Life Extension Enhanced Zinc Lozenges
Brand: Life Extension · Form: LOZENGE [E0174] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while zinc lozenges are a popular supplement, the specific product you are asking about contains calcium as a key ingredient. Our assessment is that calcium is essential for bone health, but taking it in lozenge form may not be the most effective delivery method for this mineral. The data supports calcium's role in bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your bones and a signal regulator for your muscles. It works by supporting bone density and mineral deposition, and it also helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Safety data is important to consider. The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Very high levels of calcium in your 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]. Data not available for specific side effect report counts for this product alone.
Our recommendation
Given the available data, we recommend you prioritize getting your calcium from food sources first. If you choose a supplement, a standard calcium tablet or chewable may be more appropriate than a lozenge, which is designed for prolonged contact with the throat. Always consult your physician before starting any new supplement, especially if you take other medications, due to the absorption interactions listed above [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 30.0 Vegetarian Lozenge(s) |
| Market Status | On 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