Douglas Laboratories Multi-Probiotic 4 Billion
Brand: Douglas Laboratories · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. Our assessment is that while calcium plays a vital role in your body, you need to be aware of the specific risks associated with supplementation. Data not available for the specific probiotic strains or their colony-forming unit (CFU) count in this product.
How it works
Think of calcium as the building block for your bones and teeth, supporting bone mineralization and density. It also acts as a messenger for your muscles, helping them relax and for your nerves to signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high blood levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, 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].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your total calcium intake from food and any other supplements you take. If you take this product, take it separately from medications like thyroid hormone or antibiotics by at least two hours. We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to determine if this supplement is right for you, as the risks from high calcium intake are significant [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Vegetarian Acid-Resistant 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