Physician's Choice Women's Probiotic

Our assessment

The evidence shows that a women's probiotic like Physician's Choice Women's Probiotic can be a helpful tool for digestive and immune health. However, the specific formula contains calcium, and we need to look closely at what the data says about that ingredient. Our assessment is that the product is generally safe for most people, but you must be aware of the potential risks and interactions associated with its calcium content.

How it works

Calcium is a mineral that plays a critical role in your body. It primarily supports bone density and mineral deposition through a process called bone mineralization. It also helps with neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it supports muscle relaxation and proper nerve signaling [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, the data shows that 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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Before starting this probiotic, check the label for the exact amount of calcium per serving. If you are taking any of the medications listed above, take this probiotic at a different time of day to avoid interaction. If you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or are concerned about prostate cancer, speak with your doctor first. For most women, a probiotic is a good choice, but be mindful of your total daily calcium intake from all sources [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