ConsumerLab Targets Weight Loss, Chromium Supplements

WESTCHESTER, N.Y.In its latest reports, ConsumerLab takes on the weight-loss category, releasing a report specifically addressing chromium dietary supplements, and other encompassing weight-loss products with ingredients including stimulants, 7-Keto DHEA and green tea. Of particular concern to the organization were its findings on hexalent chromium, a carcinogenic form of chromium. It was found in three of six products tested for chromium content, including two weight-loss formulas.

In its weight-loss report, ConsumerLab noted two 7-Keto DHEA supplements met its quality requirements; however, two weight-loss products contained only 67 percent to 75 percent of the listed amount of green tea; also, ConsumerLab found another weight-loss supplement was in violation of several FDA regulations. Regarding weight-loss formulas with stimulant ingredient blends, which did deliver the caffeine levels as labeled; but, ConsumerLab said the caffeine levels were high enough that consumption could cause health issues.

ConsumerLab includes the names of companies involved in the reviews in its general news releases, but doesnt indicate which ones passed or failed testing, nor the levels of active ingredients in the products. However, the reports with complete findings are available for purchase from ConsumerLab.

The report on chromium products provides findings for six chromium supplements randomly selected for testing, as well as two additional products that passed the same testing under ConsumerLab.coms Voluntary Certification Program, whereby companies can pay to have their products tested by ConsumerLab. ConsumerLabs weight-loss product report includes findings for 10 supplements randomly selected for testing, two others that passed voluntary certification testing, and information on supplement similar to another that passed testing.

ConsumerLabs findings were widely reported in the press, with headlines questioning the safety and efficacy of weight-loss products. In her Booster Shots blog for the LA Times, for example, Melissa Healy discussed the ConsumerLab findings and reported, Wholly aside from whether the [weight loss] products work as promised, ConsumerLab hasnt found many that are either free of contaminants or deliver what their labels advertise.