Douglas Laboratories ThyroLife Optima
Brand: Douglas Laboratories · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: The evidence shows that the calcium in Douglas Laboratories ThyroLife Optima is essential for bone health, but you need to be careful with your total daily intake. The mineral supports bone density and proper muscle function, but the data highlights significant risks at high levels [NIH ODS]. You should not exceed the recommended dietary allowance without medical supervision.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton and a signal messenger for your nerves and muscles. It works through bone mineralization to help deposit minerals into your bone tissue and supports neuromuscular relaxation for proper nerve signaling and muscle function [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Side effects from very high levels include constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Start by checking your total calcium intake from food and other supplements. Take calcium at least 2 hours apart from medications like levothyroxine, certain antibiotics, and bisphosphonates to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed 2,500 mg total per day from all sources without your doctor's guidance. Data not available for specific dosage in this product.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On Market |
How to Read This Label
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