Natrol Melatonin 3mg

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but it is not a supplement to take casually. Our assessment: you should only supplement calcium if you have a confirmed deficiency or a specific medical need, as the data reveals significant risks at high intakes [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It works by supporting bone density and mineral deposition, which is its primary role in bone mineralization [NIH ODS]. Additionally, calcium supports neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly after they have fired [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

The safety profile of calcium warrants serious caution. Some research suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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]. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories, though specific report counts for calcium alone are not available in the provided data [FDA data].

Our recommendation

Our recommendation is to prioritize getting calcium from food sources rather than supplements. If you must supplement, be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the specific dosage or product details for Natrol Melatonin 3mg, as the provided information only covers the ingredient calcium [See 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