1/28/2022

B-12 From Chlorella and Spirulina?

A reader asked if chlorella and spirulina are good sources of B-12. The answer is both "yes" and "no," as explained in our Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills Review, which includes our recent tests result and Top Picks for chlorella and spirulina supplements.

2/21/2016

Gastrointestinal Side-Effects of Chlorella

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 >>

7/09/2014

Chlorella Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides

A daily dose of chlorella (an ingredient included in some "greens" and whole foods supplements) significantly reduced total cholesterol, "bad" VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in men and women with mildly elevated cholesterol. Get the details, including the dosage used, plus our tests and comparisons of supplements containing chlorella and other "greens" in the updated Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills >> 

8/09/2016

Spirulina Lowers Cholesterol

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 >>

8/31/2021

Spirulina for Type 2 Diabetes?

Does taking spirulina help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a study found in the What They Do section of our Greens and Whole Food Powders and Capsules Review.

11/21/2023

Balance of Nature Shut Down

A court ordered the manufacturer and owners of Balance of Nature supplements to stop producing and selling its products. Find out why in our Fruits, Veggies, & Greens Supplements Review, which includes our tests of Balance of Nature, and our Top Picks among fruits, veggies, and greens supplements.

3/28/2017

Toxin in Algae Supplements

Some Spirulina supplements and many A. flos-aquae supplements were found to be contaminated with microcystin toxin — a liver toxin, according to a recently published study. For details, see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Greens and Whole Food Supplements Review >>

12/13/2024

Liver Concern With Athletic Greens AG1

There have been many reports linking the supplement AG1 by Athletic Greens with liver injury – although these do not prove cause-and-effect. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review, which includes our et the details in the Top Picks among products.

Also see: Is there a risk of liver toxicity with certain supplements?

2/13/2025

Juice Plus for Cognition?

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?

10/17/2023

Spinach and Weight

Can supplementing with a compound derived from spinach help decrease body weight or improve weight maintenance? Find out in the What They Do section of our Greens Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among fruits, veggies, and greens supplements.

12/08/2023

Balance of Nature Back in Business

Balance of Nature has been allowed to resume operations after being shut down for failing to comply with good manufacturing practices. Get our take on Balance of Nature and other products in our Fruits, Veggies, & Greens Supplements Review.

3/31/2022

Spinach for Muscle Strength?

Can supplementing with spinach extract improve muscle strength in older adults? Find out what a recent study showed in the What They Do section of our Greens and Whole Food Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among greens and whole foods products.

4/21/2025

Be Careful With AG1

We recently learned that AG1, a popular “greens” supplement, can potentially contain significant amounts of lead and other heavy metals. For details, see the Update in our Greens and Whole Foods Review, which includes how much we found in AG1, and our Top Picks among greens supplements.

3/15/2017

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Juice Plus+?

Chronic systemic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. A recent clinical trial assessed the product Juice Plus+ for its ability to reduce this inflammation in obese men and women. The abstract of the published study indicates that it works, but the results tell a different story. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Greens and Whole Foods Powders, Pills, and Drinks Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

1/20/2013

Toxin in Algae Supplements

A recently published study found that supplements containing a certain type of algae were all contaminated with a toxin that is a potential carcinogen and can cause liver damage. Get more details in the recent update to the Greens and Whole Foods Powders Review >>

11/14/2023

Fruit & Veggie Washes

Are fruit and vegetable "washes" more effective than water for cleaning produce and removing pesticides? Find out in our new article about fruit and veggie washes.

7/22/2022

Fruits & Veggies from Capsules?

A member asked if Balance of Nature's "Fruits" and "Veggies" capsules are good replacements for the real thing. See our assessment in the article: Are Balance of Nature products good dietary supplements?

6/07/2024

Avoiding Pesticides on Fruit & Veggies

Find out which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticides even after washing, and what to do about it, in our article about cleaning produce.

3/16/2016

Don't Take Green Tea With Iron?

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 >>

3/10/2020

Staying Safe With Green Tea

If you use a green tea extract (alone or as part of a supplement formula), it is important to take it with food according to several reports, as explained in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Green Tea Review. Also see our Top Picks for green tea in bags, loose, as matcha powder, and in other forms.

8/22/2023

Green Tea and Blood Sugar

A laboratory study showed how green tea might help control blood sugar. Get the details in the Blood Sugar Control/Diabetes section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.

Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

11/23/2023

Need to Remove Coating on Fruits and Veggies?

Should I remove the coating applied to fruits and vegetables? Find out in our updated article about fruit and vegetable washes.

8/19/2021

Diabetes and Fruit Intake

Eating whole fruits is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and better blood sugar control. But how much fruit is associated with greatest benefit, and what's the role of apples, bananas, and citrus fruits? See what a recent study showed. It's all in our article: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control my blood sugar?

11/21/2023

Vinegar or Baking Soda for Washing Produce?

Is vinegar or baking soda more effective than water for cleaning fruits and vegetables? See what research suggests in our article about fruit and veggie washes.

Also see which method experts recommend for cleaning mushrooms.

9/19/2024

Lowering Cholesterol With Alfalfa?

Did taking alfalfa powder reduce elevated cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study showed in the What They Do section of our Greens Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among "greens" supplements.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

8/25/2015

Are Green Tea Pills Safe?

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 >>

12/17/2019

Green Tea and Breast Cancer Risk

Is there a relationship between green tea consumption and breast cancer risk? Learn what a large recent study showed in the Cancer Prevention section of the Green Tea Review. Also see our Top Picks for green tea -- including brewable green tea (from bags and loose tea) and green tea drinks.

6/03/2015

Green Tea for Weight Control?

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 >>

4/13/2014

Does Green Tea Improve Memory?

This week, news sources reported that a study found green tea helps working memory. While green tea may have benefits, a closer look at this study suggests the news was exaggerated and misleading. For details about the study (and information about other effects of green tea and our tests of green tea supplements, teas, and drinks) see the update in the Green Tea Supplements, Drinks and Teas Review >> 

9/16/2024

Green Tea & Iron Deficiency

Severe iron-deficiency anemia was recently reported after regular consumption of green tea. Get the details in our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.

Also be aware that drinking green tea may significantly affect blood levels of a common beta-blocker, as well as statins, blood-thinners, and thyroid medication. See the Concerns and Cautions section of our Green Tea Review.