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. Tests in 2004 and 2000 had identified some products with significantly less CoQ10 than labeled. The suggested dosage among current products, however, was found to vary widely — from as little as 15 mg to up to 400 mg per day. ConsumerLab.com advised consumers not to rely on products' suggested serving sizes and to consult their healthcare providers to select a dose based on the condition for which the supplement is to be used.

CoQ10 is among the most popular supplements in US with $284 million sold in 2004 according to figures from Nutrition Business Journal. It may help treat congestive heart failure, prevent migraine headaches, and delay the progression of Parkinson's disease. It may also help reverse side effects associated with "statin" drugs to lower high cholesterol. And it may be useful in muscular dystrophy, AIDS, hypertension, mitochondrial encephalomyopathies, and other conditions. Although sometimes touted for enhancing athletic performance, this effect has not been well demonstrated.

The new report is available at www.consumerlab.com/results/coq10.asp and includes information about dosage and the different forms in which CoQ10 is sold. The report provides results for thirty-six products, of which ConsumerLab.com selected sixteen. Twenty were tested at the request of their manufacturers/distributors through CL's Voluntary Certification Program and are included for having passed testing. Also identified are eight products similar to ones that passed but sold under a different brand name.

Brands included in the report are Allergy Research, Berkley & Jensen, Bluebonnet, Carlson, Chew Q (Tishcon), Doctor's BEST, Gary Null's, GNC, Healthy Origins, Inno Vite, LiQ-10 (Tischcon), Longs, Nature's Bounty, PhytoPharmica, Pro Health, Puritan's Pride, Q-Gel (Gel-Tec/Tischcon), Rite Aid, Shaklee, Spring Valley, Sundown, Trace Minerals Research, USANA, Vitamin World, Vitanica, and Vitasmart.

Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available at www.consumerlab.com. New reviews to be released in coming months cover alpha lipoic acid, multivitamins, probiotics, St. John's wort, supplements for joint health (glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM), SAMe, and supplements used for muscle enhancement (creatine, HMB, glutamine and other amino acids). The paperback ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements: What's Really in the Bottle? is available in bookstores, online, or through 800-431-1579. A second edition, coming out later this fall, can now be pre-ordered.

ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com, an evaluator of online pharmacies, and MedicareDrugPlans.com, which reviews and rates Medicare Part D plans. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. For group subscriptions or product testing contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com.



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