Calcium 600 mg (Caramel)

Class III and IV caramel colors contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) in 2011 (Monograph Vol. 101). California Prop 65 lists 4-MEI as a known carcinogen; products delivering >29 mcg/day require a cancer warning label. NTP TR-535 (2007) found 4-MEI caused lung tumors in mice. Major cola brands (Coca-Cola, Pepsi) voluntarily reformulated 2012-2014 to reduce 4-MEI below California thresholds. Because labels never specify Class I (sugar + heat only, safer) vs Class III/IV (ammonia-process, contains 4-MEI), consumers cannot verify which they're consuming. Combined with the additive's purely cosmetic purpose, the risk:benefit ratio is unfavorable for any supplement.

High glycemic load; source typically corn (generally gluten-free)

Added sugars and high glycemic load; dental caries risk

Broad regulatory category of flavor constituents derived from natural sources. Composition is proprietary and not disclosed — 'Natural Flavors' can include several hundred different compounds depending on the target flavor profile, including hexane-extracted constituents and proprietary carrier solvents. 'Natural' is a regulatory definition (21 CFR §101.22), not a safety guarantee.

Milk/dairy solids used as a food base.

Widely used emulsifier derived from soybeans

Edible oils used as carriers in softgels and as processing aids