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ConsumerLab.com lists magnesium products that passed testing — Some products fail due to excess magnesium and lead contamination
WHITE PLAINS, NY — May 14, 2002 — ConsumerLab.com today released results of its Product Review of Magnesium Supplements. Seventeen of the nineteen products tested by ConsumerLab.com passed the review. Among the products that failed, one contained nearly 50% more magnesium than claimed. Both it and one other product also contained amounts of lead in excess of the State of California's Prop 65 limits.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium for adults ranges from 310 mg to 400 mg. The U.S. diet typically provides sufficient magnesium, but supplements are sometimes necessary to prevent or treat magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk for osteoporosis. Consumption of even moderate amounts of magnesium from supplements, however, can cause diarrhea. Potentially dangerous heart and nerve-related symptoms can also develop if magnesium levels increase significantly in the blood (although unlikely in a person with healthy kidneys). Magnesium from foods does not generally cause side effects.
The product found on testing to have excess magnesium would have delivered nearly 1,200 mg of magnesium per day — more than three times the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) — a level above which risk of adverse health effects increase.
Tod Cooperman, M.D., ConsumerLab.com's President said, "While there are times when it is appropriate to exceed the tolerable limit to prevent or treat deficiency, it seems irresponsible for a manufacturer to recommend a dose far in excess of the limit and, on top of that, put in one and half times the labeled amount." He added, "All of the other products were well within range of their claims, indicating that accurate formulation is certainly possible." The review is now available at www.consumerlab.com. ConsumerLab.com subscribers can access the full list the products that passed, as well as ConsumerTips™ on buying and using magnesium. Also available online are reviews of 20 other important vitamins, minerals, herbal and non-herbal supplements, as well as nutrition bars, drinks, and powders. Other reviews scheduled for release in coming months include Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from evening primrose and flaxseed, potassium supplements, iodine tablets (potassium iodide) used as prophylaxis in nuclear accidents, garlic, probiotics, and sexual enhancement supplements. ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying the Best Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements is scheduled for publication later this year.
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 White Plains, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. Individual subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. Parties interested in purchasing group subscriptions, technical reports, licensing content, or requesting testing of additional products may contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com.
Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2002. All rights reserved.
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The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium for adults ranges from 310 mg to 400 mg. The U.S. diet typically provides sufficient magnesium, but supplements are sometimes necessary to prevent or treat magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk for osteoporosis. Consumption of even moderate amounts of magnesium from supplements, however, can cause diarrhea. Potentially dangerous heart and nerve-related symptoms can also develop if magnesium levels increase significantly in the blood (although unlikely in a person with healthy kidneys). Magnesium from foods does not generally cause side effects.
The product found on testing to have excess magnesium would have delivered nearly 1,200 mg of magnesium per day — more than three times the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) — a level above which risk of adverse health effects increase.
Tod Cooperman, M.D., ConsumerLab.com's President said, "While there are times when it is appropriate to exceed the tolerable limit to prevent or treat deficiency, it seems irresponsible for a manufacturer to recommend a dose far in excess of the limit and, on top of that, put in one and half times the labeled amount." He added, "All of the other products were well within range of their claims, indicating that accurate formulation is certainly possible." The review is now available at www.consumerlab.com. ConsumerLab.com subscribers can access the full list the products that passed, as well as ConsumerTips™ on buying and using magnesium. Also available online are reviews of 20 other important vitamins, minerals, herbal and non-herbal supplements, as well as nutrition bars, drinks, and powders. Other reviews scheduled for release in coming months include Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from evening primrose and flaxseed, potassium supplements, iodine tablets (potassium iodide) used as prophylaxis in nuclear accidents, garlic, probiotics, and sexual enhancement supplements. ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying the Best Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements is scheduled for publication later this year.
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 White Plains, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. Individual subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. Parties interested in purchasing group subscriptions, technical reports, licensing content, or requesting testing of additional products may contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com.
Copyright ConsumerLab.com, LLC, 2002. All rights reserved.
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