics from Tea Bags

February 10, 2025

Recent studies have raised concerns about microplastics released from plastic tea bags. To avoid plastic tea bags, see the Results table in our Green Tea Review, which lists the type of tea bag (paper, plastic, or mixed) for each of the bagged teas we’ve tested. Also see our Top Picks among brewable teas and a list of tea companies that state they do not use plastic in their tea bags.

Prebiotic for Winter Skin?

February 10, 2025

Did taking a prebiotic supplement (Sunfiber) improve winter skin health in middle-aged people? Find out in the What It Does section of our Prebiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among prebiotic supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin?

Carnosine for Cognition?

February 10, 2025

Does taking L-carnosine improve cognitive function in healthy people? Find out what a recent study showed in our article: Are L-carnosine supplements helpful and safe?

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Saw Palmetto for BPH?

February 10, 2025

Did taking saw palmetto improve urinary symptoms among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a recent study? Find out in the What It Does section of our Prostate Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among prostate supplements.

Ursolic Acid for Slowing Muscle Loss?

February 10, 2025

Did taking a ursolic acid supplement help older women maintain muscle mass and strength? Find out in our article: Best Supplements to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss.

PEA for Menstrual Pain?

February 10, 2025

Does taking PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) reduce menstrual cramp pain? Find out what a recent study showed in our article: What are the health benefits of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and is it safe?

Also see: Do any supplements help reduce menstrual pain or symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

Canned Tuna Recalled

February 12, 2025

Several brands of canned tuna were recently recalled due to a can defect that could lead to bacterial contamination. This affects one lot of a product in our Canned & Packaged Fish Review, where we have added details about the recall.

Juice Plus for Cognition?

February 13, 2025

Did taking Juice Plus+ improve cognitive function in a recent study? Find out in the What It Does section of our Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Prebiotic Toothpaste?

February 13, 2025

Revitin Toothpaste claims to be “the world’s first prebiotic toothpaste” but does research show that it’s effective? Find out in the Natural toothpastes section of our article about dental products, which includes our Top Pick toothpastes and mouthwashes.

BioMin Toothpaste for Sensitivity?

February 13, 2025

We were asked about the claim that Dr. Collins BioMin Restore Toothpaste reduced tooth sensitivity. Get our take on this, and see our Top Pick toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

A Cream After Whitening Strips?

February 13, 2025

MI Paste Tooth Cream is promoted to reduce sensitivity after use of a whitening strip. What does the evidence show? Find out. Also see our Top Pick for whitening strips.

Fenugreek and Low Potassium?

February 13, 2025

Can taking fenugreek cause low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia)? Find out in the Side effects section of our article about fenugreek.

Broccoli for Blood Sugar?

February 13, 2025

Did taking broccoli seed extract rich in sulforaphane lower blood sugar in people with prediabetes? See what a recent study found in our article about supplements for lowering blood sugar.

PFAS in Oral-B?

February 18, 2025

Does Oral-B Glide Advanced Bacteria Defense Floss contain PFAS (“forever chemicals”)? Find out in our article about PFAS, which includes our Top Picks among flosses, dental picks, and dental tapes, and information for more than 85 different products.

Supplement or Topicals to Reverse Gray Hair?

February 18, 2025

"Don’t Die" promotor, Bryan Johnson, uses two topical hair formulas to "reverse" graying. But do they really work? Get our take on it in our article: Can any supplements or topicals reverse gray hair?

Magnesium for Kidney Stones?

February 18, 2025

Might taking magnesium with meals reduce the risk of kidney stones? Find out in our Magnesium Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.

Also see: Which supplements and foods reduce or increase the risk of kidney stones?

Curcumin & Inflammatory Bowel Disease

February 18, 2025

Did taking curcumin decrease weight in people with inflammatory bowel disease? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Turmeric & Curcumin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among turmeric and curcumin supplements and spices.

Also see: Do any supplements or foods benefit people with Crohn's disease? Are there any supplements that should be avoided?

Probiotics in Yogurt?

February 18, 2025

How can you tell if a yogurt contains active, probiotic bacteria? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Probiotic Supplements Review, which includes examples of yogurts that do or don’t include active probiotic bacteria, as well as our Top Picks among probiotic supplements.

Zicam “Cold Remedy” Legal Settlement

February 20, 2025

The maker of Zicam agreed to a multimillion dollar settlement over claims that Zicam products can shorten colds. Consumer claims must be filed by the end of today – February 21st. Get the details in our Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review, which includes our Top Picks among zinc lozenges, pills, and liquids.

Allergic Reaction to Mouthwash?

February 20, 2025

Although rare, allergic reactions can occur to chlorhexidine – a key ingredient in prescription mouthwashes such as Peridex. For details, see our article about choosing the best toothpaste and mouthwash, which includes our Top Picks among dental products.

Isomalt Sweetener?

February 20, 2025

How does isomalt compare to other sweeteners? Find out in the Low Calorie Sweeteners section of our article about sugar substitutes, which includes our Top Picks among sweeteners.

Ashwagandha for Physical Performance?

February 20, 2025

Does taking ashwagandha improve strength, physical performance, or recovery in athletes? Find out what a recent study showed in the Physical performance section of our Ashwagandha Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for ashwagandha.

Plastic in Bigelow Tea Bags?

February 24, 2025

Due to concern over microplastics, we asked Bigelow if their tea bags contain plastic. It turns out that some do and some don’t, as we explain in the Concerns with Plastic Tea Bags section of our Green Tea Review, which includes similar information for other tea brands. The Review also includes our Top Picks among green teas and supplements.

Centrum Silver and Fracture Risk

February 24, 2025

Did Centrum Silver decrease the risk of bone fractures among older men and women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Multivitamin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among multivitamins.

Ashwagandha Side Effect

February 24, 2025

Be aware that ashwagandha might trigger symptoms of autoimmune conditions, according to one report. Details about this and other effects (including thyroid and liver) are in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Ashwagandha Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for ashwagandha.

Goldenseal, Metformin Interaction

February 24, 2025

Be aware goldenseal might reduce the absorption of the diabetes medication metformin, according to a recent study. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for berberine and goldenseal.

PABA for Gray Hair?

February 24, 2025

Low intake of PABA has been linked with graying hair. Is boosting intake of PABA-containing foods likely to help? Find out in our article about supplements for gray hair.

Lead & Tea

February 27, 2025

Although some teas are contaminated with lead (as we have shown), a recent study demonstrated that tea can also remove lead from the water in which is it brewed or steeped. Get the details in the Brewing section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks among green teas.

Energy Gels

February 27, 2025

Energy gels are a convenient on-the-go carbohydrate source, but some products contain much less than claimed on the labels according to a recent study. Get the results in our article about energy gels.

Walnuts for Heart Health?

February 27, 2025

Walnuts are permitted to bear a heart health claim – but it comes with a caveat. Get the details in our Shelled Walnuts Review, which includes our Top Picks among shelled walnuts, walnut halves & pieces, and chopped walnuts.

Cadmium in Tofu?

February 27, 2025

Cadmium is found in tofu, but is the amount dangerous? Find out in our article about foods and supplements that contain lead/other heavy metals.

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Clinical Updates

2025

January

Gluten Concern with Trader Joes’ Oats

January 02, 2025

Is NMN Still Sold?

January 02, 2025

Melatonin for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

January 02, 2025

Fish Oil for Long COVID?

January 02, 2025

Heavy Metals in Multivitamins?

January 06, 2025

Which Prenatals Have The Right Stuff?

January 06, 2025

Heavy Metals in Hemp Seeds?

January 06, 2025

Green Tea Interaction for Men

January 06, 2025

Risk With Too Much Vitamin A

January 06, 2025

Another Salmon Gone

January 09, 2025

Estrogen Cream Side Effects

January 09, 2025

Supplements for Hair

January 09, 2025

Low Magnesium Due to PPI Use

January 09, 2025

Baking Soda for Heartburn?

January 09, 2025

Protein Powder Contamination

January 13, 2025

Plastic from Tea Bags

January 13, 2025

Phthalates Found in Avocado Oil

January 13, 2025

Viviscal and Liver Injury?

January 13, 2025

Iron & Thyroid Function

January 13, 2025

Calcium Before Exercise?

January 16, 2025

Vitamin D & Migraine

January 16, 2025

Red No. 3 To Be Banned

January 16, 2025

Prenatal for Men

January 16, 2025

Ionic Foot Bath Claims

January 20, 2025

Hormone Harmony Supplements?

January 20, 2025

Nicotinamide Riboside for Cognition?

January 20, 2025

Quinoa for Blood Sugar Control

January 20, 2025

Nicotinamide for Glaucoma?

January 20, 2025

Which foods and supplements are most likely to contain lead?

January 21, 2025

Toxin in Shilajit

January 23, 2025

Dose For Your Liver?

January 23, 2025

Does "Organic" Mean Less Lead?

January 23, 2025

Shatavari for Strength?

January 23, 2025

Liver Concern With Provitalize

January 27, 2025

Do Estrogen Creams Cause Migraine?

January 27, 2025

Supplements for Dry Mouth?

January 27, 2025