Pure Encapsulations Folate 5,000 Plus

Our assessment

The evidence shows that the calcium in Pure Encapsulations Folate 5,000 Plus is a critical mineral for your bone and nerve health, but you need to be cautious with dosing. High calcium intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural worker — it supports bone density through bone mineralization and helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. Specific side effects from high calcium intake include 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

Start by reviewing your total daily calcium from food and other supplements to avoid exceeding safe levels. Calcium can reduce absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin — separate doses by at least two hours [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