ConsumberLab Tests Magnesium Supplements

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.ConsumerLab.com found one popular brand of magnesium supplements contained only 45.1 percent of its listed magnesium despite boasting a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) seal on its label in the testing organization's recent review. Another product violated a FDA labeling rule by displaying a heart symbol although there is no approved heart health claim for magnesium. Several other supplements contained their listed amounts of magnesium, were free of lead contamination and if in tablet form, were able to properly break apart.

ConsumerLab.com found the cost to obtain an equal amount of magnesium from supplements ranged from as little as two cents to over $1.30. Forms covered in the review were magnesium aspartate and orotate, magnesium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium lactate and lactate dehydrate, and magnesium oxide. ConsumerLab.com evaluated magnesium supplements sold as tablets (including caplets and enteric and time-release pills), capsules (including softgels), powders, liquids and calcium-magnesium supplements. Sales of magnesium supplements reached $430 million in 2011, up 14 percent from the prior year and up 79 percent from 2006, according to Nutrition Business Journal.

ConsumerLab.com recently tested saw palmetto supplements in an investigation behind evidence of prostate supplement health benefits.