ConsumerLab.com uses JavaScript to provide the best possible experience for our content, but your browser has it disabled. Learn how to enable it here.

About ConsumerLab.com

Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.

Product Review

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review

Choose the Best Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplement — See the Amounts of Active "R-Isomer" We Found

CL Answer

Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia?

Find out which supplements for nerve pain, including fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid, are effective for sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, or postherpetic neuralgia.

Product Review

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

See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing

B Vitamins Review 2024

CL Answer

Is topical menthol, such as Biofreeze, safe and effective for pain relief?

Menthol is commonly used in topical creams and gels for pain relief. Find out if it works and if it's safe.

Man applying menthol cream

Product Review

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Review

Choose the Best Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplement. Don't Overpay! CL Identifies Quality Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements at the Best Value.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Vitamin E Supplements Review

Find the Best Vitamin E Supplement. Tests and Reviews of Popular Vitamin E Supplements & CL's Top Picks.

Vitamin E Supplements, Cream, and Oil Tested by ConsumerLab.com

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.

Older woman getting an injection

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.

Woman holding her wrist due to joint pain

Product Review

Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements Review: Sources of ALA and GLA (Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids)

Choose the Best Seed Oil Supplements. Find Out Which Flaxseed and Other Seed Oil Supplements Passed Our Tests.

Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, Hemp Oil and Black Currant Oil Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Clinical Update

4/01/2015

Vitamin D for Diabetic Neuropathy

Supplementing with vitamin D can reduce pain and symptoms of diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy in people with type 2 diabetes who are vitamin D deficient, a recent study reports. More about the use of vitamin D in diabetes and many other conditions, as well as our product test results, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

Clinical Update

1/31/2021

B12 for Diabetic Neuropathy?

Can high-dose vitamin B12 improve nerve function and reduce pain in people with neuropathy due to type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the B12 section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin B12.

Clinical Update

1/04/2022

Vitamin D for Diabetic Nerve Pain?

Can vitamin D supplementation reduce nerve pain or other symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as numbness and tingling, in people with type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the Diabetes section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.

For information about other supplements that may help, see our answer to the question: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica or diabetic neuropathy?

Clinical Update

6/17/2022

Lion’s Mane for Neuropathy?

Does supplementation with lion’s mane reduce symptoms of neuropathy? Find out what evidence suggests in our article about lion’s mane.

Also see our CL Answer about supplements for nerve pain.

Clinical Update

4/26/2024

Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Nerve Pain?

Is alpha-lipoic acid as effective as pregabalin (Lyrica) in reducing the pain of peripheral neuropathy? Learn what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for alpha-lipoic acid.

Also see: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia?

CL Answer

L-Serine & D-Serine: Health Benefits and Safety

Serine exists in two forms: L-serine and D-serine. Find out how these two forms differ and learn if either form has health benefits and if it is safe.

Two white pills in front of a brain

CL Answer

What is benfotiamine and can it really improve or prevent complications from diabetes?

Can benfotiamine really improve or prevent complications from diabetes? Learn more.

Doctor Sitting on Desk with Vitamin B-1 Bottle

CL Answer

Is P-5-P really better than "regular" vitamin B6?

Learn more about pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P) and vitamin B6.

Man in Plaid Shirt Reading Supplement Bottle

CL Answer

Conolidine: Evidence for Pain Relief, Safety, and CONOCB2™ Products Explained

Find out if conolidine, the main ingredient in CONOCB2 Blend, offers natural pain relief without the side effects of opioids. Also learn about the top conolidine products available today.

Three commercial products that contain conolidine

CL Answer

The maker of my multivitamin says it doesn't include folic acid because too much from supplements can be harmful. Is that true?

Learn more about the harmful effects from too much folic acid, including increased risk of prostate cancer and kidney damage.

Harm from Too Much Folic Acid ? -- Multivitamin bottle and label

Clinical Update

1/03/2020

CBD Cream for Pain?

People suffering peripheral neuropathy in their legs and feet applied CBD cream or placebo for one month. Did it help? Find out in the Topical CBD section of our CBD Review. Also see our Top Picks among creams, oils, and other CBD products.

Clinical Update

8/14/2021

Danger With Too Much B-6

A CL member recently told us about a friend who developed progressively worsening neuropathy (nerve damage) after taking very high dose vitamin B-6. It's important to be aware of the upper daily limit for vitamin B-6 and that taking too much can cause nerve damage, as well as skin lesions and other adverse effects, as discussed in detail in our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

4/19/2024

Acetyl-L-Carnitine for Nerve Pain?

Is acetyl-L-carnitine recommended to reduce nerve pain in people with diabetes? Find out in the What It Does section of our Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements Review.

Also see: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia?

Clinical Update

10/04/2022

Nerve Pain & Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 deficiency can cause nerve pain and weakness, even resulting in inability to walk, as shown in a recent case. However, getting too much B-6 from supplements can also cause these symptoms. Find out how much B6 you should be getting in the Vitamin B-6 section of our B Vitamins Supplements Review.

For information about supplements that may help with other forms of nerve pain, see our answer to the question: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica or diabetic neuropathy?

Clinical Update

10/31/2023

PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) for Back Pain, Colds?

See the results of two recent clinical studies that evaluated PEA. One used PEA to treat low back pain/sciatica and the other to prevent or reduce symptoms of respiratory tract infections.

Also see: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica or diabetic neuropathy? and Do any supplements help prevent or treat a cold?

Product Review

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review

Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

I have been having neurological symptoms. My blood test showed a toxic level of vitamin B-6. My multivitamin contains 75 mg of B-6 -- below the upper limit of 100 mg. Is the label wrong?

Find out if multivitamins contain excessive amounts ofvitamin B-6, symptoms of vitamin B-6 toxicity, and the daily Tolerable Upper Intake Level for B-6.

Vitamin B6 Toxicity -- Vitamin B6 Blood Test

CL Answer

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, depression, numbness and tingling in the legs, loss of balance, changes in skin and hair, and others. Find out who is a greater risk for B12 deficiency, and how B12 supplements can help. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency -- paper with question "Are you getting enough vitamin B12" and boxes to check yes or no

CL Answer

Does red and near infrared light therapy reduce pain, improve skin or cognition, or have other benefits? Is it safe?

Red light and near infrared light therapy devices are promoted for numerous conditions, including acne, fibromyalgia, pain, cognitive function and other uses. Find out if these devices work and if they are safe.

Woman using a red light device on her lower leg

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.

Elderly man with parkinsons holding trembling hand while eating

CL Answer

Can taking too much vitamin B-6 be dangerous?

Find out if multivitamins contain excessive amounts of B-6, how much B-6 is too much, and symptoms of toxicity and overdose.

Vitamin tablets placed on a table to spell B6

News Release

August 09, 2023

ConsumerLab Tests Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements and Selects Top Picks

White Plains, New York, August 9, 2023 —  Alpha-lipoic acid supplements may modestly improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, and aid in weight control when combined with a low-calorie diet.

CL Answer

Supplements for multiple sclerosis (MS): Do any supplements reduce symptoms or relapse?

Find out if vitamins or supplements such as ginkgo, fish oil, biotin, vitamins A, C, E, D, and B12, or selenium reduce symptoms or relapse in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS 3

CL Answer

I thought the B vitamins were all water soluble and did not build up in the body, so you would not build up toxic levels. Am I wrong?

Learn more about water-soluble B vitamins including niacin, B6, B12 and folic acid, and why taking too much of these vitamins can be toxic. See the symptoms of overdose and toxicity from B vitamins. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

B Vitamins

Product Review

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

Find the Best Vitamin D Supplement and Avoid Problems

Vitamin D Review 2024

Recalls & Warnings

July 06, 2022

Two Companies Banned From Selling Supplements to Treat Heart Disease, Neuropathy

On June 30, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized an administrative complaint order against two Texas-based companies, Health Research Laboratories, LLC and Whole Body Supplements, LLC, for making unverified claims that their products can prevent or treat disease.

CL Answer

I take levothyroxine (Synthroid), a thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism. Are there supplements or foods I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Is taking certain supplements and hypothyroidism medications bad? Learn which supplements can interact with thyroid hormone medications like levothyroxine (Synthroid), thyroid hormone levels, and laboratory tests.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid) Supplement Interactions

Product Review

CBD Oils, Softgels, Gummies, Creams & Salves Review

See How Much CBD and THC We Found in Products.

CL Answer

Do detox foot pads or ionic foot baths remove heavy metals or other toxins from the body?

Detox foot pads and ionic foot baths are promoted for removing heavy metals and other toxins from the body. Find out if there is evidence to support these claims.

Woman lying in bed wearing detox foot pads

News Release

October 06, 2022

Lion’s Mane and Chaga Supplement Labels May Mislead, According to ConsumerLab Tests

  White Plains, New York, October 6, 2022 — Lion’s mane and chaga supplements are often promoted to improve memory and mood, boost the immune system, and a range of other health benefits.

Product Review

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review

Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies

Recalls & Warnings

April 24, 2023

FTC Warns Almost 700 Companies: Unsupported Health Claims May Result in Substantial Civil Penalties

On April 13, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notified approximately 670 companies that market over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, homeopathic products, dietary supplements, or functional foods that they could incur significant civil penalties if they make unsubstantiated claims about the ...

News Release

November 27, 2017

Flaxseed and Other Popular Omega 3 & 6 Oil Supplements Tested, But Not All Brands Pass -- Tests of Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Hemp Oil Supplements

White Plains, New York, November 27, 2017 — Flaxseed oil and other popular seed oil are popular supplements that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and may help with inflammatory conditions. But which seed oil supplements are the best? To find out, ConsumerLab.

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.

CoQ10 2024

CL Answer

What are trace minerals and do I need them?

Trace minerals include boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, zinc, and others. Find out what they do, how much of each trace mineral you should be getting, and who's most likely to be deficient in these minerals.

Trace Minerals - What are they and do you need them?

Recalls & Warnings

February 24, 2023

Bountiful Charged with “Review Hijacking,” False Advertising of Nature’s Bounty Supplements on Amazon

On February 16, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged The Bountiful Company (formerly NBTY), whose brands include Nature’s Bounty and Sundown, with deceptively using Amazon reviews and badges (such as “#1 Best Seller” and “Amazon’s Choice”) from its ...

News Release

December 06, 2016

Which Brands of Alpha Lipoic Acid are Best? -- ConsumerLab.com Tests Lipoic Acid Supplements for Quality, Identifying Top Picks

White Plains, New York, December 6, 2016 — Alpha-lipoic acid supplements may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, reduce symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and enhance weight loss when dieting.

CL Answer

Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?

Find out which supplements, and topical products such as magnesium creams, can help reduce muscle pain, leg cramps, and nighttime leg cramps, and which may worsen muscle cramps. Also, learn about vitamin and mineral deficiencies and common medications that can cause muscle cramps and nocturnal leg cramps.

Magnesium & Other Supplements for Muscle Pain & Cramps -- woman with leg cramp

News Release

January 11, 2011

Spoilage and labeling errors found with some omega-3 and -6 supplements; Review of evening primrose, flaxseed, borage, and black currant oil supplements

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JANUARY 10, 2011 — A new report on the quality of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplements made from seed oils was released by ConsumerLab.com today. Only 11 of 17 products selected for testing met quality criteria for freshness and labeling.

Recalls & Warnings

November 20, 2020

FTC Files Complaint Against Two Supplement Companies for Deceptive Marketing

On November 20, 2020, the FTC approved a Part 3 administrative complaint against Health Research Laboratories, LLC, its owner Kramer Duhon, and Whole Body Supplements, LLC for making unverified claims that their products can prevent or treat diseases.

News Release

October 07, 2009

ConsumerLab.com finds that only two-thirds of alpha-lipoic acid supplements selected for testing pass quality review -- Anti-oxidant supplements helpful to diabetics

White Plains, New York — Wednesday, October 7, — Alpha-lipoic acid (also called lipoic acid) is a natural anti-oxidant that can help diabetics reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and control blood sugar, among other uses. ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

April 25, 2020

Injectable Curcumin, CBD Are Not Safe, Warns FDA

On April 9, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to BIOTA Biosciences LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about some of the company's, products, including Canabidiol (CBD) Complex, Cannabidiol+Curcumin, and Curcumin Complex to be ...

Recalls & Warnings

May 24, 2013

Maker of Neuropathic Pain Product Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding

On April 11, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Realm Labs, LLC, following a review of the company’s websites which found statements made about its NeuRemedy products to be drug claims.

News Release

May 15, 2007

ConsumerLab.com finds some alpha lipoic acid supplements come up short — Improper formulation may cause ingredient degradation

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — May 15, 2007 — ConsumerLab.com announced that two of eleven alpha lipoic acid supplements that it recently chose to test contained significantly less ingredient than promised on their labels.

News Release

August 31, 2005

ConsumerLab.com testing of alpha lipoic acid supplements from Japan finds no ingredient in one product; Most others meet claims — Japanese consumers urged to research product quality

WHITE PLAINS, NY — ConsumerLab.com reported this week that among nine brands of alpha lipoic acid supplements it recently purchased in Japan and tested, one contained none of the popular ingredient and another contained only 81%.

News Release

December 20, 2004

Testing of Alpha-lipoic acid supplements by ConsumerLab.com finds most meet label claims but one with only 15% of ingredient — Antioxidant of potential benefit in diabetes and other conditions

WHITE PLAINS, NY — December 20, 2004 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that one of 21 alpha-lipoic acid supplements recently tested contained only 15% of the alpha-lipoic acid that it claimed. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant naturally produced in the body.

Recalls & Warnings

October 18, 2017

Total Body Nutrition Warned for Banned Stimulant in Supplements

On September 28, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Total Body Nutrition following a facility inspection which found some of the company's products to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under conditions that violate Current Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary ...

Recalls & Warnings

April 26, 2013

Seller of Immune, Cholesterol, Liver and Blood Sugar Products Warned For Drug Claims

On March 20, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Birkdale Medicinals LLC, following a review of the company's website which found statements made about Birkdale products, including Immune Response 247, Cholestat, Silymarin 81 and LevelStat, to be drug claims.