33 Percent of Turmeric Supps Fail CL Review

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.Turmeric supplements turned up short, with 33 percent failing review, according to the newest report by ConsumerLab.com. The independent, third-party testing lab found three out of nine turmeric/curcumin supplements did not pass its quality review.

Of the failing products, one only contained 8 mg of curcuminoid compounds, while another contained lead and cadmium. In its test of spices, ConsumerLab also found insect parts, with one "organic" turmeric spice contained a whole cigarette beetle larva.

"Consumers need to select turmeric or curcumin supplements carefully to be sure they are getting a quality product. Some of the products that failed our testing delivered only a fraction of the dose expected from their labels and that dose may not be clinically useful. We also found a disgusting amount of filth from insects in some turmeric spices which, although not a safety concern, can largely be avoided," said Tod Cooperman, M.D., president of ConsumerLab.com.

The lab also calculated the cost of obtaining a 500 mg dose of curcuminoids, ranging from 21 cents to $1.64 in passing products.

ConsumerLab's recent tests include probiotics, Garcinia cambogia and resveratrol.