Douglas Laboratories Herb-Alt
Brand: Douglas Laboratories · Form: POWDER [E0162] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that Douglas Laboratories Herb-Alt contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. Our assessment is that while calcium is critical for your body, the specific benefits of this product depend entirely on whether you need additional supplementation beyond your diet. Data not available on the exact calcium dosage per serving in this specific product.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. This means calcium helps your bones stay strong and your muscles relax properly after contracting.
Safety profile
Safety data from the FDA shows a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements, though specific reports for this product are not available. Some research suggests 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
Before taking this supplement, you should first assess your dietary calcium intake from food sources like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Because of potential risks at high intakes and medication interactions, we recommend discussing this product with your healthcare provider to determine if supplementation is appropriate for you. Do not exceed the recommended daily allowance without professional guidance [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 2.5 oz. |
| 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