ConsumerLab.com finds new calcium products of higher quality than many traditional supplements; Test results released online today

WHITE PLAINS, NY, September 6, 2000 — ConsumerLab.com today released results of its 9th Product Review, focusing on dietary supplements and products providing calcium. One of the most commonly purchased supplements in the U.S., calcium is critical to the development of strong bones and teeth and the prevention of osteoporosis. However, many adults and children do not get the recommended daily amount of calcium. Of 22 brands of traditional adult tablets, caplets, and syrups tested by ConsumerLab.com, four, or 18%, did not contain their labeled amounts of calcium. However, among the 13 brands of newer-style calcium supplements, including soft chews, fortified juices, antacids, as well as children's chewable tablets, all passed testing.

None of the 35 products evaluated was found to contain dangerous levels of lead. Lead is a natural contaminant of calcium and has been found at high levels in some supplements in the past.

Tod Cooperman, M.D., ConsumerLab.com's President, commented "It's great to see that 'newer' forms of calcium products, such as the fortified juices, soft chews and antacids tested, are providing what they say. These products increase the opportunity for adequate calcium intake by Americans. The bad news for consumers is that they are not getting the amount of calcium they paid for and expect from a few traditional calcium supplements, including some designated as meeting USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards."

A list of the products that passed, as well as more information about the testing, is available at www.consumerlab.com. To further assist consumers, ConsumerLab.com is licensing its flask-shaped Seal of Approved Quality for Calcium to manufacturers and distributors to use on products that passed testing. ConsumerLab.com will periodically re-evaluate these products to ensure their compliance with its standards. In addition, manufacturers and distributors may request the testing of products not already tested. The list of calcium products that have passed testing will be continually updated.

Products were purchased from retail stores, on-line retailers, catalogues, or multi-level marketing companies throughout the U.S. Calcium and other dietary supplements are not considered drugs in the U.S. and do not require testing for quality by any governmental or regulatory agency prior to sale.

ConsumerLab.com's recent Product Reviews have included ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, glucosamine, chondroitin, SAM-e, vitamin C, Asian and American ginseng, and creatine. By year-end, Product Reviews of multivitamins, CoQ10, vitamin E, echinacea and St. John's wort will also be released at www.consumerlab.com and through other media licensed by ConsumerLab.com. This information will also be published next year in the first edition of ConsumerLab.com's Consumer's Guide to Supplements in book format.

ConsumerLab.com is a provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health, wellness, and nutrition. The company is privately held and headquartered in White Plains, New York. It has no ownership from or interest in companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. Parties interested in purchasing comprehensive Product Review Technical Reports, licensing content or requesting testing of additional products may contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com. More information about Consumerlab.com is available at www.consumerlab.com.

Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2000. All rights reserved. For use only by news organizations. Other parties wishing to republish this information are required to have prior written permission from ConsumerLab.com



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