Barlean's Forti-Flax
Brand: Barlean's · Form: POWDER [E0162] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that Barlean's Forti-Flax provides calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, the data on high calcium intake raises important safety considerations you need to know before supplementing [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It works through bone mineralization, supporting bone density and mineral deposition. It also supports neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplement categories. Regarding calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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
Start by assessing your total calcium intake from food before adding Barlean's Forti-Flax. Be aware of the potential risks with high doses, and take calcium separately from any medications listed above to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Data on the specific flax formulation's effects is not available.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Barlean's |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 28.0 oz. 794.0 Gram(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