Herb Pharm Rosemary

Our assessment

The evidence shows that Rosemary extract, as found in Herb Pharm Rosemary, is not a significant source of calcium. Our assessment is based on the data available for its primary listed ingredient, calcium, which is present in the product but not in the amounts typically associated with the benefits or risks detailed below. For general bone and nerve health, calcium is a well-studied mineral, but this product should not be relied upon as a primary calcium supplement.

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones and a key signaling molecule for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density through mineralization and helps your muscles relax and your nerves transmit signals properly [NIH ODS]. The amount of calcium in this specific product, however, is not quantified in the provided data, so its direct impact on these processes is unclear.

Safety profile

The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes can lead to serious side effects. Data shows that high levels of calcium in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. The specific risk for this product depends on the amount of calcium it provides, which is not stated in the data.

Our recommendation

We recommend you do not use this product as your primary source of calcium. If you are taking any of the medications listed (such as thyroid medication or antibiotics), take this product at a different time of day to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the exact calcium content per serving, so consult your healthcare provider before using this product, especially if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or are on prescription medications.

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