Herbalife Active Fiber Complex Unflavored

Our assessment

The evidence shows that Herbalife Active Fiber Complex Unflavored contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, the data for this specific product is limited to what is found in its ingredient profile. Our assessment is that while calcium has well-documented benefits, you should be aware of the potential risks associated with high intake, especially since the product label does not specify the exact amount of calcium per serving. Data not available for the specific dosage of calcium in this product.

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization, helping to build and maintain strong bone density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, which helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium in your 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

Because the exact calcium dosage in this product is not provided, we cannot make a specific recommendation for Herbalife Active Fiber Complex Unflavored. For calcium supplementation in general, you should be cautious not to exceed the tolerable upper intake level without medical supervision. If you are taking any of the medications listed, take calcium supplements at a different time of day. Consult your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine [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