Sundown Probiotic Balance

Our assessment

The evidence shows that Sundown Probiotic Balance contains calcium, a mineral with well-documented benefits for bone health. However, we must be clear: the data provided does not confirm the specific probiotic strains or their colony-forming units (CFUs) in this product, so its effectiveness for gut health cannot be evaluated from this data alone. For calcium specifically, our assessment is that it supports bone density and muscle relaxation, but you should be aware of important safety considerations [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It works through bone mineralization to support bone density and mineral deposition, and it also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation by helping your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements in this category. For calcium specifically, 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] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

We recommend you check the product label to confirm the specific probiotic strains and CFU count, as this data is not available here. For calcium, stick to the RDA of 1,000–1,200 mg daily from food and supplements combined, and avoid exceeding that amount. If you take any medications listed above, separate your calcium supplement by at least 2 hours. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or heart conditions [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