Douglas Laboratories Multi Vitamin and Mineral
Brand: Douglas Laboratories · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement can help fill nutritional gaps, but it is not a substitute for a balanced diet. This specific product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health [NIH ODS]. For most adults, the primary goal should be meeting nutrient needs through food first, with a supplement serving as a backup.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Without adequate calcium, your body will leach it from your bones to support other critical functions, which can weaken your skeleton over time.
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Symptoms of excessive calcium in the blood or urine include poor muscle tone, 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 the absorption of medications such as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
If you choose to take this supplement, be mindful of your total calcium intake from all sources (food and supplements). Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level unless directed by your physician. Take calcium supplements separately from the medications listed above to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. We recommend discussing your individual needs with a healthcare provider to determine if this multi-vitamin is right for you.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 Capsule(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