Jarrow Formulas Mineral Balance, Supports Maintenence for Optimal Health, 120 Capsules

In June of 2017, at the age of 73, I abruptly started having nocturnal leg cramps every night. I never had leg cramps in my life until this happened suddenly in the middle of the night. I had no idea what could cause this to happen so suddenly. I read that magnesium and other mineral deficiencies were the most common cause. So I did my usual extensive search for mineral supplements and purchased a bottle of Jarrow Formula Mineral Balance, the same as this item I am reviewing. Technically, I am a verified purchaser, just not in this bottle size. I used up the entire bottle, but in the meantime, my primary care doctor told me to take magnesium supplements. It did nothing to help. So on my next visit, I said I was still having leg cramps. I had just started taking this Jarrow Formulas Mineral Balance by then. I had blood tests done after my first doctor visit and everything was virtually perfect as it has been most of my life. My doctor was puzzled and on his way out of the door, he mentioned calcium can sometimes be the main reason for leg cramps - except my calcium levels from my blood test was normal, but not a lot above the minimum.Then I remembered that I ran out of calcium supplements just before I started having leg cramps. And that was it. I bought the chewable calcium supplements and the leg cramps greatly diminished. I checked the label on this Jarrow Formulas bottle and the calcium was 80% of my daily minimum requirement, so it still wasn't quite enough.Those recommended daily minimums were first established in the 1940s. Then they were updated in 1968. The most recent update was July 2016. However, pharmaceutical companies have until 2020 to comply with the 2016 mandated changes. Meanwhile, I think we are still seeing the daily minimum labels mandated in 1997. And I can't find any recommendations for older people. As we age, our digestive system doesn't work as well as when we were young, so even though we may take supplements or eat certain foods, it doesn’t mean enough of it gets digested into our bloodstream.So I've learned I need to take a huge amount of calcium twice a day just to marginally manage my muscle cramps that have begun to affect even my fingers and forearms. I don't trust the labels for a minimum daily recommendation anymore. I don’t necessarily even trust the minimum blood test levels either. I trust the maximum blood test levels, however. What is normal for a young person may not be normal for older people like me. I just have to experiment until I can find a way to manage my muscle cramps. My magnesium levels are very high. My calcium is halfway between the minimum and the midpoint of normal even though I take a very large amount of calcium supplements and eat a mug of ice cream every night.We need a broad spectrum of minerals for our bodily functions, especially as we become older - in our 30s. And this Jarrow Formulas supplement does have a broad spectrum of minerals. Nearly all the supplements I take are from Jarrow Formulas. It is possible to take too many of some supplements, too. I’ve got to update my spreadsheet of all the ingredients in the supplements I am taking to make sure I’m not taking too much of some ingredients. The ingredients obviously add together. Vitamin B6 can be toxic in larger doses, and it’s easy to take too much. There is no iron in this formula. Excess iron accumulates in the liver, pancreas and the heart. Normally, only women between 19 and 50 years old should take iron supplements. Meat eaters usually have no shortage of iron.In fact, there are two vitamins in this formula. It has a considerable amount of D3 and K2 vitamins to help keep the calcium in our bones and not build up as plaque in our blood vessels and heart. In April 2017, I had a cardiac catheterization test done and I learned the hard way that I have zero plaque on my blood vessels. I attribute that to taking a wide range of sensible supplements for the past 25 years. The reason I had a cardiac catheterization was chest pain that turned out to be a gallstone attack that mimicked heart attack chest pain. My gallbladder is gone now. Oddly my blood tests have improved as I’ve gotten older – better and more selective Jarrow Formulas supplements perhaps? People 40 years younger than I am would love to have my blood test results.I've included the size of the capsules so you can compare it to a full-sized round aspirin and an acetaminophen tablet. This capsule is in the middle.

I take a multi mineral every day but usually from a different brand. This version is pretty good as far as amounts but I'm less impressed by the addition of Vitamin K which will limit the use by some people due to medication interactions etc. Also the potassium amount is low but that is typical since most vitamins are limited to only 99mg for potassium. Still an overall good mineral supplement but just be aware of the vitamin K addition which can cause problems for those on blood thinners or clotting issues etc...

I like the ingredients but hate that you have to take six capsules per day to teach the listed amounts. I won’t buy them again and will read the amount per serving before buying the next time.

All of Jarrows products have been great. Totally my fault, but I did not realize you have to take 6 pills for a dose. I thought this was a great deal. Did not know this is only 20 servings in a bottle. I just do not want to take 6 pills. I love what is in this, but to many for me to deal with.

I really like that it contains Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D If you are not sure why this is a good think do some research into those two vitamins. I do not like that it is 6 pills to a serving and there are only 20 servings. The ~$10 is a good price, but would be willing to pay more for a 30 day supply.

I’ve been taking this for a couple weeks... I love that is has many of the minerals needed and missing from other supplements but don’t love taking 6 capsules per day! I take 3 in the AM amd 3 in the PM. The entire bottle will only last 20 days at this rate...also, I was hoping to have the noticeable difference in energy that some describe but haven’t noticed anything different yet. I’ve only been taking these for a couple weeks so I will update if I notice any changes.

Just take these pills for the rest of your life.. It works wonders!!

I gave it 4 stars because I really don't see or feel any difference, but my doctor wanted me to take these, so am doing it. There are no side effects, so seem to be safe and good quality.