Herb Pharm Horsetail
Brand: Herb Pharm · Form: LIQUID, SUPPLEMENT FORM [E0165]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while horsetail is traditionally used as a source of silica, the primary mineral of concern in this product is calcium. Based on the data provided, we cannot make specific claims about horsetail itself, but we can assess the calcium content. For general bone health, calcium is essential, but you need to be careful with supplementation [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. If you are taking this product for bone support, you are primarily relying on its calcium content.
Safety profile
Data not available for horsetail specifically. However, for calcium, 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 need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for horsetail or calcium alone are not provided [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We recommend you get your calcium from food sources first. If you choose to use this product, do not exceed the RDA for calcium from all sources combined. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement, especially if you take any of the medications listed above or have a history of kidney stones or heart disease [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Herb Pharm |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 4.0 fl. Oz. 120.0 mL |
| 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