03.01.13
How do levels of EGCG and caffeine in green tea supplements and bottled teas compare with levels provided in a typical brewed green tea? It depends on the brand, according to tests from ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY. Most teas brewed from green tea sold in stores in the U.S. provide about 10-40 mg per cup of the key green tea compound EGCG and 5-20 mg of caffeine. ConsumerLab.com’s tests found that green tea supplements provided 22 mg to more than 300 mg of EGCG in a suggested daily serving and zero to 136 mg of caffeine per serving, depending on the product. Tests of bottled green teas found EGCG levels ranged from 4 to 47 mg per cup, and caffeine ranged from 8 to 37 mg. Preliminary studies suggest that EGCG and related catechin compounds in green tea may aid in weight management and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
One “GMP certified” green tea supplement contained only 38% of the claimed EGCG. It also contained an unusually high amount of caffeine—136 mg per capsule, which is 40 mg more than a cup of brewed coffee—although there is no mention of caffeine on the label. One bottled green tea contained only 63% of the listed amount of green tea catechins listed on its label.
Across the products, ConsumerLab.com found the cost to obtain 200 mg of EGCG to range from 10 cents to more than $70.
In a separate review, ConsumerLab.com found lycopene supplements, which contain the red, antioxidant pigment found in tomatoes, vary widely in price and quality. Among eight brands of lycopene supplements selected for testing, one contained only 42% of its listed amount of lycopene and its pills would not fully break apart during disintegration testing. Seven products passed the testing, as did five other lycopene supplements evaluated through ConsumerLab.com’s Voluntary Certification Program. Among the approved products, the cost to obtain 10 mg of lycopene averaged 55 cents, with the lowest being 10 cents.
One “GMP certified” green tea supplement contained only 38% of the claimed EGCG. It also contained an unusually high amount of caffeine—136 mg per capsule, which is 40 mg more than a cup of brewed coffee—although there is no mention of caffeine on the label. One bottled green tea contained only 63% of the listed amount of green tea catechins listed on its label.
Across the products, ConsumerLab.com found the cost to obtain 200 mg of EGCG to range from 10 cents to more than $70.
In a separate review, ConsumerLab.com found lycopene supplements, which contain the red, antioxidant pigment found in tomatoes, vary widely in price and quality. Among eight brands of lycopene supplements selected for testing, one contained only 42% of its listed amount of lycopene and its pills would not fully break apart during disintegration testing. Seven products passed the testing, as did five other lycopene supplements evaluated through ConsumerLab.com’s Voluntary Certification Program. Among the approved products, the cost to obtain 10 mg of lycopene averaged 55 cents, with the lowest being 10 cents.