Natural Factors Ultimate Probiotic Seniors
Brand: Natural Factors · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
Our assessment: Calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data shows that higher intakes carry significant risks. The evidence confirms that calcium supports bone density and muscle relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, you need to be cautious about total intake from supplements and food combined.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton and a key player in nerve signaling. It supports bone mineralization and helps your muscles relax after contracting [NIH ODS]. Your body tightly regulates calcium levels because it is essential for heart function and nerve transmission.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intake is linked to increased risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Side effects from high levels include 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 medications such as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: You should aim to get calcium primarily from food. If you use supplements, keep total calcium intake at or below 1,000–1,200 mg daily from all sources. Take calcium at least 2 hours apart from thyroid medication or antibiotics [NIH ODS]. Always check with your doctor before starting, especially if you have kidney problems or heart disease.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Natural Factors |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 30.0 Vegetarian 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