Mission Pharmacal CitraNatal CitraNatal B-Calm Rx Prenatal Tablet Review
Mission Pharmacal CitraNatal B-Calm Rx Prenatal Tablet is a specialized prescription multivitamin and mineral supplement meticulously formulated to support women's nutritional needs before conception, throughout pregnancy, and during the postnatal period, encompassing both lactating and non-lactating mothers. This comprehensive kit is particularly distinguished by its targeted approach to mitigating pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, a common challenge for many expectant mothers. The product is presented in a convenient blister pack, containing a primary prenatal vitamin/mineral tablet and two additional 25 mg Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl) tablets. The core prenatal tablet delivers a synergistic blend of essential nutrients. Key components include Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), which bolsters the immune system; Calcium (as Calcium citrate), vital for the development of the baby's bones and teeth, and noted for its high absorbability and reduced incidence of maternal gas and bloating. Iron is supplied through Mission Pharmacal's proprietary Ferr-Ease® dual iron delivery system, combining both quick and slow-release forms. This innovative approach ensures optimal iron absorption, crucial for oxygen delivery to the fetus, while being formulated for enhanced tolerability and safety, helping to protect against premature birth and low birth weight. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) further supports fetal bone and teeth development. Folic Acid is a critical inclusion, playing an indispensable role in the healthy development of the baby's brain and spinal cord, thereby helping to protect against neural tube defects. The standout feature of CitraNatal B-Calm is its elevated concentration of Vitamin B6, which acts as a potent antiemetic. The inclusion of two separate 25 mg Vitamin B6 tablets, to be taken alongside the prenatal tablet, significantly aids in minimizing the severity and frequency of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. This mechanism leverages the well-established efficacy of pyridoxine in alleviating morning sickness, allowing for a more comfortable pregnancy experience. The supplement is designed to be gentle on digestion and is free from gluten and lactose, catering to a broader range of dietary sensitivities. Dosage typically involves taking one prenatal tablet and two Vitamin B6 tablets every eight hours, or as directed by a healthcare professional. It is important to note the warning regarding accidental iron overdose, which is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in young children, and the precaution that folic acid alone is not appropriate therapy for pernicious anemia.
Product Focus: Hormone Balance for WomenAlso covers:Sexual healthBrainDigestionRanked among:MultivitaminsMultivitamins for women
Tier ⓘ
Tier 4
Tier 4 · Emerging. A promising mechanism or animal data, with thin human evidence so far. Tiers run from 1, the strongest evidence, to 5. How we grade →
Evidence ⓘ
33 /100
How strongly the evidence says this product works: human studies count most, then real reviews, then our biohacker panel.
Biohacker Mentions
9 of 10
Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only136 human studies · 42 improved
2 of these 136 human studies gave the ingredient by drip, not by mouth.
136 human studies42 improved62 no effect4,012,402 people studied
This prenatal tablet has several vitamins, and the study support for women's hormone health is mixed. Vitamin C is at a full dose. A trial of 100 mg a day in women after menopause improved memory scores but did not change menopause quality of life [1]. Higher doses with vitamin E eased endometriosis pain [2] but did not change sex hormones in another trial [3]. Vitamin B6 reaches a studied dose only at three servings a day. A review found it eased the emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, though most trials had a high risk of bias [4], and a trial at 300 mg worked no better than placebo [5]. Vitamin D reaches a full dose at two servings. It helped hormones and ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome [6] but did not help vaginal dryness after menopause [7]. Calcium is well below the dose that eased premenstrual symptoms [8]. Folic acid is below the 5 mg dose that improved sexual function after menopause [9], and that dose did not reduce hot flushes in a larger trial [10]. No study tested iron alone for hormone concerns [11]. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 136 studies →Hide the studies
- In ten observational studies of over 1.28 million postmenopausal women, vitamin D supplement use was associated with osteoporotic fracture, but this does not show that it prevents fractures and the direction was not stated.Predictors of osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis.
- Across 27 long-term observational studies of about 1.27 million people, those with the highest folate intake had a 7% lower risk of breast cancer than those with the lowest, with the clearest benefit for hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer.Association Between One-carbon Metabolism-related Vitamins and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analy…
- Pooling observational studies with about 608,000 women, total folate intake and blood folate were not linked to breast cancer risk, including by menopausal or hormone receptor status, though dietary folate alone showed a lower risk in non-prospective studies.Folate intake and the risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Across 107 trials of postmenopausal women, calcium combined with vitamin D reduced hip fractures, but evidence for calcium and vitamin D on other fractures remained limited.Efficacy of Pharmacological Therapies for the Prevention of Fractures in Postmenopausal Women: A Network Meta-Analysis.
- In 43 trials of 5,184 postmenopausal women, calcium raised alkaline phosphatase the most among supplements, while other bone markers were best improved by vitamins D, E, K or protein.Effects of dietary supplements on bone turnover markers in women after menopause: a network meta-analysis.
- In 4,004 women with premature ovarian insufficiency, hormone therapy preserved bone density better than calcium, vitamin D, placebo or no treatment.Hormone therapy in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Across 27 trials with 1,989 menopausal women, vitamin D improved handgrip strength but not knee extension strength.Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the prevention of sarcopenia in menopausal women: a systematic review and…
- Across 20 randomized trials of 1961 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, vitamin D raised pregnancy and ovulation rates and lowered androgen, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and early miscarriage rates compared with controls, though study quality was limited.Effects of vitamin D supplementation on ovulation and pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic re…
- A pooled analysis of 19 observational studies found higher dietary antioxidant capacity linked to lower risk of polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility and pregnancy complications, but results were mixed for endometrial cancer and this was not a vitamin C supplement trial.Diet's total antioxidant capacity and women's health: systematic review and meta-analysis.
- In 32 placebo-controlled trials of various nutritional interventions in menopausal women, depression and anxiety symptoms improved overall, but vitamin D was only one of many interventions, one was combined with a weight-loss program, and results varied widely.Effects of nutritional interventions on the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms of women in the menopausal trans…
- In a review of 35 trials on urge incontinence in postmenopausal women, vitamin D was not effective for incontinence or other menopausal urinary symptoms, or gave contradictory results.Treatment of urge incontinence in postmenopausal women: A systematic review.
- In a pooled analysis of 16 trials in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, meds with a med reduced weight most, and none of the treatments, including myoinositol with or without folic acid, significantly changed insulin resistance.Read the study on PubMed (42490840) →
- In a review of 31 trials with 3,254 women, calcium, vitamin B6 and zinc consistently improved the psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, though most trials had a high risk of bias.Effect of nutritional interventions on the psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age:…
- A review of seven randomized trials in women with endometriosis found that vitamin C (typically 1000 mg a day) with vitamin E lowered oxidative stress markers and pelvic pain and period pain, but did not raise pregnancy rates.Therapeutic Effects of Vitamins in Endometriosis Patients: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- In nine trials of postmenopausal women without osteoporosis, vitamin D with calcium improved bone remodeling and bone density, but only one study showed fewer fractures.Supplementation of vitamin D isolated or calcium-associated with bone remodeling and fracture risk in postmenopausal wom…
- In 14 trials of nutrition and muscle health in middle-aged and older women, some studies of vitamin D, alone or with magnesium, found better muscle strength or function while others of vitamin D alone found no effect.Nutrition Interventions on Muscle-Related Components of Sarcopenia in Females: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control…
- In a review of 158 studies on complementary menopause therapies, vitamin D was supported as safe with high certainty and with moderate certainty for reducing fracture risk, though overall evidence remains limited.Complementary therapies for management of menopausal symptoms: a systematic review to inform the update of the Internati…
- A review of premenstrual syndrome treatments covered pyridoxine among many interventions, but the abstract gives no result for it.Premenstrual syndrome.
- A review of randomized trials of natural products for premenstrual syndrome suggested vitamin B6 may be effective, though the evidence was weaker than for calcium.Herbs, vitamins and minerals in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review.
- A review of 14 studies in women found vitamin B6 with magnesium reduced premenstrual anxiety but not when taken alone, while B6 alone reduced anxiety in older women.The impact of essential fatty acid, B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc supplementation on stress levels in women:…
- A review of observational studies linked vitamin B6 and other nutrient deficiencies in postmenopausal women to higher risk of chronic disease, without testing B6 supplements specifically for hormone health.A systematic review on the impact of nutrition and possible supplementation on the deficiency of vitamin complexes, iron…
- In 20,050 postmenopausal women followed about 7 years, calcium with vitamin D did not change how menopausal symptoms related to heart disease, stroke or other health outcomes.The severity of vasomotor symptoms and number of menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women and select clinical health …
- In 617 women with premenstrual symptoms treated for three cycles, pyridoxine did not beat placebo on individual symptoms but gave significantly greater overall improvement.Controlled trial of pyridoxine in the premenstrual syndrome.
- In 423 postmenopausal women with coronary disease, vitamin C (1000 mg a day) with vitamin E for about 2.8 years gave no heart benefit and suggested possible harm, with more deaths than placebo.Effects of hormone replacement therapy and antioxidant vitamin supplements on coronary atherosclerosis in postmenopausal…
- In 309 anemic women with uterine fibroids, all took oral iron for 12 weeks; adding a hormone-blocking drug raised the anemia response to 74% versus 46% with iron alone, so the benefit came from the drug rather than from iron.GnRH agonist and iron versus placebo and iron in the anemic patient before surgery for leiomyomas: a randomized controll…
- In 300 women with chloasma (skin darkening), oral vitamins C and E for 3 months worked in 67% of those assessed, less than the 92.6% with acupuncture-based treatment.[Clinical research of chloasma treated with the meridian cosmetology and the impacts on estrogen and progestin].
- In 180 postmenopausal women with mild memory impairment, 100 mg of vitamin C a day for 6 months improved cognitive scores and lowered beta-amyloid, but did not significantly change overall menopause quality of life.A randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of pyridoxine and ascorbic acid on cognitive function and qualit…
- In 164 postmenopausal women with frequent hot flushes, folic acid 5 mg daily for 12 weeks did not significantly reduce hot flush scores more than placebo, though some quality of life scores improved at week 8.Folic acid supplementation in postmenopausal women with hot flushes: phase III randomised double-blind placebo-controlle…
- In 160 postmenopausal women, 1000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for 9 months lowered triglycerides, insulin and insulin resistance, and cut the risk of metabolic syndrome compared with placebo.Vitamin D supplementation improves the metabolic syndrome risk profile in postmenopausal women.
- In 158 girls aged 15-21 with very low vitamin D, 4 months of vitamin D lowered premenstrual anxiety, irritability and sadness scores, while the placebo group showed no appreciable change.Vitamin D Supplementation for Premenstrual Syndrome-Related Mood Disorders in Adolescents with Severe Hypovitaminosis D.
- In 154 early postmenopausal cancer survivors given calcium and vitamin D in both groups, a year of exercise did not improve bone density versus home activity; the vitamin D effect itself was not tested.Effect of a randomized controlled exercise trial on bone outcomes: influence of adjuvant endocrine therapy.
- In 150 postmenopausal women, tibolone raised fat-free mass compared with hormone therapy or the calcium and vitamin D control, but vitamin D was given to all groups and was not the tested treatment.Comparative effects of continuous combined hormone therapy and tibolone on body composition in postmenopausal women.
- In 141 middle-aged women with premenstrual syndrome, abdominal obesity and low vitamin D, vitamin D-fortified dairy for about 10 weeks raised blood vitamin D in everyone, but restless legs symptoms improved only in women with severe premenstrual syndrome, and not versus the control group.Effect of dairy products fortified with vitamin d3 on restless legs syndrome in women with premenstrual syndrome, abdomi…
- In 124 women starting a low-dose birth control pill, 150 mg vitamin B6 daily for 30 days did not reduce side effects significantly more than placebo.Effect of vitamin B6 on the side effects of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive.
- In 120 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and back pain, adding raloxifene to calcium and vitamin D for one year did not change back pain or disability compared with calcium and vitamin D alone.Does raloxifene treatment influence back pain and disability among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis?
- In 120 women with severe premenstrual syndrome, 300 mg of pyridoxine daily for 3 months cut symptoms by 45.3%, similar to the 39.4-46.1% reduction on placebo, and less than a med, propranolol or a med.A double-blind trial of four medications to treat severe premenstrual syndrome.
- In 106 women with painful periods, 4 months of combined vitamin D and E cut pain scores from 7.85 to 3.75 versus 7.68 to 6.02 with placebo, and improved premenstrual symptoms.Effect of vitamin D and E supplementation on pain relief and premenstrual symptoms in primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized…
- In 100 postmenopausal women, folic acid 5 mg daily for 8 weeks improved sexual function (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, pain and total score, but not lubrication) more than placebo.Effect of folic acid on the sexual function of postmenopausal women: a triple-blind randomized controlled trial.
- In 98 postmenopausal women over 12 months, the full-dose plant extract raised spine bone density by 3.6%, while the low-dose extract with calcium group saw no significant change (0.6% loss).Tofupill/Femarelle (DT56a): a new phyto-selective estrogen receptor modulator-like substance for the treatment of postme…
- In 93 postmenopausal women starting breast cancer hormone-blocking therapy, high-dose vitamin D3 for a year raised blood levels but did not reduce joint pain (54% vs 57% developed it with standard dose), and the trial was stopped early.Randomized controlled trial of high-dose versus standard-dose vitamin D3 for prevention of aromatase inhibitor-induced a…
- In 92 premenopausal women with chloasma, vitamin C (600 mg a day) with vitamin E for 12 weeks worked in 55.8% and did not change sex hormones, less effective than the acupoint catgut embedding group at 88.6%.[Effect on clinical symptoms and mechanism of chloasma in premenopausal women with liver qi stagnation treated with acup…
- In 92 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, 2 years of active vitamin D3 (0.75 mcg daily) increased lower spine bone density versus calcium alone, and combining it with vitamin K2 gave a larger gain.Effect of combined administration of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 on bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in postmenopa…
- In this trial folic acid 5 mg a day was only the placebo for a med in 90 women after surgical menopause, so it does not test folic acid's effect; a med reduced menopause symptoms more than the placebo over 12 weeks.Read the study on PubMed (42171505) →
- In 86 premenopausal women, folic acid 4 mg a day for 14 days served as the control and caused no significant changes in endometrial thickness or hormone levels, unlike nomegestrol acetate.The use of nomegestrol acetate in rapid preparation of endometrium before operative hysteroscopy in pre-menopausal women…
- In 85 late postmenopausal women, a chicken eggshell powder supplement with vitamin D and minerals for 12 months increased hip bone density by 1.75%, while the placebo group lost bone density.Positive effects of a chicken eggshell powder-enriched vitamin-mineral supplement on femoral neck bone mineral density i…
- In 83 nursing students with premenstrual syndrome, a one-hour nutrition education session lowered symptom scores by 27.5 points over 4 months and raised dietary iron intake by 1.1 mg a day, but iron was not tested on its own.The effect of nutrition education on premenstrual syndrome: Randomized controlled study.
- In 82 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D alone was the comparison group for parathyroid hormone or ibandronate over 18 months; the paper does not report calcium alone changing hormone-related outcomes.Treatment with intermittent PTH increases Wnt10b production by T cells in osteoporotic patients.
- In 81 women with cyclic breast pain before periods, a vitamin compound containing pyridoxine did not reduce pain more than placebo, which worked even better.[Pre-menstrual cyclic mastalgia].
- In 80 postmenopausal women with vaginal dryness, 40,000 IU of vitamin D weekly for 12 weeks did not improve vaginal health measures more than placebo, although some measures improved within the vitamin D group.Effect of Vitamin D Supplement on Vulvovaginal Atrophy of the Menopause.
- In 78 menopausal women at risk of bone loss, a daily dairy product enriched with vitamin C and other nutrients for 24 weeks kept bone density and improved bone markers compared with the unenriched product.A Dairy Product to Reconstitute Enriched with Bioactive Nutrients Stops Bone Loss in High-Risk Menopausal Women without …
- In 78 women with premenstrual syndrome, 80 mg of vitamin B6 daily for three menstrual cycles reduced symptoms with a medium effect and 60% were in full remission, similar to a broad micronutrient formula, with no placebo group.A Pilot Randomized Treatment-Controlled Trial Comparing Vitamin B6 with Broad-Spectrum Micronutrients for Premenstrual S…
- In 76 young women with premenstrual syndrome and painful periods, curcumin for three cycles lowered a blood marker of inflammation but did not change iron levels, and iron itself was not given.Effect of curcumin on inflammatory biomarkers and iron profile in patients with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: …
- In 74 postmenopausal women over 1 year, adding cholecalciferol to estrogen-norethindrone did not change blood pressure or body mass index, and its effect on cholesterol and HDL ratio did not differ from placebo.Cardiovascular risk factors during estrogen-norethindrone and cholecalciferol treatment.
- Vitamin B6 was only used as a placebo in this trial of misoprostol before endometrial biopsy in 72 women, so it does not test B6 for women's hormones.Randomized trial of oral misoprostol before endometrial biopsy.
- In 69 perimenopausal women, 24 weeks of 40 g daily soy or whey protein had no significant effect on iron levels, and iron itself was not given as a supplement.Iron indexes and total antioxidant status in response to soy protein intake in perimenopausal women.
- In 66 women with benign breast disease, a combination tablet containing vitamin C (60 mg a day in total) with beta-carotene, vitamin E and garlic taken for 6 months eased breast pain and period-related symptoms, helping 75.8% versus about 30% on placebo.[Study of an antioxidant dietary supplement "Karinat" in patients with benign breast disease].
- In 61 postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease, vitamin C and E (1000 mg vitamin C a day) for up to 34 months did not improve blood vessel dilation, and hormone therapy did not either.Hormone therapy and antioxidant vitamins do not improve endothelial vasodilator function in postmenopausal women with es…
- In 60 women with endometriosis, 1000 mg of vitamin C plus 800 IU of vitamin E daily for 8 weeks lowered oxidative stress markers and reduced pelvic pain, painful periods and painful intercourse compared with placebo.The Effect of Combined Vitamin C and Vitamin E Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Endometriosis: …
- In a randomized trial of 60 women with premenstrual syndrome, 100 mg of pyridoxine daily for 3 months significantly reduced symptom scores compared with a placebo tablet, with fewer side effects than bromocriptine.Role of bromocriptine and pyridoxine in premenstrual tension syndrome.
- In 57 men and women eating a low-choline diet for up to 6 weeks, 400 micrograms of folic acid a day did not change the rate of liver or muscle problems, though premenopausal women were less affected than men or postmenopausal women.Sex and menopausal status influence human dietary requirements for the nutrient choline.
- In 55 adolescent girls starting Depo-Provera, 500 mg of vitamin C daily for 6 months did not reduce bleeding days or change weight compared with placebo.Supplementation with vitamin C and/or vitamin B(6) in the prevention of Depo-Provera side effects in adolescents.
- In a double-blind trial of 55 women with moderate to severe premenstrual mood changes, 150 mg of vitamin B6 daily over two months improved dizziness, vomiting, poor performance and reduced social activity before periods, but a significant amount of physical and mood symptoms remained.The effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on premenstrual symptoms.
- In 40 postmenopausal women on hormone therapy (plus 15 untreated comparison women), 5 mg of folic acid daily for 3 months lowered blood homocysteine, while hormone therapy with placebo raised it.The effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy with or without folic acid supplementation on serum homocysteine level.
- In 48 healthy postmenopausal women, folic acid for about 16 weeks led to lower blood homocysteine than placebo (10.33 vs 13.21 micromol/l).Folic acid supplementation reduces plasma homocysteine in postmenopausal women.
- In 44 women over one menstrual cycle, 50 mg of vitamin B6 taken with 200 mg of magnesium reduced anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms more than placebo, while vitamin B6 alone showed no clear overall difference.A synergistic effect of a daily supplement for 1 month of 200 mg magnesium plus 50 mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxie…
- In 43 postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure, 22 grams a day of blueberry powder for 12 weeks improved blood vessel function more than placebo; vitamin C was given only as an intravenous test, not as a supplement.Daily blueberry consumption for 12 weeks improves endothelial function in postmenopausal women with above-normal blood p…
- In a pilot study of 42 women taking a blend that includes vitamin B6 for three months, mood and affective symptoms improved within the supplement group, but there was no difference from placebo, suggesting a placebo effect.Effects of the PREMEN-CALM® in the Management of the Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controll…
- In 39 women with premenstrual syndrome, calcium carbonate 1200 mg daily for 4 menstrual cycles gave only small, non-significant symptom benefit versus placebo, much less than a med.Read the study on PubMed (23963058) →
- In 37 women using a combined birth control pill, taking 1 gram of vitamin C a day did not raise blood levels of the pill's estrogen (ethinyl estradiol).Absence of an effect of high vitamin C dosage on the systemic availability of ethinyl estradiol in women using a combina…
- In 36 estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women, estradiol plus endurance exercise improved blood vessel function, while an intravenous vitamin C test infusion was used only to measure oxidative stress and was not given as a supplement.Essential role of estrogen for improvements in vascular endothelial function with endurance exercise in postmenopausal w…
- In 32 women who completed a six-month crossover trial of 50 mg daily pyridoxine, emotional symptoms such as depression, irritability and tiredness improved significantly compared with placebo, but other premenstrual symptoms did not.Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and the premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial.
- Women over 70 who took 1500 mg daily calcium with vitamin D, and then added low dose estradiol, had further reduced bone breakdown markers, with the combination working better on resorption than either alone.Low dose estrogen and calcium have an additive effect on bone resorption in older women.
- In 29 women with endometriosis taking goserelin, tibolone reduced hot flushes and sweating more than an iron pill control over 6 months, and the iron pill itself showed no clear benefit.Effectiveness of tibolone on hypoestrogenic symptoms induced by goserelin treatment in patients with endometriosis.
- In 25 postmenopausal women with high homocysteine, 3 months of oral estradiol lowered homocysteine but also lowered blood vitamin B6 by about 25 to 38 percent compared with placebo; no vitamin B6 dose was given.Oral estradiol decreases plasma homocysteine, vitamin B6, and albumin in postmenopausal women but does not change the wh…
- In a small double-blind crossover trial of 8 college women taking birth control pills, 100 mg of vitamin B6 daily for 4 weeks lowered depression scores by about 20%, while placebo raised them by about 11%.Vitamin B6 Supplementation Reduces Symptoms of Depression in College Women Taking Oral Contraceptives: A Randomized, Dou…
- In young women with premenstrual syndrome, 1000 mg of calcium carbonate daily for 3 months reduced early tiredness, appetite changes and low mood compared with placebo.Effects of calcium supplement therapy in women with premenstrual syndrome.
- In postmenopausal women over 12 weeks, the calcium control group showed no significant change in quality of life, metabolic, or blood pressure measures.Clinical and metabolic effects of drospirenone-estradiol in menopausal women: a prospective study.
- In postmenopausal women on hormone therapy, adding folic acid for 6 months did not lower blood homocysteine further beyond the reduction the hormone therapy alone already produced.Plasma homocysteine levels after hormone therapy with and without folic acid supplementation: a randomized study.
- In postmenopausal women, six months of folic acid supplements significantly reduced blood homocysteine, a risk marker for heart disease.Effect of folic acid supplementation on homocysteine level in postmenopausal women.
- In 152 postmenopausal women with low bone mass, 9 months of calcitriol plus alendronate raised spine and femoral neck bone density more than calcium alone, though femoral density did not significantly improve in this group.Calcitriol and alendronate combination treatment in menopausal women with low bone mass.
- In 90 postmenopausal women, 3 months of drumstick or amaranth leaf powder raised blood vitamin C and antioxidant enzymes and lowered an oxidative stress marker, but vitamin C was not given on its own.Effect of supplementation of drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) leaves powder on antioxidan…
- In 75 postmenopausal women followed for 2 years, those who took calcium only lost spine and radius bone mass and had higher cholesterol and triglycerides and lower HDL, while hormone replacement prevented these changes.Effects of 2 years of hormone replacement upon bone mass, serum lipids and lipoproteins.
- In 12 postmenopausal women given calcium 1500 mg daily plus nasal calcitonin for 24 months compared with 35 untreated women, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels did not differ, and bone resorption fell only in the first year.The effect of intranasal salmon calcitonin on biochemical parameters of bone turnover in postmenopausal women.
- In 46 postmenopausal women, 5 mg of folic acid daily for 4 weeks led more women to report improved hot flushes than placebo and lowered a brain stress chemical marker.Folic acid supplementation may cure hot flushes in postmenopausal women: a prospective cohort study.
- In a double-blind crossover study of 19 women with premenstrual tension and 19 symptom-free controls, vitamin B6 treatment did not significantly improve premenstrual symptoms compared with placebo, although a blood serotonin measure rose with treatment in both groups.Platelet serotonin uptake and effects of vitamin B6-treatment in premenstrual tension.
- In women with premenstrual symptoms, adding vitamin B6 with a med and/or dydrogesterone did not significantly change blood sodium, potassium or hormone levels compared with women without symptoms.Hormones and electrolytes in premenstrual syndrome.
- In 30 young women with premenstrual symptoms, both groups took vitamin B6 and calcium daily for 3 months, and the group that also did treadmill exercise three times a week had lower symptom scores and lower prolactin, oestradiol and progesterone levels, but the study does not test vitamin B6 alone and does not report the control group's hormone changes.Effect of aerobic exercise on premenstrual symptoms, haematological and hormonal parameters in young women.
- In 29 breast cancer patients, high-dose vitamin D (10,000 IU daily) raised vitamin D levels, and the drop in the estrogen-like compound 27-hydroxycholesterol was not statistically significant compared with low-dose (400 IU daily).Vitamin D supplementation decreases serum 27-hydroxycholesterol in a pilot breast cancer trial.
- Japanese women within 10 years of menopause who took 2 mg daily of estriol plus 2 g of calcium for one year gained spine bone density, while those taking calcium alone lost bone density.[Usefulness of estriol for the treatment of bone loss in postmenopausal women].
- In 24 women, those using combined birth control pills and controls had similar vitamin B6 status markers when given 0.8, 2.0 or 20 mg of pyridoxine daily; 0.8 to 2.0 mg daily appeared enough to maintain normal levels.Urinary 4-pyridoxic acid, plasma pyridoxal phosphate, and erythrocyte aminotransferase levels in oral contraceptive user…
- In 24 women, 15 of whom used oral contraceptives, vitamin B6 repletion with 0.8 to 20 mg daily normalized most nutrition markers, but the tryptophan load test stayed abnormal in contraceptive users.Vitamin B6 requirements of women using oral contraceptives.
- In 24 women, birth control pill users and controls handled methionine similarly; 2.0 mg of pyridoxine daily restored normal methionine metabolism in both groups, while 0.8 mg did not.Metabolism of methionine in oral contraceptive users and control women receiving controlled intakes of vitamin B6.
- In 19 early postmenopausal women, 1000 mg of calcium given as two 500 mg doses reduced bone resorption markers during the day and in fasting urine, but had little effect overnight and a small effect over 24 hours.Inhibition of bone resorption by divided-dose calcium supplementation in early postmenopausal women.
- In a small placebo-controlled study of women with premenstrual tension, a multivitamin and multimineral supplement that corrected vitamin B6 and magnesium deficiencies improved symptoms at the appropriate dose.Clinical and biochemical effects of nutritional supplementation on the premenstrual syndrome.
- In 897 adolescent girls given weekly high-dose vitamin D (50,000 IU cholecalciferol) for 9 weeks, the share with premenstrual syndrome fell from 14.9% to 4.8%, with fewer symptoms such as backache and crying.High dose vitamin D supplementation can improve menstrual problems, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome in adolescen…
- In 76 women aged 60 and older with low bone density, adding a daily 1.0 mcg dose of alfacalcidol (a vitamin D form) to low-dose estrogen therapy for 2 years raised lumbar bone density more than estrogen therapy alone (8.75% vs 2.32% at 24 months).Randomized trial comparing low-dose hormone replacement therapy and HRT plus 1alpha-OH-vitamin D3 (alfacalcidol) for tre…
- In 49 postmenopausal women followed in an open-label extension for up to 5 years, calcium and vitamin D with or without estrogen therapy was linked to small increases in jawbone mass.Estrogen and/or calcium plus vitamin D increase mandibular bone mass.
- In 15 healthy postmenopausal women, one month of 7.5 mg daily folic acid improved blood vessel dilation, a measure of endothelial function, with a 37 percent rise over pre-supplement values, and modestly improved cholesterol.Endothelial function in post-menopausal women: effect of folic acid supplementation.
- In women aged 50 to 69, three retinol peel treatments with vitamin C increased skin surface oil on the face and neck, with no comparison group.Influence of the complex of retinol-vitamin C on skin surface lipids.
- Among 367,993 European women followed for about 11.5 years, dietary folate showed only a borderline overall link to lower breast cancer risk, with a lower risk of hormone receptor-negative breast cancer in premenopausal women.Dietary folate intake and breast cancer risk: European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition.
- In a large study of over 181,000 US nurses followed for up to 34 years, neither dietary nor supplemental vitamin C was linked to breast cancer risk, including among postmenopausal women and those using hormone therapy.Dietary and Supplemental Vitamin C Intake and Risk of Breast Cancer: Results from the Nurses' Health Studies.
- Among 26,224 postmenopausal women, higher dietary folate was linked to a higher risk of estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer, while overall breast cancer risk was not affected.Micronutrient intake and breast cancer characteristics among postmenopausal women.
- In a European cohort of 2,491 women with breast cancer and 2,521 matched controls, blood folate levels were not clearly associated with breast cancer risk.Biomarkers of folate and vitamin B12 and breast cancer risk: report from the EPIC cohort.
- In a survey of 4186 Japanese women aged 45 to 55, the highest calcium intake tertile was linked to later menopause, though the abstract notes this may reflect other factors and does not establish cause.Association of diet and other lifestyle with onset of menopause in Japanese women.
- In a large French cohort followed for about 13 years, higher iron stores were linked to lower later cognitive scores in some women, especially postmenopausal women and premenopausal women over 46, but not in men.Midlife iron status is inversely associated with subsequent cognitive performance, particularly in perimenopausal women.
- In a large observational study of 3907 postmenopausal women taking a daily combination of raloxifene and 800 IU vitamin D for 6 months, quality of life scores improved with no serious adverse events, though the study had no placebo group.Quality of life and patient satisfaction with raloxifene/cholecalciferol combination therapy in postmenopausal women.
- Over 10 years in about 3,000 women, dietary folate intake from food was not associated with developing premenstrual syndrome, though thiamine and riboflavin were.Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome.
- In a national survey, lower food folate was one of several dietary factors linked to very short sleep in pre- and peri-menopausal women, but not in postmenopausal women.Associations between Diet and Sleep Duration in Different Menopausal Stages.
- In over 1,200 women with regular cycles, having low vitamin D (under 30 ng/ml) was linked to more breast fullness, tenderness and aches before periods, but not to mood symptoms.Markers of vitamin D metabolism and premenstrual symptoms in healthy women with regular cycles.
- In 998 young women, those with low vitamin D levels had higher odds of some premenstrual symptoms, such as confusion, cramps, fatigue and anxiety, but not of others.Association between Vitamin D Status and Premenstrual Symptoms.
- In a cross-sectional study of 775 white women aged 45 to 64, higher dietary vitamin C was linked to higher bone density at the hip, with a statistically significant link only in women eating at least 500 mg of calcium a day and no clear link at the spine overall.The relation of dietary vitamin C intake to bone mineral density: results from the PEPI study.
- In 702 North Indian women followed for about 8 years, folate repletion at baseline was associated with a higher rate of later hysterectomy.Incidence and determinants of hysterectomy among North Indian women: An 8-year follow-up study.
- Among young women with low folate intake, the TT version of the MTHFR gene was linked to higher odds of premenstrual depression, while no such link appeared in women with higher folate intake.Folate intake, MTHFR genotype and premenstrual symptoms.
- In a retrospective survey of 630 women with premenstrual syndrome, daily pyridoxine doses of 100 to 200 mg were reported to give good or partial relief in most patients, with no reports of nerve damage.Pyridoxine in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a retrospective survey in 630 patients.
- In 530 postmenopausal women, blood vitamin D levels were not clearly linked to menopause symptoms such as sleep problems, mood, or fatigue.Vitamin D levels and menopause-related symptoms.
- In 393 women aged 45 to 53, vitamin D supplement use was not significantly associated with heel ultrasound bone measures, and hormone replacement therapy also showed no significant association.Correlates of quantitative ultrasound in the Women's Healthy Lifestyle Project.
- In a survey of 310 Australian women, vitamins including B6 were among the treatments women found most effective for premenstrual symptoms, yet women who took vitamin B6 had higher overall symptom scores.Premenstrual symptoms in general practice patients. Prevalence and treatment.
- In a cross-sectional study of 300 female students, those with premenstrual syndrome had significantly lower blood vitamin D levels than healthy controls, though this does not show that vitamin D supplementation relieves symptoms.Comparison of serum level of some trace elements and vitamin D between patients with premenstrual syndrome and normal co…
- In people with diabetes, bone mineral density was lowest in those with conditions that impair calcium absorption or those with reduced dietary calcium intake, but this was an observational comparison and no calcium supplement was given.[Diabetic osteopathies. 3. The effect of diabetic complications on bone mineralization].
- In 189 healthy postmenopausal women followed for 7 years, those who lost teeth had greater bone loss at the whole body, hip, and spine than those who kept their teeth, though vitamin D and calcium were given as study treatments and not the variable tested.Increased risk of tooth loss is related to bone loss at the whole body, hip, and spine.
- In 182 women with and without type 2 diabetes, homocysteine levels rose after menopause, and folate was one of several factors linked to homocysteine levels.Menopause modulates homocysteine levels in diabetic and non-diabetic women.
- In 128 women with severe obesity, low vitamin D was linked to age over 40 and low calcium intake, but not to body fat measures; menopause was not kept as a significant factor in the final model.Vitamin D in women with class II/III obesity: Findings from the DieTBra trial.
- In 122 healthy postmenopausal women, higher blood homocysteine and lower folate and vitamin B12 levels were not linked to bone mineral density or spinal fractures.Influence of homocysteine and its major genetic and nutritional determinants on bone mineral density.
- In 108 women, lower dietary intake of vitamin B6 was linked to more severe premenstrual symptoms in some groups, but this survey did not test a supplement and cannot show cause.Premenstrual syndrome and beyond: lifestyle, nutrition, and personal facts.
- In a cross-sectional study of 97 postmenopausal women, calcium intake was a significant predictor of body fat and lean mass, though the abstract does not state the direction of that link.Increased 2-hydroxylation of estrogen is associated with lower body fat and increased lean body mass in postmenopausal w…
- In 63 perimenopausal Irish women, vitamin D intake was below dietary guidelines, but the study did not report a link between vitamin D and symptom severity.Nutrient Intake and Menopausal Symptoms in Perimenopausal Women.
- In a retrospective study of 45 symptomatic menopausal women over 3 months, a pollen cytoplasm product with vitamin D and vitamin K2 raised vitamin D levels, lowered a bone breakdown marker, and improved vasomotor and mood symptoms compared with controls.Beneficial Effects of Purified Cytoplasm of Pollen Associated with Vitamin D and Vitamin K2 on Menopausal Symptoms and B…
- In a small study of 23 postmenopausal women, dietary vitamin C intake did not differ between women with osteoporosis and healthy controls, though age and years since menopause did differ.[Nutrition and osteoporosis: a nutritional analysis of women in postmenopause].
- In 22 women followed for 5 years through menopause, higher dietary vitamin D intake was linked to less bone loss in the distal radius, while higher parathyroid hormone was tied to more bone loss.Menopausal bone loss is partially regulated by dietary intake of vitamin D.
- Energy intake was higher in the luteal phase in premenopausal women, and women both before and after menopause fell short of recommended folate intake, with no difference in energy intake between postmenopausal women taking or not taking hormone replacement therapy.Dietary and metabolic differences in pre- versus postmenopausal women taking or not taking hormone replacement therapy.
- Women starting oral contraceptives containing 30 or 50 micrograms of estrogen had serum ascorbic acid levels drop by about 30% to 42% within the first few months.Metabolic effects of oral contraceptives containing 30 micrograms and 50 micrograms of oestrogen.
- Postmenopausal women had significantly lower blood vitamin C levels, and lower antioxidant enzyme levels, than premenopausal women aged 30 to 60.Status of trace elements and antioxidants in premenopausal and postmenopausal phase of life: a comparative study.
- In a study of women living with HIV in Cambodia, menopausal symptom severity was linked to calcium supplement use, but the abstract does not say whether calcium helped or worsened symptoms.Menopausal symptoms and associated factors in women living with HIV in Cambodia.
- Women with the highest dietary vitamin D intake (median 528 IU a day) had a 17% lower risk of early menopause than women with the lowest intake.Vitamin D and calcium intake and risk of early menopause.
- Adding vitamin D to estrogen hormone replacement was reported to work better than hormone replacement alone for preventing bone loss after menopause.[Effect of combination treatment with estrogen and vitamin D3 on postmenopausal boneless].
- Estrogen treatment in postmenopausal women raised bone mineral content, but serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels did not change significantly.Calcitonin, estrogens and the bone.
Review Totals and Summary
Members OnlyWhat buyers say
Global customer feedback and professional analyses for Mission Pharmacal CitraNatal B-Calm Rx Prenatal Tablet highlight several qualitative themes, primarily revolving around its efficacy in managing pregnancy-related discomforts and its user-friendly design, alongside considerations regarding its prescription status and cost. A recurring positive theme is the product's effectiveness in alleviating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, with many users and analyses attributing this benefit to the inclusion of additional Vitamin B6 tablets. This targeted relief is a significant advantage for expectant mothers struggling with morning sickness, contributing to a more tolerable pregnancy experience. Another frequently praised aspect is the convenient blister pack packaging, which is described as "easy-to-follow" and helps users adhere to the prescribed dosage regimen. The formulation is also noted for being "gentle on your digestion" and causing "less gas and bloating" due to the highly absorbable calcium citrate and the Ferr-Ease® dual iron system, which is designed for tolerability. This gentleness on the stomach is a crucial factor for pregnant women who often experience increased digestive sensitivities. However, several qualitative concerns emerge from the feedback. A common point of contention is the requirement to take "three separate pills each time throughout the day" (one prenatal tablet and two B6 tablets), which some users find cumbersome or difficult to remember consistently. The fact that CitraNatal B-Calm is a "brand name only" product and requires a "prescription" contributes to its higher cost compared to generic alternatives, making it an expensive option for many. While generally associated with "few side effects," some individuals report experiencing common gastrointestinal issues such as stomach upset, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, although these are often noted to improve over time. The prescription-only status also means it's not readily available over-the-counter, requiring a doctor's visit and potentially limiting access for some. Despite these points, the overall sentiment leans towards appreciation for its specific benefits, particularly in nausea management, balanced against the practicalities of its dosage and cost.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only9 of 10 recommend it
9 of 10 biohackers on our panel recommend it
Vitamin D and vitamin C are both listed as main ingredients here, and vitamin D gets the most attention: nearly all ten panelists spoke about it, and most recommend it or take it themselves. People use it for immune support, brain and mood, muscle, bone healing, heart health and general health, and several take 5000 IU of vitamin D3 each morning, while one suggests 10,000 IU daily in winter and others advise testing blood levels, with targets ranging from 40 up to 100 ng per ml. One advises taking it with dietary fat for better absorption, and one cautions that most people only benefit if they are actually deficient. Vitamin C is recommended by about five of them for collagen and joint support, skin, immunity and detox, often paired with collagen, with one citing 500 mg to 1 g. Iron is a smaller ingredient in this product, and one panelist said he stopped iron supplements that never raised his levels, while folic acid, also a smaller ingredient, was recommended by one for neural tube health.
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Dr. Eric Berg · Vitamin D · warns
- Dr. Berg warns that the recommended daily intake for vitamin D is based on a massive error and that the actual necessary amount is closer to 8,895 IU, with millions remaining deficient.
- Recommends getting vitamin D levels tested to ensure they are between 50 and 70, as vitamin D is intimately involved in regulating prostate size.
- Recommends taking at least 10,000 IUs of vitamin D3 every single day in the winter, stating it is the most important vitamin to lower cancer risk.
- Recommends vitamin D to support the immune system, aiming for blood levels between 80 to 100 ng per ml.
- Identifies iron as the Achilles' heel of cancer, as it is needed for its DNA to replicate.
- Mentions that lemon is loaded with vitamin C, and when combined with coffee, vitamin C significantly increases the bioavailability of antioxidants in the coffee.
- Recommends taking no less than 10,000 IU's of vitamin D3 for osteoporosis, alongside magnesium and K2.
- Recommends increasing vitamin D to restore balance and support healthy blood pressure.
- Dr. Berg states that Vitamin C helps fight biofilms and is essential for making collagen in gums, teeth, and capillaries.
- Warns that bone loss cannot be fixed with just calcium, as bone is primarily collagen with other essential minerals.
- States that a lack of vitamin D can potentially cause achy bones or crashing mood.
- Recommends Vitamin C as a cofactor, especially for collagen.
- States that vitamin D is intimately involved in the immune system and recommends taking at least 10,000 IUs each day.
- States that high doses of vitamin C, like 2 to 4 grams, can greatly reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Dave Asprey · Vitamin D · uses
- Takes Vitamin DAKE from Suppgrade Labs.
- Suggests that vitamin D supports brain health, muscle function, and focus.
- Recommends taking vitamin C for better skin health.
- Host Dave Asprey explains why correcting a vitamin D deficiency still makes sense for male fertility, even though supplementation did not improve overall semen parameters in a randomized trial.
- States that currently, he is only taking vitamin C and vitamin D.
- States that currently, he is only taking vitamin C and vitamin D.
- Recommends vitamin D, noting it's actually a hormone and that most people are deficient, even those who take it, because they don't take enough.
- States that most people on the spectrum are low in vitamin D and need more of it, mentioning his own product, Vitam DAKNE, which contains real vitamin A.
- Dave Asprey recommends Vitamin D3 with K2, explaining D3 is a hormone made from sunlight and K2 directs calcium into bones, not arteries, highlighting its low cost, widespread deficiency, and the ability to test its effectiveness.
- Recommends Vitamin D as one of the most important supplements for overall health.
- Dave Asprey reflects on how new research clarifies the mechanism behind IV vitamin C's anti-cancer effect, vindicating a decades-old idea that was dismissed for the wrong reasons.
- Takes Vitamin DAKE from Suppgrade Labs because D3, A, K2, and E work together.
- Warns that folic acid is not the same as folate and that the body processes them differently.
- Mentions taking vitamin D in the morning, comparing it to the daily dosing of testosterone.
Siim Land · Vitamin D · recommends
- Advises against taking vitamin D in the morning with other supplements because it is fat soluble and requires dietary fat for better absorption.
- Recommends taking Vitamin D with fat for better absorption.
- Recommends taking vitamin C with collagen to support joint collagen synthesis.
- States that Vitamin D connects biology to light and that UVB reaching the skin enables its production.
- States that vitamin C is needed for initiating collagen synthesis and that higher vitamin C intake appears to increase vitamin C content in the skin.
- Mentions that iron is a mineral necessary for making collagen.
- Lists sauerkraut and fruit as sources of Vitamin C.
- Lists dairy and sardines as sources of Calcium.
- Thinks vitamin D has some of the strongest evidence and is worth considering.
- Notes that Vitamin K2 pairs well with vitamin D by regulating calcium and bone mineralization.
- Notes that Vitamin C is one of several supplements with human evidence.
- States that excess iron promotes oxidative stress and inflammation, which increases heart disease risk.
- Recommends taking vitamin D supplements with some fat to maximize its absorption, suggesting with food or a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Notes that taking vitamin D3 with a fat-containing meal resulted in 32% higher peak blood vitamin D levels.
Ben Greenfield · Vitamin C · recommends
- States that vitamin C is extremely important for collagen turnover and cites orthopedic data showing that 500 mg to 1 g of vitamin C can reduce the rate of complex regional pain in total knee replacements and wrist fractures.
- Notes that Vitamin D is actually a hormone and recommends patients aim for levels around 40 to 50, or even 60 for fracture healing, for optimal healing, as opposed to just above 20 which is considered normal.
- Mentions vitamin C as part of a bare-minimum protocol.
- Mentions vitamin D as part of a bare-minimum protocol.
- Advises getting vitamin D levels between 60 and 100 nanograms per milliliter as a minimum step for overall health and to slow down heart disease.
- Warns that folic acid is an inactive form of folate that the body cannot efficiently convert, meaning one won't get the full benefit.
- Notes that while vitamin C has significant value, the optimal dose is a vexed question, and high doses might not always be beneficial, potentially blunting the hormetic effects of exercise.
- Notes that IV vitamin C has been used for decades for cancer patients with almost no standardization and that he receives many questions about its effectiveness and combination with chemo.
- Has been taking Vitamin D3 K2 for over a decade.
- Noted that too much folic acid doesn't necessarily help her due to her MTHFR gene.
- Notes that sunlight influences more than just vitamin D production.
- Recommends keeping vitamin D levels high, suggesting that a supplement is probably not a bad idea, especially given that many people are deficient due to spending most of their time indoors.
- Recommends getting enough vitamin D for blood pressure management.
- Recommends Vitamin C for skin repair post-tattoo.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Vitamin D · recommends
- Recommends Vitamin D for health, stating that amazing things happen when patients' vitamin D statuses reach optimal levels.
- Mentions vitamin D as an existing biomarker that plays a role in mental health, which Function Health includes in their measurements.
- Mentions iron as an existing biomarker that plays a role in mental health, which Function Health includes in their measurements.
- Notes that vitamin D plays a role in immune function.
- Recommends vitamin C as a basic supplement during detoxification to help with inflammation and detoxification.
- Recommends checking vitamin D levels and states that if they had to pick one single intervention for immune health, vitamin D would be it.
- Dr. Hyman discusses vitamin D in relation to sun exposure patterns.
- States that vitamin D supplementation can help with oxidative stress.
- Dr. Hyman mentions vitamin C as an advanced therapy for skin repair.
- Mentions topical vitamin C as an antioxidant that can help skin with aging.
- Mentions that what they do when a cold comes on is not just vitamin C.
- Mentions vitamin D as a key nutrient for supporting immune function.
- States that vitamin D is probably the single most important intervention for immune health, recommending levels of 45 to 70 and emphasizing testing to determine the right dose.
- Recommends ensuring adequate vitamin C intake on a regular basis for immune support, stating it's important for healthy immune function despite mixed data on its effectiveness for colds.
Thomas DeLauer · Vitamin C · recommends
- Recommends taking vitamin C along with collagen about an hour before a workout for connective tissue benefits.
- Uses vitamin C as part of their immunity duo, stating it is important for boosting the immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
- Uses vitamin D3 in the fall and winter months when getting less sun, as it's important to supplement it then.
- Recommends taking a massive amount of vitamin D simultaneously with an early morning massive breakfast to help reset circadian rhythms and address hyperphagia.
- Recommends Vitamin D, stating that it has receptors throughout the brain and deficiency can quickly impact brain and mood.
- Takes supplemental vitamin D because he is skin sensitive and from northern latitudes, limiting his UV exposure.
- Recommends taking vitamin D on non-liver days to ensure both nutrients get proper receptor access.
- Warns that synthetic folic acid supplements may not convert effectively in many people due to a gene variant, potentially blocking cellular folate uptake and masking B12 deficiencies.
- Recommends consuming vitamin C to aid in NADPH recycling, which is necessary for glutathione to be reused after neutralizing oxidative stress.
- Takes Purity's liquid liposomal vitamin C for immune support and overall wellness, finding it easy to add to water, juice, or take straight up due to its good taste.
- Takes Purity's liquid vitamin D3 with K2 because she is constantly inside during the day; D3 is for overall wellness and K2 helps the body absorb calcium properly.
- Compares the Vitamin C content of oranges (53mg) to guava (228mg), noting guava has 4x more.
- Compares iron content in spinach (2.7mg) and beef (2.6mg), but emphasizes that beef's heme iron absorbs at about 25%, while spinach's non-heme iron absorbs at 2-8%.
- Notes that milk contains 120mg of calcium, while sardines contain 351mg, highlighting a 3x difference.
Bryan Johnson · Vitamin D · uses
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- Has had low iron for 11 years and despite eating meat and trying all forms of iron supplementation at different times and sequences, none of it worked to raise his iron or ferritin levels.
- Had low iron for 11 years, with ferritin averaging 38 ng/mL, and has finally boosted it back to healthy levels.
- Mentions that the sunlight assessment claims low vitamin D levels cause the immune system to misfire, and notes that their vitamin D has been measured.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for longevity.
- He takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- Takes 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for longevity.
- Takes 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning.
- Takes 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning.
- He takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- Recommends calcium as a mineral that, along with phosphorus, magnesium, and boron, is deposited to fortify the bone structure after the collagen scaffold is in place.
- Agrees that a little extra calcium is probably okay, especially for women, to really hit home for bone mineral density.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Vitamin D · neutral
- Vitamin D supplementation was linked to a 40% lower risk of dementia in an observational study of more than 12,000 older adults.
- Mentions that vitamin D also plays a role in maintaining muscle mass.
- Recommends ensuring adequate vitamin D intake for men's sperm health.
- Recommends a combination of methyl folate and folic acid, as folic acid has been shown to reduce neural tube defects.
- Vitamin D and strength training alone did not, but adding them strengthened the effect on one clock, with the full combination slowing that measure by ~3.8 months.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin can also be obtained from certain multivitamins.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin can also be obtained from certain multivitamins.
- Recommends Vitamin D, noting it regulates over 5% of the genome, including genes involved in immune defense, neurotransmitter synthesis, and longevity, and correcting deficiency may slow epigenetic aging.
- Uses Vitamin D3 as an example of a supplement that an AI model could track to see its impact on other metrics like glucose levels.
- Mentions that kale delivers calcium, a micronutrient many diets fall short on.
- Recommends Vitamin D, explaining that it regulates over 5% of the genome, including genes involved in immune defense, neurotransmitter synthesis, and longevity.
- Combining omega-3s with vitamin D and exercise has an additive effect, translating to ~3 months of slowed biological aging.
- The effect got stronger when omega-3 was combined with vitamin D and resistance training, with the full stack delaying phenotypic aging by about 3.8 months.
- Recommends nutrients like vitamin C for men to prioritize sperm mitochondrial health.
Andrew Huberman · Vitamin D · neutral
- Notes that most people are probably deficient in vitamin D and benefit from supplementing, but there's no point in doing it unless you're deficient for most things.
- Takes 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for longevity.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- States that Vitamin D is one of the critical nutrients with the best evidence for cognitive function and reducing the risk of dementia.
- States that Iron is one of the critical nutrients with the best evidence for cognitive function and reducing the risk of dementia.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning.
- He takes 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for overall health.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning.
- Takes 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning for general health.
- Takes 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 every day for longevity.
- Takes a multivitamin every day for longevity.
- Takes 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 in the morning.
- Recommends taking a prenatal vitamin that has folic acid before getting pregnant to optimize nutrients for pregnancy.
- Recommends AG1, a vitamin, mineral, and probiotic drink, and notes that for a limited time, a subscription comes with additional supplements.
Peter Attia · Vitamin D · uses
- Lists vitamin D as one of her staple supplements.
- Notes that several studies show patients taking vitamin D can reduce TPO levels and prolong the honeymoon period of Hashimoto's disease.
- States that in mouse studies, there was a combined effect of alpha ketoglutarate with vitamin D for both sexes.
- Uses vitamin D as an example of how people might dismiss its efficacy due to failed clinical trials that didn't adjust the dose or measure levels.
- In mouse studies, Peter Attia's team found a combined effect of AKG with Vitamin D for both sexes.
- Suggests that supplementing with lots of vitamin D might help overcome the negative effects of phenytoin on bone health by improving calcium absorption, though he is unaware of studies on this.
- Recommends Vitamin D3 as one of the 'big three' micronutrients for bone health, suggesting a daily intake of 800 to 1,000 IU, which can be obtained through sunlight or supplementation.
- Recommends calcium as one of the 'big three' micronutrients for bone health, suggesting a daily intake of 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams, which can be supplemented with calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.
- Suggests that supplementing with lots of vitamin D might overcome the negative effects of phenytoin on bone health by counteracting increased catabolism of vitamin D and subsequent decreased calcium absorption.
- Explains that bone is 50 to 70% mineral, predominantly calcium, and that virtually all of the body's calcium is contained within bone, making bone important for calcium homeostasis.
- Recommends vitamin C as an important molecule for skin, noting its role as a precursor for collagen synthesis, a powerful antioxidant, and a regulator of complexion for even skin tone.
- Tried a vitamin C serum mixed with ferulic acid but stopped using it because she hated the smell. She notes that topical application of vitamin C far exceeds the levels achievable by ingestion for skin benefits.
- Recommends vitamin D for people who tend to be vitamin D deficient, such as those living in Portland, Oregon.
- States that folic acid is important for anyone trying to get pregnant.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 4 for Hormone Balance for Women
Vitamin C and vitamin B6 have some mixed human support for women's hormone-related symptoms, but no reviews have been counted, so the product stays at the emerging tier. Calcium and folic acid are below their studied doses.
Take 3 servings a day (3 tablets) to match the dose that worked in the studies.
- Emerging: not enough evidence to rank higher yet.
Where the evidence disagrees: 62 of the 136 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Reproductive system, Endocrine system, Nervous system, Digestive system, Blood
Combine with: To complement CitraNatal B-Calm Rx Prenatal Tablet, consider adding Omega-3 fatty acids (specifically DHA) for crucial fetal brain and eye development. Choline is another vital nutrient for fetal brain and neural tube development that is often not adequately supplied in standard prenatals. A high-quality probiotic can support maternal gut health and immune function, which is beneficial during pregnancy. Magnesium can also be a helpful addition to address common pregnancy discomforts like leg cramps and occasional constipation.
Possible side effects: Review summaries mention stomach upset, constipation, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that often improve over time. One long trial of high-dose vitamin C with vitamin E in women with heart disease suggested possible harm.
Supplement Facts
Vitamin C 120 mg · Calcium 120 mg · Iron 20 mg
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 Tablet(s)
Servings Per Container 30
Amount Per Serving% Daily Value
| Vitamin C | 120 mg | |
| Calcium | 120 mg | |
| Iron | 20 mg | |
| Vitamin D3 | 400 IU | |
| Vitamin B6 | 25 mg | |
| Folic Acid | 1 mg |
Directions: Dosage and administration: One tablet every eight hours, beginning with "Tablet 1", or as directed by a physician.
Barcode (UPC) 301780832301 · Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
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Our articles on this subject
- What Supplements and Vitamins Should Not Be Taken TogetherArticle · Sep 7, 2026
- When Is the Best Time to Take Vitamins and Supplements?Article · Jun 15, 2026
Graded November 3, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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