Life Extension B12 500 mcg
Brand: Life Extension · Form: LOZENGE [E0174]
Our assessment
Our assessment: The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health and nerve function, but the safety profile requires careful attention. You should be aware that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. This product is a B12 supplement, not a calcium supplement, so the calcium data is provided for context on general mineral safety.
How it works
Think of calcium as a key structural component — it supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. For this specific product, Life Extension B12 500 mcg, the active ingredient is vitamin B12, which supports energy metabolism and nerve health, though specific mechanism data for B12 is not provided in the data above.
Safety profile
The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high levels 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]. Data on adverse events specific to this B12 product is not available.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Since this is a B12 supplement, and no specific B12 data is provided in the data above, you should consult your healthcare provider to determine if 500 mcg of B12 is appropriate for your needs. Be cautious with calcium intake from other sources, as high levels carry significant risks [NIH ODS]. Start with a dietary assessment before adding any supplement.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Lozenge(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