Life Extension Melatonin IR/XR
Brand: Life Extension · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your health, but it is not a supplement to take casually. Our assessment is that you should prioritize getting calcium from food first, and only consider a supplement if your diet falls short. The data reveals significant safety concerns at high intakes that cannot be ignored [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the structural foundation for your bones. It supports bone mineralization and density by helping deposit minerals into your skeleton. It also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all products in this category. For calcium specifically, high intakes are linked to serious risks. Some research suggests that high calcium 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 [FDA data] [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We recommend you aim to meet your calcium needs through food sources like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified products. If you must supplement, keep your total daily intake from all sources well below the upper limit and take it separately from medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, as calcium can reduce their absorption [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the exact dosage for this specific product.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 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