Natures Sunshine Delayed Release Probiotic Eleven

Our assessment

The evidence shows that Natures Sunshine Delayed Release Probiotic Eleven contains the mineral calcium. Our assessment is that while calcium is essential for health, the specific benefits and risks for this product depend on how much calcium each serving provides, which is data not available from the provided label. You should know that calcium plays a critical role in your body, but supplementation requires careful consideration of your total dietary intake [NIH ODS].

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for several key functions. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is essential for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the material your body uses to keep your skeleton strong and your muscles and nerves communicating properly.

Safety profile

The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories, though a specific report count for this product is data not available. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Elevated levels in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Before taking this probiotic, you should first determine how much calcium is in each serving, as data is not available on the label provided. You should also calculate your total daily calcium intake from food and other supplements to avoid exceeding safe levels. If you take any medications, especially those listed for interactions, consult your pharmacist or doctor. Our confident recommendation is to prioritize getting calcium from dietary sources and use supplements only when a healthcare provider confirms a need [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