Douglas Laboratories Vegetarian Enzyme
Brand: Douglas Laboratories · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that the key ingredient in Douglas Laboratories Vegetarian Enzyme is calcium, which plays a vital role in bone health and nerve function. Our assessment: this product can be a useful source of calcium for supporting your skeletal system, but you need to be aware of the specific dosing and safety considerations. Data on the enzyme blend itself is not available, so the analysis focuses on the calcium content.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones. It supports bone mineralization and density, helping to keep your skeleton strong [NIH ODS]. Additionally, calcium is essential for neuromuscular relaxation and proper nerve signaling, meaning it helps your muscles relax after contraction and supports communication between your nerves [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Very high blood levels of calcium 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
We recommend you use this product only if you are confident it meets your calcium needs, but do not exceed the RDA for calcium from all sources combined. Take it with food to aid absorption, and separate it from any medications listed in the safety profile by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. If you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or take prescription medications, consult your doctor before starting this supplement. Data on the specific enzyme blend is not available, so the recommendation is based on the calcium content alone.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 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