California Academy of Health Ginseng Elixir

Our assessment

Our assessment: The evidence for this product is extremely limited. The label lists only "See label" for the brand and ingredients, and the sole active ingredient identified in the available data is calcium. For a product marketed as a "Ginseng Elixir," this is a significant mismatch. We cannot confirm the presence, dose, or efficacy of ginseng in this formulation. Our recommendation is based strictly on the calcium content, as that is the only data provided.

How it works

Calcium plays two key roles in your body. First, it supports bone mineralization, meaning it helps build and maintain strong, dense bones. Second, it aids neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. Without specific data on ginseng, we cannot comment on any other mechanisms for this product.

Safety profile

The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high blood levels of calcium 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 several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data on side effects specific to this product's formula are not available.

Our recommendation

We cannot recommend this product due to the lack of transparent labeling and missing data on its primary ingredient, ginseng. If you are seeking a calcium supplement, choose a product with a clearly listed dose and brand. Before taking any calcium supplement, talk to your doctor about your individual needs and potential interactions with your medications. Data on optimal dosing for this specific elixir is not available.

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