03.01.08
Turmeric supplements have become popular in recent years, but ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, recently found that some products might contain high amounts of lead. In its latest product review, the testing company found a popular brand to contain 18.7 mcg of lead in a daily serving—the highest amount ever reported by ConsumerLab.com. A daily serving of another brand was contaminated with 8.3 mcg of lead. Interest in turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities has propelled sales from just $8 million in 2002 to $32 million in 2006, according to Nutrition Business Journal. Two products failed to pass ConsumerLab.com’s tests because they provided only 11.5% and 49.5%, respectively, of expected curcuminoids. A fifth product did not specify the part of the plant used—a FDA labeling requirement. ConsumerLab.com purchased the supplements from stores, catalogs and online retailers. All deficiencies were confirmed in a second independent laboratory.
In other news, ConsumerLab.com reports that the quality of omega 3 and 6 fatty acid supplements has improved. More specifically, in a recent test, two products were slightly low in one fatty acid, compared to ConsumerLab.com’s studies in 2002 and 2005 in which, respectively, six and four products failed testing. None of the current products showed evidence of spoilage, which has been found in the past.
In other news, ConsumerLab.com reports that the quality of omega 3 and 6 fatty acid supplements has improved. More specifically, in a recent test, two products were slightly low in one fatty acid, compared to ConsumerLab.com’s studies in 2002 and 2005 in which, respectively, six and four products failed testing. None of the current products showed evidence of spoilage, which has been found in the past.