Consumers Warned of Pitfalls with Some Multivitamins

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Consumers Warned of Pitfalls with Some Multivitamins

-- Testing by ConsumerLab.com Testing Uncovers Problems with Many Brands --

WHITE PLAINS, NY ­ FRIDAY MAY 21, 2004 ­

(HealthNewsDigest.com)...ConsumerLab.com reported the results today of a

major new analysis of popular multivitamin products. Thirteen products

failed the testing due to lead contamination, lower ingredient levels than

stated, and/or inability to fully break apart for absorption. Multivitamins

are the most popular supplement in the U.S., with sales of $3.3 billion in

2002 according to Nutrition Business Journal.

The most notable problems found are summarized below by type of product:

· Children¹s: A gummy bear multi contained a high amount of lead and was

missing half of the folic acid claimed. Lead is of particular concern to

children as low amounts can affect mental functioning. Three other products

passed, although both contained amounts of some nutrient considered high for

younger children, such as vitamin A.

Prenatal: One prenatal vitamin could not fully dissolve ­ suggesting that it

would not completely deliver its nutrients in the body. It also contained

twice its claimed amount of folic acid. Another prenatal product was low on

vitamin A.

Senior¹s: A drinkable liquid multi for seniors had less than 20% of its

claimed manganese and was also low on vitamin A and folic acid. Five other

products passed.

General: A popular general multi contained over 3 mcg of lead per daily

serving, exceeding the State of California¹s lead limit. Although not

dangerous alone, this product unnecessarily contributes to daily lead

exposure. One other product contained less than half of its claimed folic

acid, a particularly important vitamin for women of child-bearing age. Nine

other products passed.

Vitamin Waters: 3 popular brands had less vitamin C than claimed. One of

these, which had less than 20% of its claimed vitamin C, also had less than

half of its claimed vitamin A. One vitamin water passed the testing.

In addition, one women¹s multi contained less than two-thirds of claimed

vitamin A and another contained only three-quarters of the claimed folic

acid, while six other products passed. A men¹s multi contained less than

half of its claimed vitamin A and was also low on folic acid and calcium.

Pet multivitamins were also tested. One contained only two-thirds of its

claimed vitamin A, while two other products passed.

ConsumerLab.com noted that some of the products that passed its testing

provide, by design, doses of certain nutrients that exceed suggested

tolerable upper intake levels (ULs). Although the products generally did not

exceed these levels by much, adverse effects, such as diarrhea from vitamin

C and skin tingling from niacin, may occur when these levels are exceeded.

More serious toxicities would not be expected at the doses in the products.

³Mild nutrient deficiencies are common among Americans and multivitamins are

a reasonable means of insuring against them,² said Tod man, M.D.,

President of ConsumerLab.com. ³However, our report shows that problems with

multivitamins are common. And since multivitamins are taken regularly for

many years, the risk for harm increases. We recommend that people check

ConsumerLab.com¹s lists when selecting products and we urge them to take

only the amount they need, factoring in the other sources of nutrients in

their diet such as nutrition bars, cereals, and drinks that may be

fortified.²

The complete report is available at www.consumerlab.com/results/multivit.asp

The report includes results for 40 products that passed or failed. Thirteen

of the products listed were tested at the request of their manufacturers

through ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. The report also

provides the latest recommended daily intake levels and upper tolerable

limits for nutrients to help consumers choose appropriate products.

Reviews of many other popular supplements are available from ConsumerLab.com

online. New Reviews soon to be released include, valerian, vitamin E, iron,

and omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrition bars. The recently published

paperback, ConsumerLab.com's Guide to Buying Vitamins and Supplements:

What's Really in the Bottle? is available in bookstores, online from

www.consumerlab.com or through .

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