Swanson Prebiotic
Brand: Swanson · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, we cannot assess the specific benefits of "Swanson Prebiotic" because data on its prebiotic ingredients is not available. For calcium specifically, our assessment is that it supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. You should not rely on this product to meet your calcium needs without consulting a healthcare provider.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It works by supporting bone density and mineral deposition, and it also plays a role in muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. While the product is labeled as a prebiotic, no data was provided on the specific prebiotic ingredients or their mechanism of action.
Safety profile
Data not available for this specific product's adverse events. However, for the ingredient calcium, there are important safety risks. Some research suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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 received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific reports for this product are not available [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Your best course of action is to get your calcium from food sources first. If you choose to take this product, do not exceed the recommended daily allowance without medical supervision. Be aware of the potential interactions with prescription medications listed above [NIH ODS]. Because data on this specific prebiotic product is not available, we cannot recommend it confidently for general use. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Swanson |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 30.0 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