Product Reviews and Information for Migraine

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CL Answer

Do any supplements or foods help with migraine? Do any trigger migraine?

Find out if supplements such as magnesium, CoQ10, riboflavin, butterbur, feverfew and others help with migraine. Also learn about foods that may trigger migraine, including chocolate and watermelon.

CL Answer

Is it true that yogurt and kefir can trigger migraines?

Learn about the risks of migraines and headaches from yogurt, kefir and other dairy products.

Product Review

Probiotic Supplements Review (Including Pet Probiotics)

Probiotics: See What They Really Contain and Our Top Picks

Product Review

Ginger Supplements, Chews & Spices Review

Tests Reveal Best and Worst Ginger Supplements & Spices. Poor Quality and Lead Contamination Discovered in Some Products.

Product Review

Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) Supplements Review

See Our Omega-3 Top Picks and Avoid Rancid Fish Oils.

Product Review

Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders, Nibs, and Supplements Review -- Sources of Flavanols

Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? Find the Best Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Powder and Cocoa Supplements Based On Our Tests.

CL Answer

Does chocolate really cause migraines?

Find out if there is a link between chocolate/cocoa and migraines.

Product Review

CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review

Find the Best CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements and Learn How They Differ

CL Answer

Are lozenges and sublingual pills considered dietary supplements?

Learn more about lozenges and sublingual pills (such as echinacea, zinc and B12) including safety warnings.

Product Review

L-Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Supplements Review

Choose the Best L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP Supplements. CL Tests Identify High Quality L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan) at the Best Value.

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.

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and is it safe?

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is commonly promoted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Find out if it works.

Product Review

Magnesium Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamins D & K, and Boron)

Find Out What Magnesium Does, Who Needs It, and Our Top Picks Among Supplements

CL Answer

I've read that magnesium deficiency is rare but also that most people don't get enough magnesium. How can these both be true?

Learn how common magnesium deficiency is, and why, even if you are not deficient, you may still benefit from getting more magnesium. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Taking 2 grams of L-glutamine in water on an empty stomach (as directed) caused me to be nauseous, dizzy and anxious. Is this a normal side effect of glutamine?

Find out how to prevent nausea, dizziness and anxiety when taking monosodium glutamine in water on an empty stomach.

Product Review

Melatonin Supplements Review

Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.

Product Review

Toprol XL vs. Generic Metoprolol Succinate Extended-release (ER) Tablets Review Article

Choose the Best Blood Pressure Medication. Find Out Why Some Generic Blood Pressure Medications Are Not the Same as the Original & May Increase Blood Pressure or Have Other Disturbing Side Effects.

Product Review

Resveratrol Supplements Review (From Red Wine, Knotweed, and Other Sources)

See Which Resveratrol Supplements Were Best In Our Tests and Comparisons. Learn What Resveratrol Can and Can't Do.

CL Answer

Can probiotics reduce anxiety?

Find out if probiotics can reduce anxiety.

CL Answer

Can biotin supplements really strengthen nails or improve hair? Can other supplements help?

Learn more about strengthening brittle nails with vitamin B-7 (biotin), based on clinical evidence.

CL Answer

Will pregnenolone help slow down aging or reduce chronic pain?

Learn more about the steroid hormone pregnenolone, including its effects in the body and on aging and chronic pain.

CL Answer

How do I choose the best magnesium supplement?

Choosing the best form of magnesium supplements can be tricky due to the many different types (magnesium aspartate, bicarbonate, carbonate, chloride, citrate and others).

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?

Find out if black seed oil has health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, asthma, weight loss, and others. Dosage, forms, including black seed oil and black seed powder, safety information, using black seed oil in foods and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Product Review

Prebiotic Supplements Review

You Can't Tell How Much Fiber Is Really In Most Prebiotics Without Testing

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

Are intravenous (IV) vitamin infusions safe and effective?

Intravenous (IV) vitamin infusions are touted by celebrities and promoted by wellness clinics for numerous conditions. Find out if they work and if they are safe.

Product Review

Tuna, Salmon, Sardines & Herring Review (Canned and Packaged)

Find Products With the Least Mercury and Most Omega-3s

Product Review

Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K, and Boron)

Find the Best Vitamin D Supplement and Avoid Problems

CL Answer

Are there any supplements I should avoid when taking acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Find out if there are any supplements that should be avoided when taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).

CL Answer

Are there drug interactions with magnesium supplements?

Find out about interactions between magnesium supplements and over-the-counter antacids and laxatives such as Maalox, antibiotics, and statins and diabetes medications. ConsumerLab’s answer explains.

CL Answer

Which supplements can help me sleep and which cause insomnia?

Find out which supplements may improve sleep, including melatonin, L-tryptophan, and magnesium, and which may make sleeping more difficult.

CL Answer

I take omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor, to reduce stomach acid. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Supplement interactions with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs like omeprazole (Prilosec) and Nexium.

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

Is there a risk of liver toxicity with certain supplements?

Find out if there is risk of liver damage from supplements such as green tea, niacin, red yeast rice and vitamin A.

CL Answer

What are CoQ10 side effects?

CoQ10 side effects, such as nausea, headache, and insomnia, and how you can reduce the occurrence of CoQ10 side effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?

Find out if supplements such as turmeric, fish oil, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), boswellia, ginger, white willow bark or arnica may, or may not, be helpful to people sensitive to NSAIDs.

Recalls & Warnings

February 22, 2024

Pacific BioLogic Co. Warned by FDA for Manufacturing Violations

On December 21, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Curtis Jacquot, dba Pacific BioLogic Co.

CL Answer

Will sprinkling black pepper on food with turmeric help increase the bioavailability of curcumin in the turmeric?

Find out how black pepper extract in supplements compares with regular black pepper added to foods with turmeric.

Product Review

Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review (Sterols/Stanols and Policosanol)

Find the Best Cholesterol-Lowering Supplement. See Which Plant Sterol and Policosanol Supplements Passed Our Tests and Are Our Top Picks.

News Release

May 07, 2024

ConsumerLab Tests Magnesium Supplements, Spots Problems and Selects a Top Pick

White Plains, NY, May 7, 2024 — Nearly half the U.S. population does not get adequate amounts of magnesium and may benefit from increasing magnesium intake from foods or supplementation.

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of nutritional yeast and is it safe?

Learn about the nutritional content and health benefits of nutritional yeast (nooch), evidence for or against nutritional yeast for boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, plus safety and side effects of nutritional yeast.

CL Answer

How much calcium from supplements is too much?

Too much calcium per day - how much is too much? Learn about the recommended daily intake from food & supplements and why taking too much calcium can be harmful.

CL Answer

What is Prelief? Does it really help for heartburn and/or bladder pain from acidic foods?

Prelief information, including what it has been claimed to do (such as helping with painful bladder, frequent urination, heartburn or indigestion from acidic foods), clinical evidence, and safety.

CL Answer

Which supplements help with Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon may be helped by some supplements. Learn more about fish oil, Gingko biloba, and ginseng.

Product Review

B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)

See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing

News Release

April 11, 2024

Best CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, NY, April 11, 2024 —  CoQ10 and its active form, ubiquinol, are among the most popular supplements, taken by 42.2% of supplement users, often taken by people on cholesterol-lowering statin medication and for a variety of other conditions.

CL Answer

Does cat’s claw have any health benefits and is it safe?

Cat's claw is promoted for numerous conditions, including arthritis (including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), Alzheimer's disease, viral infections, boosting immune response to vaccination, and reducing side effects of chemotherapy. Find out if it works and if it's safe.

Recalls & Warnings

November 29, 2019

FDA Warns Seller of "All Natural" Treatment for Opioid Withdrawal, Migraines & More

On November 18, 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to EPH Technologies, Inc., following a review of the company's websites, which found statements made about some of the company's products, including Detoxoplex, Sinople, and Migrenz, to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

November 10, 2020

FDA Warns Immusist for Drug Claims

On October 16, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Immusist, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products IMMUSIST Original and IMMUSIST Natural to be drug claims.

News Release

March 11, 2022

Best Magnesium Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab

  White Plains, New York, May 12, 2022 — Nearly half the U.S. population does not get adequate amounts of magnesium and can benefit from increasing magnesium intake from foods or supplementation.

News Release

September 11, 2021

Best CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Identified in Testing by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, September 11, 2021 — CoQ10 and ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, are often taken to offset a decline in natural levels that occurs with the use of statin (cholesterol-lowering) medication, and are also promoted for increasing energy and anti-aging effects.

News Release

November 12, 2019

Best Magnesium Supplements Revealed by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, November 12, 2019 — Many people do not get adequate amounts of magnesium from their diets, or may have lower levels of this essential mineral due to certain medical conditions or the use of common medications such as Nexium and Prilosec.

News Release

July 31, 2019

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements

White Plains, New York, July 31, 2019 — CoQ10 is among the most popular supplements, commonly taken to offset a decline in natural levels of CoQ10 that can occur with the use of statin medications, decrease statin side effects, and increase energy.

News Release

July 31, 2018

Best L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab -- ConsumerLab Tests Strength and Purity of Supplements for Sleep and Mood

White Plains, New York, July 31, 2018 — L-tryptophan supplements are often promoted to improve sleep and 5-HTP supplements to help with depression.

News Release

June 21, 2017

Which Magnesium Is Best? ConsumerLab.com Tests Popular Brands and Reveals Its Top Pick

White Plains, New York, June 21, 2017 — Magnesium supplements are among the most popular supplements, but do you need to take one and, if so, which is best? To find out, ConsumerLab.com reviewed the clinical evidence, and purchased and tested popular magnesium supplements sold in the U.S.

News Release

December 21, 2016

Best CoQ10? ConsumerLab.com Tests Popular CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements and Reveals Its Top Picks

White Plains, New York, December 21, 2016 — Although CoQ10 and ubiquinol are among the most popular supplements, wide variations in price, dosage, absorption and bioavailability can make choosing the right product a difficult task. To help, ConsumerLab.

News Release

June 10, 2015

ConsumerLab.com Tests Reveal Best and Worst Magnesium Supplements

White Plains, New York, June 10, 2015 — Magnesium supplements have become extremely popular, surpassing even calcium among frequent users of supplements. However, recent tests by ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

September 08, 2020

FDA Warns Seller of Opioid Withdrawal Supplement

On August 25, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Renewal Supplements LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company product Opi-Cure to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

July 31, 2020

FDA Warns Seven Sellers of "Hangover Cures"

The FDA recently issued warning letters to seven companies for promoting hangover relief products with drug claims (use the links below to read the full warning letter):

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.

Recalls & Warnings

June 20, 2003

Mixing Herbal Supplements, Migraine Medications Can Be Dangerous

On June 19, 2003, ABC News reported than an extensive review of existing research has led University of Utah researchers to conclude several popular herbal supplements may cause adverse, even deadly, reactions when combined with certain migraine medications.

News Release

March 17, 2015

CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Vary in Quality, as Well as Dose, Absorption, and Price According to ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York, March 17, 2015 — Findings from a recent study by ConsumerLab.com highlights the difficulty consumers have in selecting a supplement containing the highly-popular anti-oxidant CoQ10 or its activated form, ubiquinol. ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

April 14, 2020

Teami Tea Settles Charges of Unproven Claims and Deceptive Celebrity Endorsements

On March 6, 2020, the FTC announced that Teami, LLC, a marketer of tea and skin care products, agreed to settle charges that it was selling products with unproven claims and misleading celebrity endorsements.

Recalls & Warnings

September 08, 2020

Seller of "Diabetes Supplement" & More Warned for Drug Claims

On August 25, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nutritional Supplements Corporation Inc following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about some of the company's products, including Vitadone, Diabrex, and Viadevita to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

April 02, 2019

FDA Issues Strong Warnings to Sellers of CBD

On March 28, 2019, the FDA issued warning letters to three companies for making unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) products on their websites.

Recalls & Warnings

January 05, 2005

Marketers of Brain-Rejuvinating Supplement Settle FTC Charges of False Claims

On January 5, 2005, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that a company that heavily advertised an herbal dietary supplement called "Sagee" to the Chinese-language and Vietnamese-language communities had settled FTC charges of making false and unsubstantiated claims for the product.

News Release

March 05, 2013

CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Should Be Chosen Carefully, Cautions ConsumerLab.com -- Less Than 4% of Listed Ingredient Found in Widely-Sold Product

White Plains, New York — March 5, 2013 — A new report from ConsumerLab.com highlights the difficulty consumers have in selecting a supplement containing the anti-oxidant CoQ10 or its activated form, ubiquinol. ConsumerLab.

News Release

May 30, 2012

ConsumerLab.com Identifies Best and Worst Magnesium Supplements Based on Tests and Comparisons

White Plains, New York — MAY 30, 2012 — Magnesium supplements are among the most popular supplements in the U.S. But which magnesium supplements are best? ConsumerLab.

News Release

March 08, 2011

ConsumerLab.com reviews CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplements -- Tests show quality to be high, but large differences found in dosage, formulation, and cost

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MARCH 8, 2011 — A new report by ConsumerLab.com highlights the difficulty consumers may have in selecting a supplement containing the anti-oxidant CoQ10 or its activated form, ubiquinol. CoQ10 is among the most popular dietary supplements in the U.S.

News Release

May 19, 2009

Review of Magnesium Supplements by ConsumerLab.com Shows One-Quarter Fail Quality Tests

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — MAY 19, 2009 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that among twelve magnesium supplements selected for testing, only nine met quality standards. One supplement contained only 45.

News Release

January 13, 2009

ConsumerLab.com reports largest test of CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplements -- Most supplements provide claimed ingredient, but large variation in dosage and forms may confuse consumers. ConsumerLab.com provides guidance.

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JANUARY 13, 2009 — A report by ConsumerLab.com on supplements containing the anti-oxidant CoQ10 shows the difficulty for consumers in determining an appropriate dosage.

News Release

March 17, 2008

As problems surface, Consumerlab.com and the people's pharmacy ask FDA to disclose differences between generic and original drugs

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK AND DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — MARCH 17, 2008 — An investigation by ConsumerLab.

News Release

October 30, 2007

Recently tested magnesium supplements free of lead, but one product missing most of its ingredient according to ConsumerLab.com — First Major Product Review of Potential "Life-Extending" Ingredient

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — OCTOBER 30, 2007 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that its tests of magnesium supplements revealed one product to contain only 46.4% of its claimed amount of the essential mineral, despite boasting a "GMP" (Good Manufacturing Practices) seal on its label.

News Release

October 20, 2006

ConsumerLab.com report on CoQ10 supplements finds quality high but large range in suggested dosage

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — OCTOBER 20, 2006 — New test results from ConsumerLab.com for CoQ10 supplements show that all of the products selected contained amounts of ingredient consistent with their labels.

News Release

June 15, 2005

Two magnesium supplements fail testing due to lead contamination. Nineteen others pass. Report now available.

WHITE PLAINS, NY — JUNE 15, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of magnesium supplements sold in the U.S. In addition to being an essential mineral, magnesium may help prevent migraine headaches, menstrual pain, PMS, and leg cramps during pregnancy.

Recalls & Warnings

September 27, 2016

Seller of B Vitamins, Omega-3s and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On September 15, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Positive Power Nutrition, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including High Energy C-Complex, Positive Vitality, Positive Performance, Positive CardioGuard, B-Complex 100, Positive Essentials, Positive ...

Recalls & Warnings

May 18, 2012

Caution with Butterbur Indicated by UK Warning

England's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advised consumers in early 2012 not to take unlicensed butterbur (Petasites hybridus) herbal products due to potential health risks.

News Release

March 30, 2005

ConsumerLab.com finds most B-vitamins of high quality but three lacking in ingredients — Test Results for 41 Products Reported Along with Information on Use

WHITE PLAINS, NY — MARCH 30, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com reported test results today for B vitamin supplements that it recently purchased in the U.S. and Canada.

Recalls & Warnings

September 05, 2014

Seller of "Nerve", "Cleanse" and Probiotic Supplements Warned for Drug Claims

On July 30, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Plexus Worldwide, Inc., following a review of the company's website and product labels, which found statements made about Fast Relief, BioCleanse and ProBio5 to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

May 10, 2013

Maker of Concentration, Pain, Immune, Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims

On April 24, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to EuroPharma Co., Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about Calm Kids, CholestCaps, CuraMed 375 mg, CuraMed 750 mg, Curamin, Mental Advantage, Tri-Iodine, and Viragen to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

December 16, 2015

Maker of Red Yeast Rice, St. John's Wort, Valerian and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On December 2, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nature's Health, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's product, including Ginkgo & Rhodiola, Blood Sugar Balance IV, Cinnamon Extract, Choles-Balance Red Yeast Extract, Lecithin, Milk Thistle Seed Extract, ...

Recalls & Warnings

December 21, 2016

Seller of 5-HTP, Chromium, Curcumin and More Warned for Drug Claims

On December 1, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Aurora Health and Nutrition following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about its products, 5-HTP, Alpha Lipoic Acid, the Argentyn 23 product line, Artecin 90 Vegetarian Capsules, ...

Recalls & Warnings

October 21, 2014

Seller of Weight Loss, Saw Palmetto Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims

On October 9, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bethel Nutritional Consulting, Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about 15 Day Detox Diet, Alpha Lipoic Acid. 300 mg.