Natural Factors Stress-Relax Melatonin 3 mg
Brand: Natural Factors · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but supplementation requires careful consideration of dosage and potential risks. For most adults, the primary goal should be meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) through diet first, as calcium from food sources is generally well-tolerated and absorbed alongside other nutrients [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. If your dietary intake falls short, your body will pull calcium from your bones to maintain critical functions, which can weaken them over time.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Excessive levels in the blood and urine 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]. Additionally, calcium supplements can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level of 2,500 mg per day from all sources (food and supplements). Take calcium supplements with food to improve absorption and reduce the risk of kidney stones. If you take thyroid medication or antibiotics, separate your calcium dose by at least 4 hours. Most people can meet their needs with a varied diet rich in dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Natural Factors |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 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