Health Thru Nutrition Microencapsulated Probiotic with FOS

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health and nerve function. However, we must be clear about the specific data available. The product label lists "Microencapsulated Probiotic with FOS," but the only ingredient data provided is for calcium. Therefore, our assessment is limited to the calcium component. For the probiotic and FOS components, data is not available.

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization, helping to maintain bone density and strength. It also plays a critical role in neuromuscular relaxation, which means it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. Think of calcium as the key that allows your muscles to unwind after contracting and your nerves to communicate effectively.

Safety profile

FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. Regarding calcium specifically, 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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Because the only ingredient data available is for calcium, we cannot make a recommendation for the probiotic or FOS components. For calcium, you should be cautious about exceeding the recommended daily intake. If you are taking any of the medications listed above, take calcium supplements at a different time of day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, as high calcium levels can pose serious health risks [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