Herb Pharm Bacopa
Brand: Herb Pharm · Form: LIQUID, SUPPLEMENT FORM [E0165]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but the data also reveals important safety considerations you need to know. Our assessment is that you should prioritize getting calcium from food sources first and use supplements only when dietary intake is insufficient [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Your body carefully regulates calcium levels, so balance is critical.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high blood levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, 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 daily calcium intake from food. If you are below the RDA, consider a supplement — but do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level. Always take calcium supplements separately from your thyroid or antibiotic medications by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. For personalized dosing, consult your healthcare provider and ask about a bone density test if you are over 50.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Herb Pharm |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 1.0 fl. Oz. 30.0 mL |
| 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