Swanson Prebiotic
Brand: Swanson · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your body, but the data on supplementation has important nuances. While it supports bone health, high intakes from supplements carry potential risks that you need to understand [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is also essential for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available for this specific product. However, for calcium in general, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium 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]. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific report counts for this product are not available [FDA data].
Our recommendation
You should aim to get calcium from food first. If you need a supplement, be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the right approach for your individual health needs.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Swanson |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Veggie Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On 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