Douglas Laboratories Methyl Folate 5 mg
Brand: Douglas Laboratories · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: Methyl Folate 5 mg from Douglas Laboratories is a targeted supplement for specific needs. The evidence shows that the active ingredient, calcium, is critical for bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, because this product provides 5 mg of methyl folate, it is a high-dose formulation typically used under medical supervision for conditions like MTHFR gene mutations or certain types of anemia. For general health, such a high dose is not recommended without a clear clinical reason.
How it works
Think of calcium as a master regulator for your bones and nerves. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which keeps your skeleton strong. It also plays a role in muscle relaxation and nerve signaling, helping your body function smoothly [NIH ODS]. While this product is labeled as "Methyl Folate," the data provided only covers the calcium content in the formulation. The methyl folate component is a bioavailable form of vitamin B9, essential for DNA synthesis and homocysteine regulation, though specific data on this ingredient is not available in the provided materials.
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. Based on the calcium component, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Side effects from excessive calcium 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 medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Do not take this supplement without a healthcare provider’s guidance. The 5 mg dose of methyl folate is very high and is not intended for general wellness. If you are considering it for a diagnosed condition, work with your doctor to monitor calcium intake from all sources and check for medication interactions [NIH ODS]. Data on the methyl folate component's specific effects and safety profile is not available in the provided materials.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 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