Swanson Best Garlic Supplements Odor-Controlled Garlic 500 mg
Brand: Swanson Best Garlic Supplements · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a crucial mineral for your body, but supplementing with it requires careful consideration. While calcium supports bone health, the data indicates that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. For a general supplement like Swanson Best Garlic, the primary ingredient is garlic, not calcium, so these specific calcium risks are not directly applicable to this product. Data on the garlic supplement itself is not available.
How it works
Calcium acts as a master regulator for your bones and muscles. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is essential for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. If you are taking this garlic supplement, you are not getting a significant amount of calcium from it.
Safety profile
The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, high levels can cause constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. The data also shows calcium can reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, certain antibiotics, and levothyroxine [NIH ODS]. For this specific garlic product, side effect data is not available.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to focus on the garlic, not the calcium, when using this product. For your calcium needs, rely on dietary sources first and consult your doctor before starting any calcium supplement, especially if you take other medications [NIH ODS]. If you have concerns about heart disease or prostate cancer, discuss your calcium intake with your healthcare provider [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Swanson Best Garlic Supplements |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 200.0 Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | Off Market |
How to Read This Label
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