6/25/2016

Which Menopause Supplements Really Work?

Certain supplements may be better than others for hot flashes, vaginal dryness or night sweats according to a recent analysis of clinical studies. Get the details for soy, red clover and black cohosh in the "What It Does" section of the Menopause Supplements Review >>

11/27/2024

Herb for Menopause?

Does the herb shatavari (commonly known as wild asparagus) alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats? Find out what a recent study showed in our Menopause Supplement Review, which also discusses the effects of soy, red clover, kudzu, black cohosh, ipriflavone, Siberian rhubarb, and progesterone cream.

3/06/2019

Soy Isoflavones & Breast Cancer Risk

Soy isoflavones, which have estrogen-like effects, are used by women hoping to reduce menopausal symptoms. A new study suggests this use may raise the risk of breast cancer in some women but lower it in others. For details, see the What It Does section of the Soy Isoflavone Supplements Review.

11/01/2022

Soy & Breast Cancer?

Supplementing with soy isoflavones prior to menopause was shown to reduce dense breast tissue, which is associated with breast cancer, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Soy isoflavone section of our Menopause Supplements Review.

Also see our CL Answer about vitamins or supplements that may reduce breast cancer risk.

11/08/2022

Soy Isoflavone for Alzheimer’s?

Can supplementing with genistein, a soy isoflavone, improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what a recent study showed in our CL Answer about supplements for memory and cognition.

3/07/2023

Soy & Infertility?

Does high intake of soy foods or soy isoflavones make it harder to get pregnant? See what a recent study found in the Concerns and Cautions section of our review of soy isoflavone supplements.

9/16/2015

Soy Isoflavones Maintain Bone Calcium

A new study showed that soy isoflavones can reduce loss of calcium from bones in postmenopausal women. Certain formulations were more effective than others, although none was as effective as drug therapy. For details, see the Menopause Supplements Review >>

11/20/2018

Soy Can Affect Thyroid

Daily intake of soy isoflavones (as found in soy protein and soy isoflavone supplements) can affect thyroid hormone levels — even in people with normal thyroid function, according to a recent study. For details, see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Menopause Supplements Review and the Protein Supplements Review.

6/14/2022

Statin Interaction

Supplementing with soy isoflavones was found to reduce the activity of a cholesterol-lowering drug in some people. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions for soy section of our Menopause Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplement interactions with statin drugs.

7/15/2022

Is Soy Good or Bad?

Are soy products such as soy isoflavones, soy protein, soy oil, and soy lecithin beneficial or harmful? Find out in our answer to the question: Is soy in supplements good or bad for you?

12/17/2021

Soy and Breast Swelling in Men?

Can soy milk, soy protein, or soy isoflavone supplements cause breast swelling in men? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Plant-Based Milks Reivew. Also, see our Top Picks for soy milk.

12/14/2014

Soy for Menopause Symptoms

Many studies have shown that soy isoflavones, in the right dose, can reduce hot flashes in women experiencing menopause. A recently published study of soy looked at additional urogenital symptoms of menopause and found some benefit. For more about this, and to find supplements which deliver a proper dose, see the Menopause Supplements Review >> 

10/03/2023

Soy for Wrinkles?

Did taking soy protein with isoflavones reduce wrinkles, pigmentation, or dry skin in postmenopausal women? Find out what a recent study showed in the Soy section of our Menopause Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplements for tightening skin as well as our Top Pick collagen supplement for skin.

8/14/2018

Red Yeast Rice and Diet

Can taking red yeast rice lower cholesterol levels on top of reductions achieved by switching to a Mediterranean diet? See what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Red Yeast Rice Review.

Also, be aware that red yeast rice may aggravate symptoms of a neurological disorder, as described in a recent case report noted in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Red Yeast Rice Review.

10/23/2020

Side Effects of Red Yeast Rice

As with prescription statin medications for lowering cholesterol, serious side effects can occur with red yeast rice. See what a new review of reported side effects showed in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick for red yeast rice.

11/11/2020

A Different Red Yeast Rice

A CL member asked about a newer type of red yeast rice known as Ankascin 568-R Plus. We’ve added information about it to our Red Yeast Rice Review. Also see our Top Pick for red yeast rice.

10/02/2021

Low-Dose Red Yeast Rice for Cholesterol?

Can a low dose of red yeast rice significantly lower cholesterol levels? See what a recent clinical study found in the What It Does section of our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among red yeast rice supplements.

2/08/2020

Red Yeast Rice and Diabetes?

The use of statin drugs, like lovastatin (Mevacor) is associated with an increase in the risk of developing diabetes. But does red yeast rice carry the same risk? See what a large study found in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Red Yeast Rice Review. Also see our Top Pick for red yeast rice.

5/26/2017

Red Yeast Rice Better Than Statin?

Red yeast rice lowered cholesterol as well as a statin drug but with a lower rate of muscular side-effects, according to a new study. Other studies have shown similar results. But is red yeast rice right for you? There are pros and cons. See the "What It Does" section of the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review for more details. Also see "What CL Found" when popular brands of this supplement were tested.

2/24/2013

Red Yeast Rice Supplements Unchecked

University researchers recently asked the FDA whether it was testing or keeping track of red yeast rice supplements -- which can lower cholesterol levels. The answer was no. However, the researcher noted, ConsumerLab.com periodically tests these products, checking for levels of active compounds as well as a potential toxin which can occur in red yeast rice. Get more details and results of our product tests in the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review >>

1/17/2017

Red Yeast Rice Concerns

A review of adverse events associated with the use of red yeast rice products in Italy led researchers to suggest monitoring for signs of muscle and liver injury when using red yeast rice. For more details, see the "Cautions and Concerns" section of the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

10/26/2018

Extra Help From Red Yeast Rice?

Can red yeast rice lower cholesterol levels in people already taking the non-statin medications evolocumab and ezetimibe? Find out in our update to the What It Does section of the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Pick for red yeast rice.)

3/29/2024

Red Yeast Rice Linked to Deaths in Japan

Red yeast rice products in Japan have recently been recalled after being linked with kidney injury and four deaths. Get the details in our Red Yeast Rice Review, which includes our tests for citrinin (a potential kidney toxin in red yeast rice) and our Top Picks among products.

8/19/2024

Red Yeast Rice & Liver Cirrhosis

Are people who take red yeast rice less likely to develop liver cirrhosis than those who take lovastatin? See the results of a new study in the What It Does section of our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for red yeast rice.

8/26/2024

Lower Cholesterol with Nattokinase?

Does taking nattokinase along with red yeast rice lower cholesterol better than red yeast rice alone? Find out what a recent study showed in the Lowering cholesterol section of our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for red yeast rice.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

7/18/2024

Red Light Devices – More Answers

We've added more information to our recent article about red near infrared light devices about based on questions received:
 

• Vitiligo: Does red light help with vitiligo?
• Eye conditions: Is red light effective and safe for treating eye conditions , such as macular degeneration?
• Joint Pain: Is Move+ Pro by Kineon cleared by the FDA for reducing joint pain?
• Cleared by FDA? What is the difference between a device that has been "cleared" by the FDA as opposed to "approved" by the FDA?
• Product status: What is the FDA status of Omnilux Contour Face Mask, TenDlite, PainAway, and FibroLux?
• Devices vs. Sunshine? Since sunshine includes the wavelengths from red and near infrared light devices, why not just get sun exposure?

5/19/2023

Red Flags with Supplements

We just added a 7^th red flag to look out for when buying vitamins & supplements to our article about six other red flags.

7/29/2022

Who Should Use Red Yeast Rice

An international panel of experts recently published guidelines for use of red yeast rice. See the details in the ConsumerTips section of our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review.

5/27/2013

Red Yeast Rice with Sterols?

It is well known that taking a red yeast rice supplement can cause large reductions in LDL "bad" cholesterol and that sterol or stanol esters can lead to modest reductions. But does combining them result in greater benefits than using either alone? A new study says no. It's unclear, however, whether this is always the case. Get details in the updated Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review >>. Also see the updated, Cholesterol Lowering Supplements Review >>

6/24/2017

Red Yeast Rice Variability

While red yeast rice can significantly reduce high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, a recently published analysis of 28 brands re-emphasized the fact that amounts of active, cholesterol-lowering compounds can range from none to potent levels, yet this information is not found on labels. Read about the recent study and find out which products ConsumerLab has identified as the least and most potent in the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review >>

3/26/2019

Red Yeast Rice & Liver Injury

Hepatitis was recently reported in a woman in the U.S. who was taking a red yeast rice supplement. Other cases have been reported. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among products.

2/09/2024

Red Yeast Rice

Be aware that some red yeast rice products in the U.S. are higher strength than what’s now permitted in Europe. For details, see our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick.

2/09/2024

Concerned About Red Colorants?

Some supplements are colored with Red No. 3 or Red No. 40. Should you be concerned? Find out in our article about ingredients added to supplements.

10/17/2024

HPF Cholestene Discontinued?

A CL member noted that the red yeast rice supplement HPF Cholestene is no longer sold on Amazon and asked us if it is discontinued. We explain what’s going on in our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for red yeast rice.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

3/06/2025

A Caution with Red Light Therapy

People with darker skin tones should consider talking with a dermatologist before using an at-home red light device. Learn why in the Concerns and cautions section of our article about red light therapy.

3/17/2025

Red Light Therapy for Nerve Pain?

Does red or near infrared light therapy reduce pain and improve sensation among people with diabetic or chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy? Find out in our article about red and near infrared light therapy.

3/19/2025

8 Red Flags with Supplements

Learns what to watch out for in our article: Red Flags to Watch Out For When Buying Vitamins & Supplements.

3/06/2025

Light Therapy for Acne?

A recent article in a prominent journal suggests that red and blue light therapy is effective for acne. But this contrasts with the conclusions of other experts. Find out why in our article about red light therapy, which also reviews the evidence for aging skin, hair growth, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, cognition, and other conditions.

7/22/2024

Near Infrared Light for Cognition?

Find out if near infrared (NIR) light therapy improved cognitive function in healthy people or those with dementia in our article about red and NIR light therapy.

Also, learn whether red light therapy is beneficial for actinic keratosis (scaly patches on the skin caused by long-term sun exposure).

1/16/2025

Red No. 3 To Be Banned

The colorant, Red No. 3, will be banned from foods and supplements starting in 2027. Find out why in our article about Other Ingredients in Supplements.

9/27/2017

Lowering Cholesterol with Red Yeast Rice and Phytosterols

Red yeast rice and phytosterols help lower cholesterol through different mechanisms. Does combining them help more? See what two studies found in the ConsumerTips section of the Cholesterol-Lowerers Review >>

7/25/2021

Cholestene Update

The FDA recently advised consumers not to use the popular red yeast rice product, Cholestene, based on its testing. We asked the FDA what it actually found in Cholestene. Find out what we learned in the Update to our Red Yeast Rice Review.

9/28/2022

Justifying Bad Red Yeast Rice?

How can a major supplement company justify selling red yeast rice that ConsumerLab discovered to be contaminated and provide barely any active compound? Find out what a CL member was told when she asked the company.

6/10/2022

Supplement Company Reacts to Our Red Yeast Rice Review

The distributor of a red yeast rice product that was Not Approved in our recent tests has written that it disagrees with our conclusions and recommendations. Learn why and our response to its requests.

4/14/2025

Supplements & Chemotherapy

We’ve added information for red yeast rice and turmeric/curcumin to our article about how more than 20 types of supplements interact with chemotherapy agents.

7/01/2022

Colorant & Iron Overload?

Some supplements contain red iron oxide as a colorant. Should people at risk for iron overload be concerned about the iron provided by this ingredient? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Iron Supplements Review.

10/28/2012

Fish Oil Helps Memory

A small study of healthy young women and men found that those with the highest levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA in their red blood cells scored better on a memory test than those with lower levels. After six months of supplementation with a certain fish oil supplement, scores improved -- particularly among those whose DHA levels had been lowest. See the Fish Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review for details about this study, the particular supplement used, what fish oil can and cannot do, and our quality ratings of products. More >>

4/14/2013

Concern Over Carnitine Causing Cardiovascular Disease

Intake of L-carnitine from supplements (and from red meat) may foster atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), according to new research. Once ingested, L-carnitine is converted in some people to a compound which reduces the normal clearing of cholesterol from arteries.

For more details, see the updated reviews of B Vitamin Supplements & Energy Drinks and Protein Powders, as some of these products contain L-carnitine. The Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplements review has also been updated because acetyl-L-carnitine is chemically similar to L-carnitine, suggesting a potential concern.

11/13/2011

Resveratrol Improves Health Measures

A recently published study of obese men given resveratrol (sometimes referred to as "red wine extract") showed improvement in certain parameters of health. The study used a lower dose than often suggested. For details, see the What It Does and What to Consider When Buying and Using sections of the Resveratrol Supplements Review.

1/09/2024

Oats vs Supplement for Cholesterol?

Can eating oats every day reduce total and LDL cholesterol as much as taking a phytosterol/stanol supplement, like Cholestoff? Find out in our Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals, including steel-cut, rolled, and instant oats, and oat bran.

Also learn about red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol and our Top Pick among such supplements.

10/17/2023

Grape Seed Extract and Iron

Be aware that grape seed extract may affect iron levels in the body. For details, see our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

Also see: Which supplements can help treat anemia? Do any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?

7/26/2024

Light Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does light therapy reduce pain and improve function for people with plantar fasciitis, a common cause of foot pain? Find out our article about red and near infrared light therapy?

10/10/2024

Light Therapy for Parkinson's?

Does wearing a helmet which delivers red or near infrared light to the head (such as SYMBYX Neuro or VieLight Neuro Gamma) improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? Find out what research suggests in our article about light therapies. Also, find out if these helmets help people with mild cognitive impairment.

5/10/2024

Fatty15 for Anemia?

Is there clinical evidence that the supplement fatty15 optimizes red cell production? See our article about fatty15 (C15:0 fatty acid).

1/09/2025

Another Salmon Gone

We recently learned that our Top Pick for canned, sockeye “red” salmon, is no longer available. See our current recommendation in the Top Picks section of our Canned Fish Review – which includes our picks for tuna, pink salmon, sardines, and herring. (We are currently testing more canned fish products, based on members’ suggestions, so stay tuned for results.)

3/20/2025

Light Therapy for Macular Degeneration?

Use of a multiwavelength light device may slow progression and improve vision among people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a recent study, but not all light devices show a benefit. Get the details in our article about the health benefits and safety of red and near infrared light.

Also see our Vision Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for slowing macular degeneration.

3/14/2025

Toxin in Flaxseed

Despite our showing high levels of the toxin cadmium in some popular flaxseed products, responses from brands show that many are not doing enough to address this problem. See our take on responses from Bob’s Red Mill, Carrington Farms, Nature’s Path, Organic Traditions, Premium Farms, NOW Foods, Nuts.com, Terrasoul, and Wegmans. Also, see which flaxseeds passed or failed our tests and our Top Picks for flaxseed.