Product Alerts and Safety
This section contains information about products that have been banned, found to be unsafe, or recalled.
Lavender and Tea Tree Oils Linked to Breast Enlargement in Boys
Case reports and research suggest two common essential oils, lavender and tea tree oils, may alter hormone levels and cause breast enlargement in boys.
Case reports and research suggest two common essential oils, lavender and tea tree oils, may alter hormone levels and cause breast enlargement in boys.
Evaluating Electrodermal Screening
The validity of electrodermal screening, a popular alternative diagnostic tool used to detect allergies, has been challenged by a study published earlier this year in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
The validity of electrodermal screening, a popular alternative diagnostic tool used to detect allergies, has been challenged by a study published earlier this year in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Study Questions Reliability of Hair Tests & Analysis
The reliability of hair analysis, a controversial test used for many years to assess nutritional status and identify toxic exposure to metals, has been questioned by a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study revealed that a hair sample from one person could produce extremely variable results when analyzed by six major hair analysis labs.
The reliability of hair analysis, a controversial test used for many years to assess nutritional status and identify toxic exposure to metals, has been questioned by a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study revealed that a hair sample from one person could produce extremely variable results when analyzed by six major hair analysis labs.
FDA Warns Distributors of Weight Loss Supplements About Misleading Ads
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to 16 dietary supplement distributors making false and misleading claims for weight loss products promoted over the internet.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to 16 dietary supplement distributors making false and misleading claims for weight loss products promoted over the internet.
Are you Consuming Too Much Vitamin A?
Recent studies have found that too much vitamin A is associated with an increased risk of fracture. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine followed 2322 men in Sweden for 30 years and found that the fracture risk was greatest in men with the highest serum levels of the vitamin A compound, retinol.
Recent studies have found that too much vitamin A is associated with an increased risk of fracture. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine followed 2322 men in Sweden for 30 years and found that the fracture risk was greatest in men with the highest serum levels of the vitamin A compound, retinol.
Herbal Breast Enlargement - Does It Work? Is it Safe?
Recently, there has been a rise in the number of Internet ads promoting herbal breast enlargement. The ads are enticing, offering a non-surgical, "natural" way to increase breast size and firmness. They cite health experts and scientific research. Does it sound too good to be true? Let's examine the issue.
Recently, there has been a rise in the number of Internet ads promoting herbal breast enlargement. The ads are enticing, offering a non-surgical, "natural" way to increase breast size and firmness. They cite health experts and scientific research. Does it sound too good to be true? Let's examine the issue.
Ear Candling
Ear candling is a practice that is believed to remove ear wax. Learn the benefits, risks, evidence, and regulation of ear candling.
Ear candling is a practice that is believed to remove ear wax. Learn the benefits, risks, evidence, and regulation of ear candling.
FDA Clears Medicinal Leeches
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has for the first time cleared the commercial marketing of leeches for medicinal purposes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has for the first time cleared the commercial marketing of leeches for medicinal purposes.
Some Menopause Herbs Unsafe for Breast Cancer
Herbs and supplements are often viewed as a safe option to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is believed to increase the risk of cancer recurrence. However, women with existing or previous breast cancer or who are taking the anti-estrogenic drug tamoxifen should not self-prescribe alternative medicines for menopausal symptoms.
Herbs and supplements are often viewed as a safe option to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is believed to increase the risk of cancer recurrence. However, women with existing or previous breast cancer or who are taking the anti-estrogenic drug tamoxifen should not self-prescribe alternative medicines for menopausal symptoms.
Ephedra Ban Lifted
Ephedra ban lifted.
Ephedra ban lifted.
Prostate Cancer Herbal Remedy Taken Off the Market
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to stop taking the dietary supplement/herbal product PC SPES and SPES because they contain undeclared prescription drug ingredients that could cause serious health effects if not taken under medical supervision.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to stop taking the dietary supplement/herbal product PC SPES and SPES because they contain undeclared prescription drug ingredients that could cause serious health effects if not taken under medical supervision.