Life Extension Branched Chain Amino Acids (Free Form)
Brand: Life Extension · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, but the total number of adverse event reports for all supplements in the FDA database is 592,059 [FDA data]. For calcium specifically, the data indicates that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. You should be aware that 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].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural foundation — it supports bone density and mineral deposition through bone mineralization [NIH ODS]. It also supports neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available for this specific product’s side effects. However, for calcium generally, 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 also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our assessment: You should be cautious with this product. Because high calcium intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, and can cause serious side effects like abnormal heart rhythms and poor kidney function, you should only use this product if you have a confirmed deficiency [NIH ODS]. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you take any medications like antibiotics or thyroid hormone [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Capsule(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