Life Extension Omega-3
Brand: Life Extension · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product is a calcium supplement, and calcium is a well-studied mineral essential for bone health. For most adults, the primary goal is to meet the recommended daily intake through diet, with supplementation used only when dietary intake is insufficient. Data on the specific Life Extension Omega-3 product formulation is limited, so we focus on the active ingredient: calcium [NIH ODS].
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 mineralization, helping maintain strong bone density, and is critical for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific reports for this product are not isolated. Key safety concerns include that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels 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] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake from dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods. If you are not meeting the RDA (1,000 mg for most adults), a calcium supplement may be appropriate, but do not exceed 2,000 mg total per day from food and supplements combined. Take calcium with food and separate from thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 2 hours. Data not available on the specific dose or form in this Life Extension product, so check the label carefully [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Softgel(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