Product Reviews and Information for Ulcerative Colitis
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CL Answer
Do any supplements help for ulcerative colitis?
Find out what supplements & vitamins can help with ulcerative colitis, such as VSL#3, curcumin, aloe or boswellia.
CL Answer
Can N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) really help improve symptoms of bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Find out if N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) can help improve symptoms of bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Product Review
Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review
See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products
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
Probiotic Supplements Review (Including Pet Probiotics)
Probiotics: See What They Really Contain and Our Top Picks
Clinical Update
4/07/2023
Supplement for Colitis?
Does taking phosphatidylcholine help with ulcerative colitis? See what the research has shown in the Ulcerative colitis section of our Choline Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among phosphatidylcholine supplements.
Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements help for ulcerative colitis?
CL Answer
Butyrate Supplements for Gut Health: Does butyric acid really work and is it safe?
Can butyrate supplements improve gut health or help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease? Find out what the clinical evidence shows, learn about the different forms of butyrate, including sodium butyrate, calcium-magnesium butyrate, and tributyrate, and get details about products such as BodyBio Sodium Butyrate and Healus Complete Biotic Tributyrin, dosage, safety and cost.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of andrographis? Can it treat colds, help with joint pain, or other conditions, and is it safe?
Learn about the health benefits of andrographis, whether it can help relieve cold symptoms, reduce pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, decrease symptoms of ulcerative colitis, or slow the growth of cancer. See the clinical evidence for the branded andrographis extract ParActin. Plus, learn about dosage, side effects and drug interactions with andrographis.
CL Answer
Does taking curcumin and boswellia together increase their individual anti-inflammatory effects?
Find out if taking boswellia and curcumin together can increase their individual anti-inflammatory effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Psyllium Fiber Supplements Review
Find the Best Psyllium Fiber Supplement and Avoid Lead.
Product Review
Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Boswellia, Collagen and Turmeric)
One-Third of Joint Health Supplements Failed to Pass Our Tests. See Which Passed or Failed, and our Top Picks.
Clinical Update
2/13/2018
Fish Oil for Ulcerative Colitis
A special formulation of high-dose fish oil was found to help people with ulcerative colitis remain in remission in a placebo-controlled study. It also reduced levels of a key marker of inflammation. For details, see the Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Diseases section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
8/25/2018
Curcumin Helps Ulcerative Colitis
Curcumin has been shown to reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and maintain remission. Get the details, including dosage and forms, in the What It Does section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for curcumin supplements.)
Clinical Update
6/02/2017
Curcumin for Ulcerative Colitis?
Some studies have found curcumin helpful when added to medical treatment for ulcerative colitis, but a recent study found no benefit. Find out how this study was different and learn more about other uses of curcumin in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric & Curcumin Supplements Review, which includes CL's tests and comparisons of popular brands.
Clinical Update
4/18/2023
Butyrate for Colitis?
Does supplementing with butyrate improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis or maintain remission? Find out what research suggests in our updated CL Answer about butyrate supplements for gut health.
Also see our CL Answer about supplements for ulcerative colitis.
Clinical Update
1/30/2024
Ulcerative Colitis
Find out if drinking coconut water or taking psyllium helped people with active ulcerative colitis in recent studies. Also see our Top Picks among coconut waters and psyllium supplements.
Clinical Update
10/28/2022
Zinc Deficiency & Bowel Disease
A recent study showed zinc deficiency to be extremely common among people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD). Find out more and if zinc supplements may help in the Zinc deficiency section of our Zinc Supplements Review.
Learn more about supplements for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Clinical Update
2/28/2023
Psyllium for Colitis?
Can supplementing with psyllium help maintain remission in people with ulcerative colitis? Find out what research suggests in our Psyllium Supplements Review.
Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements help for ulcerative colitis?
CL Answer
Has the probiotic VSL#3 been changed or discontinued? Is Visbiome a good alternative?
Find out if the probiotic formula VSL#3 has been changed and how it compares with Visbiome. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
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.
CL Answer
What is TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid)? Does it have any proven health benefits, and is it safe?
TUDCA information, including its potential health benefits, safety, possible interactions, and cost.
CL Answer
Do sea moss and carrageenan have health benefits? Are there risks?
Sea moss is promoted for thyroid health, boosting immunity, improving gut health, and other uses. Find out if it works and learn about possible side effects of sea moss and its constituent, carrageenan.
CL Answer
Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?
Find out if supplements such as turmeric, fish oil, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), boswellia, ginger, white willow bark or arnica may, or may not, be helpful to people sensitive to NSAIDs.
Product Review
Coconut Waters Review
Best Coconut Water? See Our Tests and Comparisons of Popular Brands Looking at Sugar, Electrolytes, Taste and Price.
CL Answer
What is the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil? Is one better than the other?
Find out how regular fish oil and cod liver oil differ including amounts of omega-3s EPA and DHA, vitamin A and vitamin D, which is best to suit your needs. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Bone Broth Review
Find the Best Bone Broth. Find Out How Much Collagen and Sodium Is Really In Popular Bone Broths.
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.
Clinical Update
2/13/2024
Crohn’s Disease, Colitis & Key Nutrients
Experts are advising that people with inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, be monitored for deficiencies in vitamin D and iron.
Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D and iron supplements.
Clinical Update
6/09/2020
Probiotics That Do or Don't Work
An expert panel of gastroenterologists reviewed the clinical evidence for probiotics in preventing or treating C. difficile infection, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, pouchitis, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Find out for which conditions they recommend probiotics and for which they don't in the What They Do section of the Probiotic Supplements Review (we've highlighted their recommendations in yellow). Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.
Clinical Update
3/03/2015
Impressive Results with Curcumin in Colitis
A recent study in people with ulcerative colitis not responsive to traditional therapy found that the addition of curcumin to the regimen led to remission in more than 50% of patients. For details about the treatment, as well as our reviews of curcumin products, see the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review >>
CL Answer
Which supplements can help treat anemia? Do any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?
Find out which vitamin and nutrient supplements can help prevent and treat anemia in people who are nutrient deficient and learn which supplements may cause low blood cell counts, especially when used in excess.
CL Answer
Do any supplements or foods benefit people with Crohn's disease? Are there any supplements that should be avoided?
Find out the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people with Crohn's disease, including iron, B6, B12, vitamin D, zinc and others, plus evidence for N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG), fish oil, and curcumin.
CL Answer
I read that turmeric may be a GI irritant. I have GI problems and wonder if I should avoid turmeric and curcumin?
Find out if turmeric/curcumin supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritability.
CL Answer
How does turmeric spice compare to curcumin (turmeric extract) in supplements? I sprinkle it on my foods and wonder if that's equivalent to taking a supplement.
What is the difference between turmeric spices used in the kitchen and turmeric supplements? Is sprinkling turmeric on my food equivalent to taking a turmeric supplement? ConsumerLab's answer explores this question.
Product Review
B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)
See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing
Product Review
Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K, and Boron)
Find the Best Vitamin D Supplement and Avoid Problems
Product Review
Selenium Supplements Review
Choose the Best Selenium Supplement. Find Out If You Need Selenium and Which Supplement Is Our Top Pick.
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.
CL Answer
How do the COVID-19 vaccines compare in terms of efficacy, safety and side effects? How, when and where do I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Find out how the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna compare and learn how when and where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Product Review
Joint Health Supplements for Pets Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM & Boswellia)
See Which Pet Supplements for Joint Health Passed Our Tests and Which Didn't!
Product Review
Aloe Juices, Gels, and Supplements Review
How Much Aloe is Really in Aloe Products? Find Out and See Our Top Picks.
Product Review
Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review
Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead
Product Review
Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review
Big Differences in Strength Found Among Digestive Enzyme Supplements. CL Tests Reveal Which Are Best.
Product Review
Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)
See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs
News Release
June 29, 2023
ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices
White Plains, New York, June 29, 2023 — Turmeric and curcumin (a key compound in turmeric) are promoted for uses including osteoarthritis, seasonal allergies, and ulcerative colitis, as well as improving cognition and reducing symptoms of depression.
CL Answer
Does Restore (Biomic Sciences LLC) really improve gut health? What is in Restore?
Learn more about Restore, including clinical studies on gut health, dosage, cost, and safety.
News Release
September 27, 2019
Best Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Identified by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, September 27, 2019 — Turmeric and curcumin (the major compound in turmeric) are among the most popular supplements, promoted to reduce inflammation and help with conditions such as arthritis as well as indigestion and depression.
News Release
May 15, 2019
ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Big Differences in Digestive Enzyme Supplements
White Plains, New York, May 15, 2019 — Digestive enzyme supplements can help improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients, and may reduce symptoms of indigestion. But to work, they must provide a certain amount of enzyme activity.
News Release
February 03, 2017
ConsumerLab.com Shows How Much Choline is Really in Supplements -- ConsumerLab.com Tests Phosphatidylcholine (From Soy Lecithin), Citicoline, Alpha-GPC and Other Choline-Containing Supplements, Identifying Top Picks
White Plains, New York, February 3, 2017 — Choline is an essential nutrient important for liver and brain function. It can be obtained from the diet and most people also produce significant amounts in their bodies.
News Release
February 26, 2014
Mislabeling of Some Joint Health Supplements with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM According to ConsumerLab.com -- 38 Supplements Tested, Including Products for Dogs and Cats --
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2014 — Glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM are popular dietary supplement ingredients for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis — worn joint cartilage.
Recalls & Warnings
May 30, 2020
FTC Sends Refund Checks for TrueAloe and AloeCran
On May 26, 2020, the FTC announced it is mailing 22,581 checks totaling more than $470,000 to consumers who purchased deceptively marketed supplements, TrueAloe and AloeCran.
News Release
December 16, 2013
What's Really in Turmeric Supplements and Spices? You May Not Want to Know -- 33% of Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Fail ConsumerLab.com's Review; Filth Found in Spices
White Plains, New York, December 16, 2013 — Supplements containing the herb turmeric or its key constituent, curcumin, are popular treatments for inflammatory diseases. ConsumerLab.
News Release
August 31, 2012
ConsumerLab.com tests selenium supplements -- Finds one with less than 25% of listed amount
White Plains, New York, August 31, 2012 — ConsumerLab.com announced results today of its Product Review of Selenium Supplements. Among the supplements selected by ConsumerLab.com for testing, one was found to contain only 23.
News Release
February 16, 2011
Some turmeric and curcumin supplements fail quality review -- ConsumerLab.com finds 20% of turmeric supplements selected for review deliver less than 15% of promised compounds
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 16, 2011 — Supplements containing the herb turmeric or its key compound, curcumin, have become popular in the U.S. ConsumerLab.com cautioned today that two out of ten turmeric products recently selected for quality testing were found to provide only 7.
Clinical Update
2/03/2021
Thiamin Deficiency from Bowel Disease
People with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s or colitis) can develop thiamin (vitamin B-1) deficiency, which can lead to life-threatening brain injury, as noted in a recent review of 31 cases. Learn more about this and other causes of thiamin deficiency in the Thiamin section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.
Recalls & Warnings
October 22, 2019
Seller of TrueAloe and AloeCran Settles Charges of Making False Claims
NatureCity, LLC, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges that they deceived consumers by making false claims about their TrueAloe and AloeCran products.
Recalls & Warnings
July 01, 2015
Undeclared Drugs Found In Male Enhancement Supplements
On June 10, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter American Lifestyle, following tests which found the company's sexual enhancement supplements Vicerex and Sudibil-Xr to contain the undeclared drugs propoxyphenyl thioaildenafil and tadalafil.
Recalls & Warnings
September 13, 2013
Metagenics Warned For Misbranding of Medical Foods and Drug Claims
On August 13, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Metagenics, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
March 01, 2023
Seller of Dr. Miller’s Herbal “Detox” Teas Warned by FDA for Drug Claims
On February 3, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Jackson Health & Wellness Clinic after inspection of the company’s website found statements about the company’s Dr. Miller’s Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Super Holy Tea, Dr. Miller’s Ultimate Tea, Dr.
Recalls & Warnings
October 18, 2017
FDA Warns Seller of Arthritis, Blood Pressure, Diabetes Supplements For Making Drug Claims
On August 15, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Years to Your Health, Inc., following an inspection of the company's website which found a number of their products to be misbranded, as they contained drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
May 29, 2013
Seller of Colloidal Silver, Noni Juice and Noni Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On May 16, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Matrix Health Products, Inc.