Natural Factors B12
Brand: Natural Factors · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a well-established mineral for bone health, but it requires careful management. Our assessment: you should focus on meeting your calcium needs primarily through food, and only use supplements if you cannot get enough from your diet. Data on the specific product "Natural Factors B12" is not available, but the active ingredient calcium has substantial data behind it [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton and a signal messenger for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Safety requires your attention. The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, very high intakes can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS] [FDA data]. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Calcium can 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 from dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods. If you need a supplement, choose one with no more than 500-600 mg per dose for better absorption. Take it separately from your thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 2 hours. Monitor for nausea or constipation as these are common signs of excess [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Natural Factors |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 Chewable Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | Off 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