When you’re deciding on a supplement, you want to know how well it works. In Labdoor‘s rankings, we call this attribute “Efficacy”. As opposed to subjective consumer reviews and marketing hype though, we rely on scientific research to support our…
Category: Science
Green Tea Supplements vs. Drinking Green Tea
Green tea is one of those rare herbal products growing in consumer popularity mainly because scientific research has validated its health benefits. Indeed, a macrotrend in today’s dietary supplement market is veering towards prevention, self-care, and holistic approaches to wellness…
Who’s Best Qualified to Rate Supplements?
Deciding which supplements to buy has always been a tricky endeavour. The FDA has no real guidance for the quality of supplements on the market, so consumers have essentially had to rely on brand trust and word of mouth alone.…
Garcinia Cambogia: The Rise and Fall of a Fad Weight-Loss Supplement
21 of 29 garcinia cambogia supplements failed Labdoor’s label accuracy testing. When chemical testing proves that most of the best-selling products for a popular supplement barely contain the supplement itself, it’s easy to be concerned. This is the current quality…
Are Vitamins After Exercise Counterproductive?
Supplements, as concentrated sources of nutrients, are generally regarded as an inexpensive health insurance policy — and are thought to enhance health. Recent research, however, indicates that timing your supplements correctly may be the difference between health-enhancing and deleterious results.…
Melamine: An In-Depth Look at the Toxic Chemical in Our Kitchen
Introduction Many people will recognize melamine as an essential component of unbreakable, colorfully-designed, and inexpensive dishware. These qualities make melamine-based kitchenware popular among those who wanted affordable, yet stylish dishes and among parents to young children, for whom dropped dishes…
What is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?
What is it: HPMC is a chemically modified cellulose polymer that is off-white in color and considered safe for human consumption. It is most commonly used as an alternative to gelatin and gluten in vegan-friendly products. Common uses: Alternative to…
Is Vitamin D2 or D3 Better for Human Health?
Vitamin D refers to a group of 5 similarly structured vitamers–compounds with generally similar structures that show biological activity–the most important of which (for human health) are plant-produced vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and endogenously-synthesized vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Related: Vitamin D Production,…
Do Artificial Sweeteners Cause–Not Cure–Glucose Intolerance?
The big nutrition scare last week was the study in “Nature” finding that in mice and, maybe, humans, artificial sweeteners mess up the microbiome and make some people even more intolerant of glucose. The authors conclude that their results call…
Do You Know What’s Inside Supplement Capsules?
Most consumers know what supplements they are buying, but the ingredients of the capsule containing the supplement is often overlooked or unknown. Below are some of the main ingredients found in gelatin and vegetarian capsules. Gelatin What is it: Gelatin…