Health Star Melatonin 1 mg

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but supplementation requires careful consideration. Our assessment is that you should prioritize getting calcium from food sources first, as high-dose supplements carry notable risks that many people are not aware of [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton and a signal messenger for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves transmit signals properly [NIH ODS]. These roles make it critical for daily function, not just bone strength.

Safety profile

Data not available for specific adverse event reports for this product. However, the overall FDA adverse event database contains 592,059 total reports [FDA data]. The NIH warns that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high levels in the blood 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].

Our recommendation

Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake from dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods. If you take a supplement, avoid exceeding 1,000–1,200 mg total daily from all sources unless your doctor advises otherwise. Take calcium separately from medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, as it can reduce their absorption [NIH ODS]. Do not rely on this supplement without first discussing your personal heart and kidney health with your healthcare provider.

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