Life Extension Melatonin 300 mcg
Brand: Life Extension · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for your body, but you must approach supplementation with caution. The data confirms calcium supports bone density and muscle relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, our assessment is that you should prioritize getting calcium from food first, as high intakes from supplements carry real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton and a signaling molecule for your nerves and muscles. It works through bone mineralization, helping deposit minerals into your bone matrix, and through neuromuscular relaxation, allowing your muscles to relax and your nerves to signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Side effects from very high blood and urine levels include 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
We recommend you do not take calcium supplements unless advised by your doctor based on a confirmed deficiency or specific medical need. If you do supplement, take it separately from the medications listed above. For most people, meeting your needs through food is safer and more effective [NIH ODS]. Data on the specific dose for this product is not available.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Vegetarian 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