Natrol Probiotic Acidophilus BioBeads
Brand: Natrol · Form: SUPPLEMENT FORM, OTHER [E0172]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but it requires careful dosing to avoid risks. For adult women, the RDA is 1,200 mg daily, and for adult men aged 51–70, it is 1,000 mg daily [NIH ODS]. However, the data indicates that high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. You should not exceed the upper limit of 2,000–2,500 mg daily from all sources, including food and supplements [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural anchor and a signal messenger. It supports bone density through mineralization and helps your muscles relax and your nerves communicate properly [NIH ODS]. Without enough calcium, your body will leach it from your bones, weakening them over time.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all products. For calcium specifically, high blood and urine levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, 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 including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start with food sources first — dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens — to get 800–1,000 mg daily. If you need a supplement, choose one that provides no more than 500 mg of elemental calcium per dose and take it with food [NIH ODS]. Always separate calcium supplements from thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 4 hours [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Natrol |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Bead(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