Garcoa Laboratories Sleep-Max PM

Our assessment

The evidence shows that Garcoa Laboratories Sleep-Max PM contains calcium. While calcium is essential for bone health, the provided data does not support using this product specifically for sleep. Our assessment: you should understand the role of calcium in the body and be aware of its potential risks before taking this supplement.

How it works

Calcium supports bone mineralization, which helps maintain bone density and mineral deposition. It also supports neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it plays a role in muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. While this relaxation effect is related to nerve function, the data does not provide evidence that calcium directly induces sleep.

Safety profile

FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. The data shows that high calcium 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]. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Data not available for a specific recommendation on Sleep-Max PM. If you are considering calcium for sleep, the current data does not support this use. For general health, ensure you meet your daily calcium needs through food first. If you take this product, be aware of the potential side effects and medication interactions listed above [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