Country Life Methyl B12 5000 mcg Cherry Flavor
Brand: Country Life · Form: LOZENGE [E0174] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains calcium as its primary active ingredient, not vitamin B12. Based on the data provided, our assessment is that this supplement is intended to support bone health and neuromuscular function through calcium, but the label information is incomplete. You should verify the product label for the full ingredient list and intended use.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural and signaling powerhouse for your body. It supports bone mineralization and density, helping to keep your skeleton strong, and it also plays a critical role in muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific report counts for calcium alone are not available. Be aware that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium 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].
Our recommendation
We recommend that you check the product label to confirm the exact dosage and intended use, as the data provided does not confirm this product contains vitamin B12. If you are taking any medications listed above, take calcium supplements at a separate time to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Start with a standard dose based on your dietary intake and consult your healthcare provider to determine if calcium supplementation is right for you, especially given the potential risks with high intakes [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Country Life |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 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