Life Extension High Potency Optimized Folate
Brand: Life Extension · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data does not support using a "high potency" form like Optimized Folate for calcium benefits. Our assessment: you should not rely on this product for calcium, as the label lists folate, not calcium, as the active ingredient. Data for calcium intake and safety is well-documented, but it is not the primary ingredient here.
How it works
Calcium supports bone mineralization by helping deposit minerals into your skeleton, and it aids neuromuscular relaxation by supporting muscle and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. However, this product is designed to provide folate, not calcium, so you would not get these effects from this supplement. If you need calcium, look for a dedicated calcium supplement.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High blood and urine calcium levels 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 absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We do not recommend using this product for calcium needs. The label indicates it is a folate supplement, and data for calcium content is not provided. For bone health, choose a dedicated calcium supplement and take it with vitamin D for better absorption [NIH ODS]. Always separate calcium from thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 2 hours to avoid interactions [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 30.0 Vegetarian 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