Carlson Olive your Heart Garlic Flavor

Our assessment

The evidence shows that the primary active ingredient in Carlson Olive your Heart Garlic Flavor is calcium. Our assessment is that this product may support bone health, but its specific formulation for heart health is not directly supported by the data provided for calcium. You should evaluate your overall calcium intake from all sources to ensure you are not exceeding recommended levels.

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones and a key player in your nervous system. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is essential for maintaining strong bones. It also helps with neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

Data not available on specific adverse events for this product. However, the FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all dietary supplements. High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Start by reviewing your total daily calcium intake from food and other supplements to stay within safe limits. Be aware of potential medication interactions, particularly if you take thyroid medication or antibiotics. Data not available on the specific benefits of this garlic-flavored formula for heart health, so consult your healthcare provider before using it for that purpose.

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