01.06.10
Nine of 10 milk thistle supplements failed to meet quality standards in a recent test from ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY. Two products failed to properly list the part of the milk thistle plant used—an FDA requirement. Among the remaining supplements, only one contained the expected amount of silymarin compounds, which are believed to be the active constituents of milk thistle. Studies suggest silymarin may be helpful in type 2 diabetes and, possibly, certain liver conditions. While most products claimed that their milk thistle extracts were standardized to 80% silymarin, ConsumerLab.com found actual amounts to range from 47-67%.
In another recent report, ConsumerLab.com determined that many probiotic supplements do not contain the number of viable organisms listed on their labels. The testing organization found that at the time a probiotic is purchased it may contain as little as 10-58% of the amount listed on its label. Out of 13 products selected for testing, only two accurately listed the number of cells viable at the time of purchase. The actual amount of viable probiotic cells in a daily serving ranged from more than 10 billion to less than 100 million. Despite providing fewer viable organisms than one might expect, most products yielded at least 1 billion organisms, an amount that may provide some benefit.
In another recent report, ConsumerLab.com determined that many probiotic supplements do not contain the number of viable organisms listed on their labels. The testing organization found that at the time a probiotic is purchased it may contain as little as 10-58% of the amount listed on its label. Out of 13 products selected for testing, only two accurately listed the number of cells viable at the time of purchase. The actual amount of viable probiotic cells in a daily serving ranged from more than 10 billion to less than 100 million. Despite providing fewer viable organisms than one might expect, most products yielded at least 1 billion organisms, an amount that may provide some benefit.