Reviews and Information for Living Well
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Product Review
Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review
Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity
Recalls & Warnings
June 22, 2021
Living Free Vitamins, Joint, Nerve and Other Supplements Recalled
On June 21, 2021, Bea Lydecker's Naturals, Inc. issued a recall of six Living Free brand supplements because the labels do not declare soy lecithin.
Product Review
Collagen Supplements Review
See our Top Picks for Wrinkles and Joints
Product Review
Probiotic Supplements Review (Including Pet Probiotics)
Probiotics: See What They Really Contain and Our Top Picks
Recalls & Warnings
May 30, 2024
Young Living Essential Oils Agrees to Pay $5 Million to Settle Lawsuit
Young Living Essential Oils has agreed to pay up to $5 million to settle a class action lawsuit that charged the company with promoting its essential oils to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and other health-related claims without reliable scientific evidence.
CL Answer
How do the COVID-19 vaccines compare in terms of efficacy, safety and side effects? How, when and where do I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Find out how the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna compare and learn how when and where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine.
CL Answer
Do diamine oxidase (DAO) supplements for histamine intolerance really work?
DAO supplement info for histamine intolerance, including diamine oxidase safety, evidence from clinical studies, and dosage.
Recalls & Warnings
May 09, 2022
Natural Organics Keto Capsules Recalled Due to Gluten
On March 6, 2022, Natural Organics, Inc. issued a recall of four lots of NaturePlus Keto Living Sugar Control Capsules that were found to contain gluten.
CL Answer
Which ingredients should toothpastes and other dental products contain, and which should be avoided?
Learn about ingredients you want in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products and which ingredients you may want to avoid.
Product Review
Reishi Mushroom Supplements Review
Find the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement. See How Reishi Supplements Differ.
Product Review
Plant-Based Milks Review (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Macadamia, Oat, Pea, and Soy)
Find the Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternative. ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really In Plant-Based Milks.
Product Review
Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review
Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead
CL Answer
Can fluoride in toothpaste, mouth rinses or drinking water cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children?
Find out if community water fluoridation increases the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or causes lower IQ in children, and learn what the American Dental Association recommends when using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouth rinses in children.
Clinical Update
5/31/2024
Essential Oils Legal Settlement
Young Living Essential Oils has agreed to pay $5 million dollars to settle a class action lawsuit regarding a "therapeutic" claim in marketing its essential oils, including one that we tested in our Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review. See settlement details in our Recalls & Warnings section.
Clinical Update
12/05/2024
Remineralizing Tooth Powder?
Is Remineralizing Tooth Powder by Living well With Dr. Michelle better than a toothpaste? Find out what research suggests in the Toothpaste vs. tooth powder vs. toothpaste tablets section of our article about finding the best toothpaste, which includes our Top Picks for cavity prevention, desensitization, bleeding gums, whitening surface stains, dry mouth, and bad breath.
Clinical Update
6/08/2016
Whey Protein Improves Recovery After Hip Fracture Surgery
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 >>
Recalls & Warnings
July 21, 2022
Young Living Warned for Promoting Essential Oils to Treat Seasonal Allergies, Kidney Stones & More
On June 10, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Young Living Essential Oils Corporate after an inspection of the company’s website and social media found statements about the company’s essential oil and CBD products to be drug claims.
CL Answer
Do brain games and apps really work and improve memory?
Find out if brain training games & apps, like Lumosity & BrainHQ, really work to train the mind and improve memory. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review
See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products
CL Answer
Which is the best pulse oximeter for home use?
Best pulse oximeter for home use (COVID-19, asthma and COPD). Differences between home use and FDA-approved medical pulse oximeters.
Clinical Update
1/04/2014
Vitamin E Helps Alzheimer's Patients
A new study suggests that high-dose vitamin E can help people with Alzheimer's disease retain their ability to perform activities of daily living (such as dressing) for several months longer than those given placebo, reducing caregiver time. A similar dose of vitamin E has been shown in other studies to slow the progression of the disease in some people and to reduce the rate of conversion to Alzheimer's among people with mild cognitive impairment. For details -- including the dose and form of vitamin E used and our tests of supplements on the market which can provide this dose -- see the update to the Vitamin E Supplements Review >>
Recalls & Warnings
June 27, 2024
“Authentic” Rose Oil Often Is Not
Damask rose essential oil (Rosa × damascene) and products claiming to contain this oil, or “authentic rose oil” may often be adulterated or contain less expensive oils instead, according to a recent bulletin from the American Botanical Association (ABC).
News Release
February 25, 2024
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2024 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2024 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on over 10,000 responses collected in November/December 2023.
CL Answer
What is graviola? Can it really help fight cancer?
Learn more about graviola, if it can really help fight cancer, and its safety.
CL Answer
What is the best sunscreen based on safety and efficacy?
We’ve boiled down the latest research about mineral and chemical sunscreens, including product tests, to help you choose the best sunscreen (which will depend on whether you expect to be in or out of the water). We also list popular sunscreens that have, or have not, been found to contain cancer-causing compounds (benzene and benzophenone).
CL Answer
Is spirulina safe? I heard that it can contain toxins, such as BMAA and microcystin toxin.
Is Spirulina safe? Find out if Spirulina contains toxins like BMAA and microcystin toxin.
CL Answer
Is it true that there is no point in taking fish oil supplements for heart health?
Taking fish oil for heart health may be a benefit. Learn more about omega fatty acids from fish oil and it's impacts.ains.
CL Answer
Is sublingual vitamin B-12, which is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve, really better than the pill form?
Learn the difference between sublingual vitamin B-12, vitamin B-12 pills and more through information including clinical evidence.
CL Answer
Is it true that low-carb or Mediterranean diets help for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Find out if a low-carb diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, or lifestyle changes help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of zinc carnosine, also called polaprezinc, and is it safe?
Find out if zinc carnosine is beneficial for any GI conditions, including stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, taste disturbances, aspirin-induced small-bowel injury and oral mucositis, and learn if it is safe.
CL Answer
Do detox supplements work and are they safe?
Detox supplements are promoted for removing toxins such as heavy metals from the body, but does research support their use and are such supplements safe?
News Release
July 26, 2023
Best Collagen Supplements for Skin and Joints, According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, July 26, 2023 — Collagen supplementation may modestly reduce wrinkles and the appearance of cellulite, and moderately decrease joint and tendon pain and improve flexibility in people with osteoarthritis.
News Release
February 25, 2023
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2023 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2023 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 8,600 responses collected in November/December 2022.
CL Answer
What are the possible health benefits of fenugreek, and is it safe?
Fenugreek is promoted for boosting testosterone, increasing breastmilk production, lowering blood sugar, improving symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other conditions, but does it work? Find out.
CL Answer
Are plant-based calcium supplements, like AlgaeCal, better than regular calcium supplements?
Info about AlgaeCal, a plant-based calcium supplement. See the clinical evidence and safety information, including possible presence of excessive lead.
CL Answer
What is lumbrokinase, does it have heart benefits, is it safe, and what should you look for, or avoid, in a lumbrokinase supplement?
Lumbrokinase is marketed as promoting healthy circulation and supporting heart health. Find out how and if lumbrokinase supplements actually work, possible safety concerns, and what to consider when choosing a lumbrokinase supplement.
CL Answer
Do supplements help with Parkinson’s disease treatment or prevention?
Learn what has been shown with vitamins D and E, niacin, CoQ10, melatonin, creatine, SAMe, NAC, valerian, CoQ10, and CBD, as well as with coffee and the Mediterranean and MIND diets for treating and/or preventing Parkinson's disease.
CL Answer
Do water filters remove microplastics from tap water?
Find out if water filter pitchers and faucet mounted filters from Brita, Pur, Lifestraw and other brands remove microplastics from tap water.
CL Answer
Which is the best mask to prevent COVID-19 and how do cloth, disposable, N95, and KN95 masks compare? How can I stop glasses from fogging?
See our Top Picks for masks. Learn how to make COVID-19 masks from materials at home that can be almost as effective as surgical mask and N-95 masks.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods help with gout and which may worsen it?
Find out about the effects on uric acid levels and gout of fish and fish oil, coffee, beer, animal meat, milk proteins, vegetable proteins, fructose, lemon juice, tart cherry juice, vitamin A, vitamin C, and niacin
Recalls & Warnings
August 17, 2021
Love & Peas Protein Rich Meal Replacement Recalled
On July 30, 2021, Nature's Sunshine issued a recall of certain lots of Love & Peas Protein Rich Meal Replacement because it may contain milk.
Recalls & Warnings
November 09, 2023
InnoMark Warned for Manufacturing & Misbranding Violations
On September 1, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to InnoMark, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
June 12, 2023
Children's Liquid Vitamin Supplement Recalled
On June 7, 2023, Procaps S.A. de C.V. issued a voluntary recall of various lots of Laboratorios Lopez’s Bacaolinita 8 fl. oz children's liquid vitamin supplement because it contains undeclared PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil.
News Release
August 10, 2022
Best Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Identified by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, August 10, 2022 — Lavender essential oil as aromatherapy may reduce anxiety and tea tree essential oil is used topically for various skin ailments.
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2022
Healthy Sense and People’s Choice Multis Recalled
On November 17, 2022, Mason Vitamins Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
November 28, 2022
Seller of Joint Health, Collagen Protein and More Warned for Drug Claims
On November 14, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to The Truth Company, LLC (parent company of Kinobody, LLC and UMZU, LLC) following inspection of the company’s websites which found statements about its Betaine, Immune, Redwood, Sensolin, Thyrite, zuRelief, Kino Aminos, Kino Collagen ...
Recalls & Warnings
September 26, 2014
Sellers of Essential Oils Warned for Claiming to Treat Ebola, Other Diseases
On September 22, 2014, the FDA issued a warning to Young Living following a review of websites, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter accounts owned by Young Living distributors, which found statements made about the company's essential oils, including Thieves, Cinnamon Bark, Oregano, ImmuPower, ...
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2012
Distributor Warns of Counterfeit Liquid Energy Shots
On November 19, 2012, Living Essentials LLC announced the company discovered and halted the production of counterfeit versions of 5-hour ENERGY® liquid energy shots. The company filed suits against the counterfeiters in U.S.
Recalls & Warnings
March 16, 2006
Garden of Life, Maker of Primal Defense, Settles FTC Charges
On March 9, 2006, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that an operation that marketed dietary supplements sold at Whole Foods Market, GNC, the Vitamin Shoppe, and on the Internet settled FTC charges that they made deceptive advertising claims about their supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
November 30, 2023
Discover Health, LLC Warned for Promoting CBD Products for Cancer, Epilepsy, & More
On November 16, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Discover Health, LLC d/b/a Discover CBD and Strain Snobs following a review of the company’s websites that found statements about the company’s Active CBD Oil – Full Spectrum Distillate Cartridge, Active CBD Oil – ...
Recalls & Warnings
August 16, 2023
FDA Warns Sun Ten Laboratories for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On April 7, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to STPCA Inc. dba Sun Ten Laboratories because products were found to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under conditions that do not meet Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP).
Recalls & Warnings
September 21, 2023
Moor Herbs, Inc Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On August 1, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Moor Herbs, Inc.
News Release
February 25, 2022
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2022 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2022 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 8,049 responses collected in November/December 2021.
News Release
February 25, 2021
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2021 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2021 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,647 responses collected in November 2020.
News Release
February 25, 2020
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2020 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2020 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,782 responses collected in late November and early December 2019.
Recalls & Warnings
March 09, 2022
FDA Warns Seller of Magnesium, CBD, Herbal Extracts & More
On February 9, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bea Lydecker’s Naturals, Inc.
News Release
February 25, 2019
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2019 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2019 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,931 responses collected in late November and early December 2018.
News Release
May 02, 2018
Best Probiotic Supplements and Kombuchas? -- ConsumerLab Tests 41 Popular Products, Reveals Problems and Top Picks
White Plains, New York, May 2, 2018 — With so many different probiotic supplements on the market, each providing different amounts and strains of beneficial bacteria or yeast, choosing the right one can be an overwhelming task.
News Release
February 25, 2018
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2018 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2018 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 11,446 responses collected in late November and early December 2017.
News Release
February 09, 2012
Probiotics grow in popularity but don't always deliver on promises says ConsumerLab.com -- New report provides guidance to consumers
White Plains, New York, February 9, 2012 — Probiotic supplements and foods containing "friendly" bacteria or yeast have become popular options for people hoping to improve bowel function or boost immunity. But many customers are confused by the vast array of choices.
News Release
June 25, 2002
ConsumerLab.com reviews radioprotective Iodine pills in response to terrorist threats — Quality of products is high, but local access is poor
WHITE PLAINS, NY — June 25, 2002 — In response to the threat of terrorist attacks on U.S. nuclear facilities, ConsumerLab.com, an evaluator of health and nutrition products, today released a Product Review of Potassium Iodide/Potassium Iodate (Radioprotective Agents).
Recalls & Warnings
April 17, 2012
FDA Warns Seller of Diabetes Supplement Marketed with Rx Claims
The FDA has posted a Warning Letter (dated April 4, 2012) to Leaner Living regarding the marketing of its Glycosolve product.
Recalls & Warnings
August 25, 2020
Seller of CBD and NAC Warned for Coronavirus Claims
On August 19, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Living Senior, LLC for selling CBD and NAC products with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).
Recalls & Warnings
March 12, 2016
FDA Finds Problems at 58% of Supplement Manufacturing Sites in U.S. and Abroad
ConsumerLab.com has obtained results of the FDA's inspections in Fiscal Year 2015 (ending September 30) of 483 dietary supplement manufacturing facilities, showing that most -- 58.2% -- received letters indicating noncompliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
Recalls & Warnings
November 28, 2015
Herbal Supplements Linked to Heavy Metal Poisoning
On November 17, 2015, Health Canada (the Canadian equivalent of the FDA) warned that a consumer in Canada who purchased and used herbal supplements from a U.S.-based website was treated for heavy metal poisoning.
Recalls & Warnings
July 12, 2013
Herbal Supplement Company Warned For Drug Claims, Manufacturing Violations
On June 18, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Herbs of Light, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
April 04, 2013
Three More Sexual Enhancement Supplements Found To Contain Undeclared Drugs
On April 3, 2013, the FDA warned consumers that the sexual enhancement supplements AFFIRM XL, Love Rider and Ninja Mojo were found to contain undeclared erectile dysfunction drugs. Consumers are urged to stop using these supplements immediately.
Recalls & Warnings
December 08, 2011
HCG Diet Products Don't Work and Are Illegal Says FDA
On December 6, 2011, the U.S. FDA warned consumers to avoid homeopathic HCG weight-loss diet products because they don't work, often make unsupported claims, and are illegal for sale. In addition, some of these products direct user to follow a potentially dangerous diet.
