Herb Pharm Usnea
Brand: Herb Pharm · Form: LIQUID, SUPPLEMENT FORM [E0165] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains Calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, the data on the specific Herb Pharm Usnea product is limited to its label listing Calcium as an ingredient. Our assessment is that while Calcium has well-documented roles in the body, you should be aware of significant safety considerations and potential medication interactions before using this supplement [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of Calcium as a structural builder and signal messenger for your body. It supports bone mineralization, helping to maintain bone density and deposit minerals into your skeleton. It also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, supporting proper muscle relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for products in this category. The safety data for Calcium shows serious risks at high levels. 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
We recommend you proceed with caution. Because Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications — including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin — you should take this supplement at a different time than these drugs [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label, and consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or take any prescription medications. Data on the specific Herb Pharm Usnea product’s effectiveness is not available.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Herb Pharm |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 4.0 fl. Oz. 120.0 mL |
| 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