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Product Review

Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review

Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and is it safe?

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is commonly promoted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Find out if it works.

Woman holding her wrist due to joint pain

Product Review

Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review

Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands

Product Review

Plant-Based Milks Review (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Macadamia, Oat, Pea, and Soy)

Find the Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternative. ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really In Plant-Based Milks.

Plant Based Milks reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review

Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements tested by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review

See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes

Product Review

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review

Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

CL Answer

How do the Beyond Burger, the Impossible Burger, and a beef burger compare in terms of vitamins and minerals, and which is best?

Read our comparison of the Beyond Burger and the Impossible Burger, plant-based, meat alternative burgers. Compare nutrition, vitamins and minerals. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Beyond Burger vs. Impossible Burger: Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals -- cooked plant-based burger on bun

Product Review

Nutrition Bars & Cookies Review (For Energy, Fiber, Protein, Meal Replacement, and Whole Foods)

Find the Best Nutrition Bar or Cookie. ConsumerLab Tests Reveals Not All Nutrition Bars and Cookies Contain What They Claim.

Nutrition Bars Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com (Energy, Fiber, Meal Replacement, Protein, and Whole Food Bars)

Clinical Update

2/13/2024

PEA for Migraine?

Does taking PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) reduce migraine pain or lessen the number and severity of future episodes? Find out what a recent study showed in the Health effects section of our article about PEA, which includes a comparison of PEA products.

Also see: Do any supplements or foods help with migraine? Do any trigger migraine?

Clinical Update

11/07/2023

PEA Top Choices

Find out which PEA supplements are our top choices in our article about PEA (palmitoylethanolamide). (Note: ConsumerLab has not yet tested PEA products, but we reviewed the science and compared product labels and prices.)

Clinical Update

12/23/2023

PEA for Seasonal Allergies?

Does palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) reduce the severity of seasonal allergy symptoms? Find out what a recent study showed in our article about PEA,  which includes comparisons of popular PEA supplements.

Also see: Which supplements are best for seasonal allergies?

CL Answer

What is the best protein supplement for vegetarians and vegans?

Find out which protein supplements for vegetarians and vegans are best, including those made from whey, casein, soy, rice, pea, and hemp. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Protein Powder Scoop

Clinical Update

1/28/2015

Pea Protein for Muscle

Like whey protein, pea protein is now being used in protein powders. A recent placebo-controlled study compared the two and suggests that pea protein is a viable option for increasing muscle mass. See the details in the Protein Supplements Review >> 

Clinical Update

10/23/2021

How Good Is Pea Protein?

How does the amino acid quality and digestibility of pea protein compare to casein? Find out what a new study showed in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Supplements Review, which also explains the differences between whey, soy, rice, and other sources of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein powders, including our Top Pick for pea protein.

Clinical Update

1/05/2024

PEA & Thyroid Function

Does taking PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) affect thyroid function or interact with thyroid medication such as Synthroid (levothyroxine)? Find out in the Comments section of our article about PEA.

Also see our article about food and supplement interactions with levothyroxine.

Clinical Update

10/31/2023

PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) for Back Pain, Colds?

See the results of two recent clinical studies that evaluated PEA. One used PEA to treat low back pain/sciatica and the other to prevent or reduce symptoms of respiratory tract infections.

Also see: Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica or diabetic neuropathy? and Do any supplements help prevent or treat a cold?

Clinical Update

2/23/2024

PEA With Antidepressants?

Does PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) interact with antidepressants such as SSRIs or MAOIs? Find out in our article about the safety and health effects of PEA.

Clinical Update

9/06/2024

PEA for Multiple Sclerosis?

Is taking PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) helpful to people with multiple sclerosis (MS)? Find out what research suggests in our article about PEA.

Also see our Supplements for multiple sclerosis (MS): Do any supplements reduce symptoms or relapse?

Clinical Update

6/20/2023

PEA for Pain Relief?

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is promoted for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, as well as for other uses such as tinnitus and mood disorders. But does it really work, and is it safe? Find out in our article about the health benefits of PEA.

Clinical Update

10/10/2023

PEA for Glaucoma?

Does PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) reduce intraocular pressure and slow loss of vision due to glaucoma? Find out in our article about PEA.

CL Answer

Which supplements help with arthritis?

Learn more about supplements for joint health, including products such as Wobenzym and Zyflamend and ingredients such as collagen, curcumin, glucosamine and chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), SAMe, and others.

Supplements for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis -- Women With Arthritic Hands

CL Answer

Top 8 vitamins and nutrients for vegetarians and vegans

Find out which 8 supplements may be needed by vegetarians or vegans to meet all their daily nutrient requirements and learn ways to find supplements that do not contain ingredients objectionable to people following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Woman pouring supplements into her hand while sitting in front of a table on which vegetables are placed

CL Answer

Supplements for multiple sclerosis (MS): Do any supplements reduce symptoms or relapse?

Find out if vitamins or supplements such as ginkgo, fish oil, biotin, vitamins A, C, E, D, and B12, or selenium reduce symptoms or relapse in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS 3

CL Answer

I enjoy oat milk in my coffee, but how healthy is it for me?

Is oat milk healthy? Information about oat milk contents, how much sugar and calcium is in oat milk, and if it is a healthy alternative to cow milk.

Is oatmeal milk healthy? -- glass of oatmeal milk and oats in a spoon

CL Answer

Conolidine: Evidence for Pain Relief, Safety, and CONOCB2™ Products Explained

Find out if conolidine, the main ingredient in CONOCB2 Blend, offers natural pain relief without the side effects of opioids. Also learn about the top conolidine products available today.

Three commercial products that contain conolidine

Clinical Update

1/15/2019

Pea vs. Whey Protein

Which is better for increasing strength and muscle thickness, pea protein or whey protein? See what a recent study showed in the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Pick for each type of protein.

Clinical Update

5/04/2021

PEA for Joint Pain?

Can PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) reduce joint pain? Find out what a recent study found in our answer to the question: Which supplements can help with arthritis?

Clinical Update

9/28/2021

PEA for Depression?

Can taking palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) along with citalopram (an antidepressant) improve symptoms in people with depression? Find out in our updated answer to the question: What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?

Clinical Update

1/10/2023

Phytates in Pea Protein

Is pea protein powder is a significant source of the phytate, which can reduce mineral absorption? Find out what research suggests in the ConsumerTips section of our Protein Powders Review.

Clinical Update

1/13/2023

How Much Phytate in Pea Protein?

Although not on the label, we found out how much phytate, an anti-nutrient, is in our Top Pick for pea protein powder. Learn the details and implications in our updated Protein Powders and Shakes Review.

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

Which supplements are best for seasonal allergies?

Find out which supplements are best for allergies and can help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms, including bromelain, curcumin, vitamin D, and CLA.

Supplements for Seasonal Allergies -- Woman Outside Sneezing

CL Answer

What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?

Best natural supplements for depression and anxiety, including the evidence for fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal supplements for depression such as curcumin (from turmeric) and saffron.

Best Supplements for Depression and Anxiety -- sad young woman sitting on couch, looking toward the window

CL Answer

Do any supplements, like Nervive, help with nerve pain, like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia?

Find out which supplements for nerve pain, including fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid, are effective for sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, or postherpetic neuralgia.

Product Review

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review

Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies

CL Answer

Do any supplements or lifestyle changes reduce the symptoms of tinnitus? Is it true that some supplements can cause tinnitus?

Learn which supplements can ease tinnitus, including melatonin and pine bark extract. Understand which may actually cause tinnitus.

Word blocks spelling out “tinnitus”

Clinical Update

11/07/2024

Supplements for Parkinson’s?

Find out if taking CDP-choline (a.k.a., citicoline) or PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) help people with Parkinson’s disease in our article: Do supplements help with Parkinson’s disease treatment or prevention?

Product Review

Bone Broth Review

Find the Best Bone Broth. Find Out How Much Collagen and Sodium Is Really In Popular Bone Broths.

Bone Broth Supplements Reviewed by Consumerlab.com

CL Answer

I'm thinking of changing my multivitamin, but the one I'm considering doesn't contain molybdenum. Most others have it. How important is molybdenum?

Learn more about the essential nutrient molybdenum, including foods that contain it and possible deficiency.

Women Holding Glass in One Hand and Vitamins in the Other

CL Answer

I've heard that soaking dried beans for 24 hours reduces the phytate level, allowing for greater access to nutrients. Is this true?

Does soaking dried beans in water help reduce phytate levels to help gain greater access to nutrients?

Soaking Beans to Remove Phytates -- white beans soaking in a bowl of water

Clinical Update

1/11/2022

Soy Versus Whey Protein

Can soy protein help increase muscle mass and strength as well as the same amount of whey protein? See what a recent study showed in the Soy section of our Protein Powders and Drinks Review, which includes comparisons of whey, casein, soy, rice, pea and other forms of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.

Clinical Update

3/28/2023

Protein For Faster Improvement?

Did taking a protein supplement lead to faster improvement in walking speed among older men and women than exercise alone? Find out what a recent study showed in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of our Protein Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Pick among protein supplements (including whey, casein, pea, and soy).

Clinical Update

12/02/2022

Thyroid Medication & Tinnitus?

Does having thyroid disease, or taking the thyroid medication levothyroxine (Synthroid), cause tinnitus? Find out in our article about tinnitus, which includes information about the effects of more than one dozen medications, and whether supplements, such as PEA, can help.

News Release

June 30, 2022

Best Protein Shakes & Drinks According to ConsumerLab Tests. Lead, Excess Sodium Found in Some

White Plains, New York, June 30, 2022 — Consumers may get more sodium, fat, calories, or even lead, than they bargained for from some protein supplements, according to recent ConsumerLab tests of over 20 popular protein powders and shakes.

CL Answer

Do supplements help with Parkinson’s disease treatment or prevention?

Learn what has been shown with vitamins D and E, niacin, CoQ10, melatonin, creatine, SAMe, NAC, valerian, CoQ10, and CBD, as well as with coffee and the Mediterranean and MIND diets for treating and/or preventing Parkinson's disease.

Elderly man with parkinsons holding trembling hand while eating

Product Review

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review

See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products

CL Answer

Which foods are a good source of B vitamins?

Find out which foods are a good source of B vitamins (like folate and B-12) and when you should take Vitamin B supplements.

Good Sources of B Vitamins -- selection of healthy foods including eggs, rice, nuts, seeds, salmon, chicken

Product Review

Probiotic Supplements Review (Including Pet Probiotics)

Probiotics: See What They Really Contain and Our Top Picks

Clinical Update

10/02/2024

Lowering Cholesterol: Beans vs. Peas

Did routine consumption of beans or peas lower cholesterol most in people with elevated cholesterol? See what a recent study found in our article about supplements and foods for lowering cholesterol.

Clinical Update

8/02/2022

Increasing Folate from Beans & Peas

Beans and peas are great dietary sources of folate (vitamin B-9), but the right preparation can more than double their folate levels, according to a recent study. Find out how in the Folate section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

Also see our table of Foods Containing B Vitamins to find out other foods that are good sources of folate and other B vitamins.

News Release

May 22, 2020

Best Alternative Milks? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really in Plant-Based Milks

White Plains, New York, May 22, 2020 — Plant-based milks such as soy, oat and almond milk are often promoted as a healthy alternative to regular milk.

CL Answer

Do any supplements help prevent or treat a cold?

Are there supplements that can help prevent or treat cold symptoms? Learn more about zinc, probiotics, vitamin C and more.

Supplements for Colds: Zinc, Echinacea & More -- Couple with cold, sitting on couch blowing their noses

CL Answer

Which supplements and foods reduce or increase the risk of kidney stones?

Find out which supplements, foods and beverages may increase or decrease the risk of kidney stones, including information about potassium, calcium, choline, turmeric and curcumin, vitamin C, as well as foods and beverages such as green tea, lemon juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, chocolate and almonds.

Supplements for Kidney Stones

Clinical Update

1/30/2024

More Phytate Questions Answered

After posting about how to reduce phytate and lectins (which are anti-nutrients) in foods, we received and answered the following related questions:

We also answered this question about rice:

Can rinsing rice or cooking it in excess water help remove arsenic?

CL Answer

Do hair loss supplements, such as Viviscal, Hair La Vie, and Nutrafol, or topical essential oils work?

Vitamins and supplements that may help with hair loss and thinning, including saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, protein, iron, and vitamin D.

Supplements for Hair Loss -- woman looking at hairbrush

CL Answer

Can fluoride in toothpaste, mouth rinses or drinking water cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children?

Find out if community water fluoridation increases the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or causes lower IQ in children, and learn what the American Dental Association recommends when using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouth rinses in children.

Small amount of toothpaste being applied to a toothbrush with a glass of water in the background

CL Answer

Which supplements may benefit people with essential tremor, and which should be avoided?

Learn about supplements used for treating essential tremor, including caprylic acid (also called octanoic acid), thiamin (vitamin B1), cannabidiol (CBD), GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and branched-chain amino acids. Find out which work and which don't. Also find out which supplements and food may make essential tremors worse.

Man with essential tremor holding a cup with his right hand and bracing his wrist with his left hand

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of luteolin, and is it safe?

Find out if luteolin, a compound found in many fruits and vegetables, is beneficial for cancer, heart health, skin aging, age-related cognitive decline, and other conditions, and learn if it's safe.

Luteolin containing vegetables including celery peppers lettuce and spinach

News Release

January 03, 2019

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks -- 20% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail CL's Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, January 3, 2019 — Combined with resistance exercise, protein supplements can help athletes build muscle and older people prevent muscle loss. They can also help people with diabetes maintain blood sugar levels when consumed as part of a low-calorie diet.

Recalls & Warnings

August 17, 2021

Love & Peas Protein Rich Meal Replacement Recalled

On July 30, 2021, Nature's Sunshine issued a recall of certain lots of Love & Peas Protein Rich Meal Replacement because it may contain milk.

Recalls & Warnings

July 24, 2023

ONO Overnight Oats Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On July 18, 2023, ONO LLC issued a voluntary recall of the company’s ONO Vegan Blueberry Muffin Protein Overnight Oats due to undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

February 17, 2022

Seller of L-Theanine, Lutein, Noopept and More Warned for Drug Claims

On February 4, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Crystal Clear Supplements following a review of the company’s website and social media which found statements about Tianeptine Sodium Powder, Tianeptine Sulfate Powder, PEA Capsules, Phenibut Capsules, Synephrine Powder, Noopept ...

News Release

June 15, 2016

28% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail ConsumerLab.com's Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, June 15, 2016 — Protein powders and drinks can help build and maintain muscle when combined with exercise and can also help with blood sugar control. However, recent ConsumerLab.

News Release

June 11, 2013

31% of Protein Powders and Drinks Fail Tests by ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York — June 11, 2013 — What's really in a scoop of "protein powder"? sIn some products, a lot less protein or a lot more carbohydrates than you would expect, and perhaps even a serving of something you don't want -- lead. That's according to recent tests by ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

June 17, 2022

Built Brand Protein Bar Recalled Due to E. Coli Concern

On June 10, 2022, Built Brands, LLC. Issued a recall of 4,146 Banana Cream Pie Puffs protein bars after routine testing discovered potential contamination with E. coli (Escherichia coli).

Recalls & Warnings

November 09, 2021

Five Brands of Protein Supplements Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On November 9, 2021, Nutracap Holdings, LLC issued a recall of certain Boba Origin, Etedream, RAW, Steel, and Vital Force protein supplements because they contain potential allergens, including soy, milk, wheat, and/or coconut, that are not declared on the label.

Recalls & Warnings

February 05, 2019

Hill's Science Diet, Prescription Diet Dog Food Recalled Due to Risk of Vitamin D Toxicity

Recall Expanded (3/20/19): This recall was expanded to include additional products.

Recalls & Warnings

September 19, 2012

FDA Reports Arsenic in Rice Products -- Particularly Brown Rice

On September 19, 2012, the U.S. FDA released results of its testing of nearly 200 samples of rice and rice products, finding appreciable levels in many products, although the amounts in only a few exceed the cancer-warning threshold of the State of California (10 mcg per daily serving).

Recalls & Warnings

February 03, 2015

Major Retailers Accused of Selling Adulterated Herbal Supplements

On February 3, 2015, the New York State Attorney General announced that his office sent letters to four major retailers, GNC, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens, for allegedly selling store brand herbal supplement products in New York that either could not be verified to contain the labeled substance, ...