Live the Source Multivitamin Mineral & Herbal Supplement All Natural Wild Berry Flavor

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral with well-documented benefits and specific risks. Our assessment is that for most adults, getting calcium from food is preferable, and supplementation should only be considered if your dietary intake is consistently low [NIH ODS].

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization by helping deposit minerals into your skeleton, and it plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation — meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the essential building block for strong bones and a calm nervous system.

Safety profile

The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

We recommend you first assess your dietary calcium intake from dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods. If you choose to supplement, take calcium with food to improve absorption and do not exceed 2,500 mg total daily intake from food and supplements combined [NIH ODS]. Always separate calcium supplements from thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 4 hours to avoid interactions [NIH ODS].

Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:

• Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
• Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
• % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
• Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
• Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.

Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide