Herb Pharm Alfalfa
Brand: Herb Pharm · Form: LIQUID, SUPPLEMENT FORM [E0165]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that alfalfa supplements, such as Herb Pharm Alfalfa, are primarily a source of calcium. Our assessment is that while calcium is essential for health, relying on alfalfa for this mineral is not the most straightforward or effective approach. You should be aware that the calcium content in alfalfa supplements can vary, and the primary clinical data we have concerns calcium as a standalone mineral, not specifically from alfalfa [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural foundation for your body. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is critical for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. If you are taking alfalfa for its calcium content, you are contributing to these fundamental processes. However, the amount of calcium you get from a typical alfalfa supplement is often much lower than what you would get from a dedicated calcium supplement or dietary sources.
Safety profile
Data not available for specific side effects of Herb Pharm Alfalfa. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for all dietary supplements, but specific report counts for alfalfa are not provided. For the calcium content, the NIH ODS warns that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to not rely on alfalfa supplements as your primary source of calcium. If you are looking to support bone health or nerve function, a targeted calcium or vitamin D supplement is a more direct and evidence-based choice. Before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you [NIH ODS].
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