Nature's Life Omega 3 EFA Complex

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, which is a mineral essential for bone health. However, we must be very clear about the risks. Data indicates that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. We cannot recommend this product without understanding your current calcium intake from food and other supplements, as exceeding safe levels poses serious health risks.

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It is critical for bone mineralization, helping to build and maintain bone density. It also supports neuromuscular relaxation, allowing your muscles to relax and your nerves to signal properly after contraction [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for this category of products. Specific side effects of high calcium levels include 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] [FDA data]. You should also be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

We recommend you do not take this supplement unless you have had your calcium levels and dietary intake assessed by a healthcare professional. The risks of exceeding safe calcium levels are significant, and data on the specific omega-3 content of this product is not available. A safer path is to obtain omega-3s from food sources like fatty fish and to have your calcium needs evaluated through a blood test and diet review [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