HerbaSway Laboratories Vitaliza

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but it must be used with caution. Our assessment: this supplement can be beneficial if you are not meeting your daily needs through diet, but it carries real risks if taken in excess. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories, which underscores the importance of careful use [FDA data].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density by helping deposit minerals into your bone matrix. Additionally, it plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, which means it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly after firing [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

Data not available for specific side effect counts for this product. However, high calcium intakes from any source can cause serious issues. Some research suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium in the blood and urine can lead to 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 several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake before supplementing. If you do need a supplement, choose one that provides no more than 500–600 mg per dose for better absorption. Be aware of the interaction risks with common medications and take calcium at a different time than those drugs. Always stay within the established upper limits to avoid the serious side effects 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