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

Psyllium Fiber Supplements Review

Find the Best Psyllium Fiber Supplement and Avoid Lead.

Psyllium Review 2024

Product Review

D-Mannose Supplements

Find out if D-mannose helps prevent urinary tract infections and how products compare.

D-Mannose Review 2023

Product Review

Choline and Lecithin Supplements Review (Including Phosphatidylcholine, CDP-Choline, and Alpha-GPC)

Choose the Best Choline Supplement. Find Out How Much Choline Popular Supplements Really Provide.

Product Review

Taurine Supplements Review for People, Dogs, and Cats

Find the Best Taurine Supplements. Learn When to Use Taurine and Which Supplement is Best.

Taurine Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Glutathione Supplements Review

Learn How Glutathione Products Differ, Which Failed, and Our Top Picks

Glutathione Review 2024

Product Review

Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (Including Spirulina and Chlorella)

Avoid Lead in Greens, Problems with Pills, and Don't Give Up Eating Whole Foods.

Greens Review Oct 2023

CL Answer

Where to Safely Buy Real Vitamins and Supplements Online, Not Fakes or Counterfeits

ConsumerLab explains how to avoid counterfeit vitamins and supplements when shopping online on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other sites. Learn to identify authorized sites and sellers and avoid fake supplements. Use the brand-by-brand guide to protect yourself from risk.

Woman in Orange Sweater

CL Answer

Sugar Substitutes: Pros, Cons, and Best Choices

Learn about the pros and cons of using sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners in place of table sugar. Sweeteners discussed include stevia, monk fruit, and other high-intensity sweeteners; xylitol, erythritol, allulose and other low-calorie sweeteners; and agave syrup, coconut sugar, honey, molasses and other sugar alternatives.

Stevia Health Benefits & Safety -- stevia leaf spoonful of stevia

Product Review

Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review

Big Differences in Strength Found Among Digestive Enzyme Supplements. CL Tests Reveal Which Are Best.

Product Review

Muscle & Workout Supplements Review (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids)

Do Creatine and BCAAs Really Improve Strength and Recovery?

Product Review

Melatonin Supplements Review

Trouble Sleeping? See CL's Tests of Melatonin Supplements and Top Picks.

Melatonin Review 2024

Recalls & Warnings

August 28, 2024

Now Foods Recalls Raw Brazil Nuts Due to Mold and Yeast

On August 14, 2024, NOW Foods issued a recall of its Now Foods Whole & Unsalted Raw Brazil Nuts because they were found to be contaminated with mold and yeast.

Product Review

Phosphatidylserine (PS) Supplements

Find out if phosphatidylserine helps with memory and which products are best.

Phosphatidylserine Review 2024

Product Review

L-Citrulline Supplements Review

Learn How Citrulline Products Differ and Our Top Picks

L-Citrulline Review 2023

Product Review

Selenium Supplements Review

Choose the Best Selenium Supplement. Find Out If You Need Selenium and Which Supplement Is Our Top Pick.

Selenium Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Milk Thistle Supplements Review

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

Milk Thistle and Liver Formula Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

L-Lysine Supplements Review

Read L-Lysine Labels Carefully. Some Can Fool You.

Product Review

Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review

Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests

Product Review

Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review

Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands

Product Review

GABA Supplements Review

Does GABA Work As a Supplement?

Product Review

Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review

Tests Reveal the Best and Worst Berberine and Goldenseal Products

Product Review

Shelled Walnuts (Halves & Pieces)

See Our Top Picks for Walnuts

Walnuts Review 2023

Product Review

Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)

Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality.

Product Review

Potassium Supplements Review

Be Careful with Potassium Supplements! Problems Found. Tests and Reviews of Potassium Supplements & CL's Top Picks.

Potassium Supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Apple Cider Vinegar Review — Bottled Liquids and Supplements

Find the Best Apple Cider Vinegar. See Which Apple Cider Vinegar Liquids and Supplements Passed Our Tests of Quality.

Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Ashwagandha Supplements Review

Find the Best Ashwagandha Supplement. Only 38% of Ashwagandha Products Pass Tests.

Ashwagandha 2024

Product Review

Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review

Find the Best Zinc Supplements and Lozenges. Have a Cold? See CL's Top Picks Among Zinc Supplements and Lozenges.

Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Reviewed 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

Product Review

Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)

See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs

Product Review

Whole, Ground, Milled, and Cracker Flaxseed Review

High Levels of Cadmium Found in Flaxseed Products — Testing Expanded

Product Review

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review

Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

Product Review

Vitamin C Supplements Review

Find the Best Vitamin C Supplements

Vitamin C Review 2023

Product Review

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

Find Out What Magnesium Does, Who Needs It, and Our Top Picks Among Supplements

Magnesium Review 2024

Recalls & Warnings

April 24, 2024

NOW Solutions XyliWhite Coconut Oil Toothpaste Gel Recalled

On March 6, 2024, NOW Foods issued a recall of over 27,000 units of NOW Solutions XyliWhite Coconut Oil Toothpaste Gel because it has an off taste and flavor.

CL Answer

Can glycine improve sleep, reduce depression, or reduce nighttime urinary frequency?

Can glycine really help improve sleep, reduce depression, or reduce nighttime urinary frequency? Lean more about glycine and its uses and benefits.

Glycine for Sleep and Nighttime Urinary Frequency? -- Older Man Sitting on Bed, Awake at Night

Product Review

Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders, Nibs, and Supplements Review -- Sources of Flavanols

Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? Find the Best Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Powder and Cocoa Supplements Based On Our Tests.

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of bovine colostrum and is it safe?

Bovine colostrum is promoted for boosting immunity, preventing and treating diarrhea, and improving gut health, but does it really work? See the clinical evidence for bovine colostrum, including doses that have been used, as well as safety concerns, cost considerations, and the difference between regular bovine colostrum and hyperimmune bovine colostrum.

Bovine colostrum powder and capsule supplements

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

Product Review

Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) Supplements Review

See Our Omega-3 Top Picks and Avoid Rancid Fish Oils.

Fish Oil and Other Marine Oil Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

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

June 22, 2011

Recall of Calcium & Magnesium Softgels Containing Excessive and Potentially Toxic Amounts of Vitamin D

On or about June 7, 2011, NOW Foods announced the following recall to retailers. ConsumerLab.com was subsequently made aware of the recall by a ConsumerLab.com member.

CL Answer

Can taurine help reduce muscle cramps?

Find out if taurine supplements can help reduce muscle cramps in people with liver damage (cirrhosis), reduce muscle soreness after exercise, or have other benefits. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Woman in bed with leg cramp

Product Review

Lycopene Supplements Review

Find the Best Lycopene Supplements. CL Tests Reveal That Not All Lycopene Supplements Contain What They Claim.

Lycopene Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Nattokinase Supplements Review

Choose the Best Nattokinase Supplement. CL Tests Reveal Which Nattokinase Suppplements Provide the Best Quality & Value.

Nattokinase Supplements Tested by Consumerlab.com

Product Review

Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) Review

We Identified the Best Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds Review 2024 (2)

Product Review

Astaxanthin Supplements Review

See Which Astaxanthin Products Passed or Failed CL's Tests

Astaxanthin supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

St. John's Wort Supplements Review

Find the Best St. John's Wort Supplement. Only 40% of St. John's Wort Supplements Pass Tests & Strength Varies Widely.

St John's Wort Supplements Reviewed By Consumerlab.com

Product Review

Valerian Supplements Review

Choose the Best Valerian Supplement. Strength and Contamination Vary Widely Among Popular Valerian Brands.

Valerian Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) Supplements Review

Choose the Best N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplement. See Our Tests of Popular NAC Supplements and Top Picks for Quality and Value.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

Should I be concerned about pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal supplements?

Find out which herbal supplement ingredients contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), learn why these constituents are a safety concern, and find out how supplements containing these ingredients are regulated in the U.S. and Europe.

Herbal capsules being poured out of supplement container onto table

Product Review

Resveratrol Supplements Review (From Red Wine, Knotweed, and Other Sources)

See Which Resveratrol Supplements Were Best In Our Tests and Comparisons. Learn What Resveratrol Can and Can't Do.

Review of resveratrol supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com, including ratings and comparisons of product quality, price, and ingredients.

Product Review

Vitamin A Supplements Review, Including Beta-Carotene and Cod Liver Oil

Find the Best Vitamin A Supplement. Best Quality Vitamin A Supplements Identified, Including Cod Liver Oil.

Vitamin A Supplements (Including Cod Liver Oil) Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

L-Arginine Supplements Review

Choose the Best L-Arginine Supplement. Find Out Which L-Arginine Supplement Passed CL's Tests.

L-Arginine Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) Supplements Review

Choose the Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplement. Finding Real Ginkgo Isn't Easy — 60% Fail ConsumerLab's Tests of Quality.

Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Sexual Enhancer Supplements Review (with Yohimbe, Horny Goat Weed, Arginine)

Choose the Best Sexual Enhancer Supplement. Only 30% of Selected Sexual Enhancement Supplements Pass Quality Tests.

Product Review

Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review

50% of Red Yeast Rice Supplements "NOT APPROVED" in CL Tests

Product Review

SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) Supplements Review

Choose the Best SAMe Supplement and Save Money

SAMe 2024 v2

Product Review

Sunflower Seeds and Butters Review

High Levels of Toxin Found in Most Sunflower Seeds and Butters

Sunflower Seeds & Butters 2024

CL Answer

Hemp Seeds: Health Benefits, Safety, and What To Consider When Picking a Product

Hemp seeds are promoted for heart health, diabetes, boosting testosterone, and other conditions, but do they work? Find out and learn about potential safety concerns.

Whole hemp seeds and hemp hearts in small white bowls

CL Answer

What is EpiCor? Does it really "boost" the immune system and prevent colds?

EpiCor supplement info, including evidence from clinical studies on immune function and cold/flu prevention, safety, and price.

Woman with Cold Holding Pill Bottle

Product Review

CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review

Find the Best CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements and Learn How They Differ

CoQ10 2024

CL Answer

Do glutathione supplements work to prevent aging or for other conditions?

Do glutathione supplements help with aging or other conditions such as cancer and diabetes?

Spoon filled with glutathione supplement capsules and held over a white plate

CL Answer

Are L-carnosine supplements helpful and safe?

Learn about the potential health benefits of L-carnosine, as well as possible safety concerns, drug interactions and cost.

Capsules with white powder and spoon holding white powder on white background

CL Answer

Does Bacopa extract improve memory, mood, or sleep? Is it safe?

Find out if bacopa improves memory and cognition, mood or sleep, and whether it's been shown to be helpful in people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Plus, learn about the safety and common side effects of bacopa.

Bacopa for Memory and Cognition -- Bacopa leaves and powder

CL Answer

Do any supplements help with restless legs syndrome?

Find out whether supplements or vitamins like iron, magnesium, vitamin E and others can help for restless leg syndrome (RLS). ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Supplements for Restless Legs Syndrome

CL Answer

Can supplements, natural eye drops, or lifestyle modifications improve symptoms of dry eye?

Can supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or curcumin (from turmeric) help treat dry eyes? Find out, including formulas and doses that have shown benefit. Also, learn if drinking more water or using eye drops containing castor oil, N-acetylcarnosine or aloe can help with dry eye.

Older man with dry eye rubbing his eyes while holding his glasses

CL Answer

Can D-mannose help prevent urinary tract infections?

Learn more about D-mannose and its impact on urinary tract infections (UTIs), including evidence from clinical studies.

Woman with UTI holding her hands over her lower abdomen

Recalls & Warnings

January 16, 2024

NOW Recall of Phosphatidylserine Prompted by ConsumerLab Findings

On January 10, 2023, NOW Health Group issued a voluntary recall of two lots of NOW Phosphatidyl Serine Extra Strength 300 mg Softgels and Protocol For Life Balance Phosphatidyl Serine Extra Strength 300 mg Softgels after a company investigation confirmed some of the products were ...

CL Answer

Does Prevagen really improve memory?

Learn more about Prevagen, including clinical studies on Prevagen's impact on memory & cognition, safety, pricing, and an FDA warning letter. ConsumerLab explores the efficacy of Prevagen.

Prevagen for Memory? -- bottle of Prevagen

CL Answer

Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?

Find out which supplements can help lower or control blood sugar. Supplements including turmeric/curcumin, fiber, cinnamon, and ginseng are believed to help lower blood sugar.

Blood Sugar Control -- blood test and blood sugar chart

Recalls & Warnings

October 05, 2023

Counterfeit Pure Encapsulations and GutConnect 365 Sold on Amazon

On September 26, 2023, a man from New Jersey was arrested for selling fake versions of Pure Encapsulations L-Glutamine and Nature MD's GutConnect 365 on Amazon.

News Release

February 25, 2017

Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2017 Based on Consumer Satisfaction

White Plains, New York, February 25, 2017 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,505 responses collected in late November and early December 2016.

Recalls & Warnings

March 22, 2016

NOW Foods Recalls Ginkgo & Other Supplements

On March 18, 2016, NOW Foods issued a recall of the following dietary supplements due to errors on the labels: 

News Release

February 25, 2016

Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2016 Based on Consumer Satisfaction

Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 11,534 responses collected in November, 2015. Respondents gave ratings for 963 brands and 399 merchants.

News Release

February 25, 2015

Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2015 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users

Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,329 responses collected in November, 2014. Respondents gave ratings for 1,709 brands and 891 merchants.

News Release

February 12, 2014

Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2014 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users

Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,326 responses collected in November, 2013. Respondents gave ratings for 1,639 brands and 788 merchants.

News Release

February 01, 2013

Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2013 Based on Consumer Satisfaction

Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,862 responses collected in November, 2012. Respondents gave ratings for 1,438 brands and 851 merchants.

News Release

February 01, 2012

Top-rated vitamin and supplement brands and merchants on consumer satisfaction for 2012 -- Based on ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users

Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,260 responses collected in November, 2011. Most respondents used multiple supplements.

News Release

February 01, 2011

Top-rated vitamin and supplement brands and merchants on consumer satisfaction for 2011 -- Based on ConsumerLab.com survey of vitamin and supplement users

Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 6,010 responses collected in November, 2010. Most respondents used multiple supplements.

News Release

January 31, 2011

Vitamin D use increased 52% in past two years according to ConsumerLab.com survey of supplement users -- Fish oil continued to surpass multivitamins as most popular supplement and Internet was most common place to buy supplements

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 1, 2011 — Among people who use dietary supplements, the most popular products at the end of 2010 were fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and CoQ10 according to a survey by ConsumerLab.com. Use of vitamin D surged in 2010 to 56.

News Release

July 10, 2009

Nine joint health supplements fail ConsumerLab.com quality review -- Lead contamination, missing ingredients and other problems found in supplements for people as well as for dogs, cats and horses; Many others approved

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JULY 10, 2009 — Nine supplements for osteoarthritis that ConsumerLab.com recently selected for testing were found to be contaminated with lead, lack all or some of a key ingredient or have other quality problems.

News Release

February 15, 2007

ConsumerLab.com survey shows brands and merchants rated highest by dietary supplement users

CONSUMERLAB.

News Release

March 29, 2006

ConsumerLab.com reports on 29 popular melatonin sleep supplements

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — MARCH 29, 2006 (UPDATED APRIL 7, 2006) — ConsumerLab.com announced test results today from its new Product Review of Melatonin Supplements covering 29 products.

Recalls & Warnings

September 11, 2015

Thirteen Manufacturers Ordered to Stop Selling Devil's Claw Supplements

On September 9, 2015, the New York State Attorney General ordered 13 manufacturers, including Thorne Research Inc., NBTY, Inc. (Puritan's Pride) Inc., and Now Foods, to stop selling devil's claw supplements which were found to contain the incorrect species of the plant.

Recalls & Warnings

August 28, 2018

FDA Warns Seller of Goldenseal and Parasite Supplements

On August 15, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Healthy Healing dba Crystal Star, following a facility inspection which found certain statements product labels, including product labels for Women's Best Friend and Para Purge, to be drug claims. 

Recalls & Warnings

September 08, 2017

Probiotic for Infants Recalled Due to Potential Choking Hazard

On September 7, 2017, Garden of Life, LLC, issued a recall of Baby Organic Liquid, a liquid probiotic supplement for infants, because the product, as labeled, includes directions for use that may be misinterpreted and could pose a choking hazard due to the thickness of the liquid.

Recalls & Warnings

March 12, 2016

FDA Finds Problems at 58% of Supplement Manufacturing Sites in U.S. and Abroad

ConsumerLab.com has obtained results of the FDA's inspections in Fiscal Year 2015 (ending September 30) of 483 dietary supplement manufacturing facilities, showing that most -- 58.2% -- received letters indicating noncompliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).