ConsumerLab.com finds some supplements lower in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than claimed — Report available for 23 products made from oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose and flax

WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 12, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released its latest report on the quality of supplements made from the seed oils of black currant, borage, evening primrose, and flax. These oils are sought for their high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, such as alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), and/or omega-6 fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which have potential therapeutic uses. ALA can also be converted, to a limited extent in the body, into DHA and EPA — the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. The products were purchased in the U.S. and Canada.

ConsumerLab.com found that four products (including one sold as a pet supplement) contained less fatty acids than claimed. A borage oil supplement, for example, lacked the 100 mg of ALA stated on its label. This product was incorrectly labeled, as borage oil is not known to contain ALA. Another product had only 79% of its claimed omega-3 fatty acids. A third product was low in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid listed on its label. A pet supplement sold for skin and coat care contained only 57% of the omega-3 and 61% of the omega-6 fatty acids noted in its "Guaranteed Analysis." Nineteen other products passed the testing by containing the expect amounts of fatty acids and lacking chemicals that would indicate spoilage.

The new report is available at https://www.consumerlab.com/results/flaxseed.asp. The report provides results and comparisons for twenty-three products — sixteen selected by ConsumerLab.com and seven that passed ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. Brands included in the report are Allergy Research Group, Atkins, Barlean's, Breeder's Choice, Canadian Sun, Cardiovascular Research, Eclectic Institute, Jarrow Formulas, Health From The Sun, Nature's Bounty, Nature's Way, Nutrilite, Nutri-Vet, Oakmont Labs, Puritan's Pride, Shaklee, SISU, Spectrum Essentials, Sundown, Udo's Choice (Flora), Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World, and 21st Century. The report also provides information about the use of these supplements.

Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available at www.consumerlab.com. New Reviews to be released in coming weeks include supplements used for menopause (including isoflavones, progesterone cream, and black cohosh), calcium and vitamin D, chromium, ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, weight loss supplements (including CLA and bitter orange), and saw palmetto. 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.

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 (www.pharmacychecker.com), an evaluator of online pharmacies. 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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