Alteril Alteril PM All Natural Sleep Aid with Turmeric

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product, Alteril Alteril PM All Natural Sleep Aid with Turmeric, contains calcium. Our assessment: calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but relying on a sleep aid for calcium intake is not a targeted or evidence-based approach. You should not use this product to meet your calcium needs without understanding the specific risks and proper dosage [NIH ODS].

How it works

Calcium primarily works in two ways. First, it supports bone mineralization, helping to maintain bone density and strength. Second, it plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, which supports proper muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. While this mechanism is important, it does not directly explain the "sleep aid" claim of this product.

Safety profile

FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. For calcium specifically, safety data shows that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High blood and urine calcium levels 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]. You should also be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of medications including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Our recommendation: Do not use this product as a primary source of calcium. Data on the specific ingredients and their dosages in this blend are not available. For calcium, you should aim to meet your needs through food sources first. If you require a supplement, choose a standalone calcium product with a known dosage and discuss it with your healthcare provider, especially if you take any medications [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