Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 12 of 19 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Friendly Force Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by HealthForce SuperFoods

Friendly Force label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Friendly Force against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Friendly Force is a dietary supplement by HealthForce SuperFoods with 19 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for iron-deficiency anemia, low iron stores during pregnancy, fatigue from iron deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 2,170 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Marshmallow, Kelp, Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 30, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 19 active ingredients.
  • “Whole Food Blend with Prebiotic Ingredients” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (800 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Happy Microbiome Probiotic Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (200 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Friendly Force contains 19 active and inactive ingredients. The active components include iron for supporting healthy iron levels and oxygen transport, a blend of six probiotic species (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Streptococcus thermophilus, and others) to support gut bacteria balance, iodine for thyroid and metabolic function, kelp (a seaweed rich in iodine and minerals), yacon (a plant with prebiotic fiber), burdock root, and marshmallow root.

The inactive ingredients are rice hulls and VeganCaps (capsule material).

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Digestive, immune and microbiome support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Constipation, Clostridioides difficile infection, Common cold, Cognitive function, Gut health — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Constipation.
  • Also on file: Iron is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cognitive function.

Iron is effective for iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, and it's also effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency. It's possibly effective for heart failure.

The probiotic strains have mixed evidence: Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus are possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome, and several strains show possible benefit for respiratory tract infections and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, evidence is insufficient to rate these probiotics for allergic rhinitis, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and several other conditions.

Iodine is likely effective for radiation exposure and iodine deficiency, and possibly effective for oral mouth sores and gum disease. Kelp, yacon, burdock, and marshmallow lack sufficient evidence in the data we hold to establish their effectiveness.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Iron Iodine Fucus Vesiculosus Burdock Marshmallow Bifidobacterium Bifidum Lactobacillus Gasseri Streptococcus Thermophilus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 11 of the 12 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 12 of 12.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 12 of 12.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Iron is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though excess iron can be toxic — use it only when there's a real need. Common side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Rare serious effects include gastrointestinal ulcers. Iron is likely safe in pregnancy (though prenatal care provider guidance on dose is important) and generally acceptable while breastfeeding at appropriate doses.

The probiotic strains are generally well tolerated in healthy people, though those with weakened immune systems should be cautious; rare but serious cases of bacterial bloodstream infections have been reported in critically ill or severely immunocompromised patients. Iodine is safe in normal dietary amounts but high doses can disrupt thyroid function and cause goiter, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism.

Kelp carries the same iodine-related risks and may concentrate heavy metals, so it's unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Burdock is likely safe as a food and for short-term use in healthy adults, though allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) are rare.

Marshmallow is generally well tolerated for short-term use. Data on pregnancy and lactation safety are insufficient for burdock and marshmallow, so medicinal amounts should be avoided during these periods.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Iron Iodine Fucus Vesiculosus Burdock Marshmallow Bifidobacterium Bifidum Lactobacillus Gasseri Streptococcus Thermophilus

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 11 of the 12 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Iodine, Burdock, Fucus Vesiculosus, Marshmallow, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 2,171 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Friendly Force, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take levodopa (Parkinson's disease), antibiotic drugs, lithium (mood stabilizer), antithyroid medications, levothyroxine or other thyroid hormones, amiodarone (heart rhythm medication), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics, methyldopa (blood pressure medication), bisphosphonates (bone medication), or mycophenolate mofetil (immunosuppressant). The iron, iodine, kelp, probiotics, and other ingredients all interact with these drug types.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a multi-ingredient probiotic and micronutrient formula suitable for people looking to support gut health and iron status. If you take medications for Parkinson's disease, thyroid conditions, heart rhythm issues, mood stabilization, or antibiotics, you'll need to check your specific drugs with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the iron, iodine, kelp, and probiotics all have significant interactions.

Those with weakened immune systems or serious illnesses should discuss probiotics with their healthcare provider first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 12 of 19 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 21, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Friendly Force, straight from the product label.

Brand HealthForce SuperFoods
Barcode (UPC) 650786004152
Net contents 120 Vegan Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 21, 2022
DSLD ID 264122
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Vegan Cap(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegan Cap(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
650786004152
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories4 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Iron0.6 mg4%
Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-100 NP--
Lactobacillus casei UALc-030 NP--
Lactobacillus paracasei UALpc-040 NP--
Lactobacillus gasseri UALg-050 NP--
Streptococcus thermophilus UASt-090 NP--
Lactobacillus salivarius UALs-070 NP--
Lactobacillus plantarum UALp-050 NP--
Iodine25 mcg17%
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-10 NP--
Lactobacillus rhamnosus UALr-060 NP--
Kelp0 NP--
Yacon0 NP--
Burdock0 NP--
Whole Food Blend with Prebiotic Ingredients800 mg--
Marshmallow0 NP--
Happy Microbiome Probiotic Blend200 mg--
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis UABla-120 NP--
Lactobacillus reuteri UALre-160 NP--
Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum UABl-140 NP--
Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus UALb-150 NP--

Other ingredients: Rice hulls, VeganCaps

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Seals/Symbols

TruGanic Sourcing Vegan Ethics

Certified Vegan Vegan.org GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) OU Pareve (Kosher)

Formulation

Eco facility Lab verified Ecofresh packaging

Digestive + immune + microbiome support

GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

Organic wildcrafted TruGanic

Formula

Friendly Force is a unique formula that combines functional, whole food roots (yacon, burdock, and marshmallow) and sea veggie (kelp) with 13 beneficial multispecies probiotic lactic acid bacteria. The whole foods blend collectively contains the prebiotic ingredients inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and polysaccharides.

OU Pareve (Kosher)

13 shelf stable strains 50 billion minimum CFU At time of manufacture

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Two capsules per day with or without food, taken at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics/fungals, or as advised by a qualified health care professional.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Probiotic Supplement

Storage

Up to 40 billion CFU until expiry date, if stored as recommended. Store in a cool, dry place at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). For maximum potency, keep refrigerated.

Brand IP Statement(s)

DDs is a registered trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S and used under license.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Friendly Force label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods

These are the 19 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegan Cap(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Iron

Interacts with
80 drugs
0.6 mg per serving

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin and carry oxygen in the blood. Supplements are mainly useful for treating or preventin...

Iron monograph & interactions

Iodine

Interacts with
7 drugs
25 mcg per serving

Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, and most people get enough from iodized salt, dairy, and seafood. Supplements...

Iodine monograph & interactions

Whole Food Blend with Prebiotic Ingredients

800 mg per serving

Happy Microbiome Probiotic Blend

200 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice hulls, VeganCaps. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Friendly Force?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
2,170Drugs
366 Moderate 1,804 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Marshmallow 2,040
Kelp 891
Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10 182
Lactobacillus gasseri UALg-05 182
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 182

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Friendly Force interact with 2,170 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

11 of the 19 ingredients in Friendly Force interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Marshmallow Kelp Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10 Lactobacillus gasseri UALg-05 Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis UABla-12 Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum UABl-14 Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus UALb-15 Burdock Iron Iodine

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Friendly Force with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Marshmallow3 drug types · 2,040 drugs

Lithium

Theoretically, due to potential diuretic effects, marshmallow might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Marshmallow is thought to have diuretic properties. To avoid lithium toxicity, the dose of lithium might need to be decreased when used with marshmallow.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, marshmallow flower might have antiplatelet effects.
Animal research suggests that marshmallow flower extract has antiplatelet effects. However, the root and leaf of marshmallow, not the flower, are the plant parts most commonly found in dietary supplements. Theoretically, use of marshmallow flower with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs can have additive effects, and might increase the risk for bleeding in some patients.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Oral Drugs

Theoretically, mucilage in marshmallow might impair absorption of oral drugs.
Marshmallow contains mucilage which can affect oral drug absorption. To avoid changes in absorption, take marshmallow 30-60 minutes after oral medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Marshmallow full monograph & interactions

Kelp9 drug types · 891 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, combining Fucus vesiculosus with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine. Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use might increase the risk of having excessive iodine levels and adversely affecting thyroid function. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Due to its iodine content, Fucus vesiculosus might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Fucus vesiculosus while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus and lithium has resulted in hyperthyroidism.
There is a case of hyperthyroidism occurring in a patient taking Fucus vesiculosus and lithium. Monitor thyroid hormones closely in patients taking lithium and Fucus vesiculosus concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Due to its iodine content, Fucus vesiculosus might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Fucus vesiculosus while using thyroid hormone could alter the effects of thyroid hormone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking Fucus vesiculosus with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro evidence suggests that a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, known as fucoidan, has anticoagulant effects. However, in clinical research, fucoidan does not seem to have significant anticoagulant activity when taken orally, possibly due to poor absorption.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2C8 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP2C8. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2C9 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP2C9. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2D6 substrates might alter the effects of these substrates.
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, both inhibits and induces CYP2D6. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP3A4 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP3A4. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Kelp full monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-101 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium. bifidum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. bifidum.
Since B. bifidum preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. bifidum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10 full monograph & interactions

Lactobacillus gasseri UALg-051 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus gasseri with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. gasseri.
Lactobacillus gasseri preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and L. gasseri preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lactobacillus gasseri UALg-05 full monograph & interactions

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-11 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. acidophilus.
L. acidophilus preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and L. acidophilus preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 full monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis UABla-121 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium lactis with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. lactis.
Since B. lactis preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. lactis preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis UABla-12 full monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum UABl-141 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium longum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. longum.
Since B. longum preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. longum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum UABl-14 full monograph & interactions

Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus UALb-151 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus delbrueckii with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. delbrueckii.
Lactobacillus delbrueckii preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and L. delbrueckii preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus UALb-15 full monograph & interactions

Burdock1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking burdock with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.

In vitro research shows that lignans from burdock reduce rabbit platelet aggregation by inhibiting platelet activating factor. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Burdock full monograph & interactions

Iron13 drug types · 80 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Iron might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and iron can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, iron containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Iron reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients that doses of bisphosphonates should be separated by at least two hours from doses of all other medications, including supplements such as iron. Divalent cations, including iron, can decrease absorption of bisphosphonates by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Denosumab (Prolia, Others)

Administration of intravenous iron within one month of denosumab administration might increase the risk of severe hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia.
A case of severe hypocalcemia (albumin corrected calcium 6.88 mg/dL, ionized calcium 3.68 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (<0.5 mg/dL) with respiratory acidosis, QT interval prolongation, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was reported in a 76-year-old male who had received an iron polymaltose infusion within 2 weeks of a subcutaneous injection of denosumab. Serum parathyroid hormone was also elevated (348 pg/mL). Subsequent iron infusions with iron polymaltose and ferric carboxymaltose were followed by transient hypophosphatemia, but without hypocalcemia. Additionally, a literature review describes 6 additional cases of hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia in patients 52-92 years of age who had been administered intravenous iron as either ferric carboxymaltose or iron polymaltose and subcutaneous denosumab within 1-4 weeks of each other.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Iron might decrease dolutegravir levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking iron. Pharmacokinetic research shows that iron can decrease the absorption of dolutegravir from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation. When taken under fasting conditions, a single dose of ferrous fumarate 324 mg orally along with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces overall exposure to dolutegravir by 54%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking iron along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Iron is a divalent cation. There is concern that iron may decrease the absorption of integrase inhibitors from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation. One pharmacokinetic study shows that iron can decrease blood levels of the specific integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation. Also, other pharmacokinetic research shows that other divalent cations such as calcium can decrease the absorption and levels of some integrase inhibitors through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Iron might decrease levodopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate doses of levodopa and iron as much as possible. There is some evidence in healthy people that iron forms chelates with levodopa, reducing the amount of levodopa absorbed by around 50%. The clinical significance of this hasn't been determined.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Iron might decrease levothyroxine levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate levothyroxine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption and efficacy of levothyroxine by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Iron might decrease methyldopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate methyldopa and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption of methyldopa from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation, resulting in increases in blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept)

Theoretically, iron might decrease mycophenolate mofetil levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to take iron 4-6 hours before, or 2 hours after, mycophenolate mofetil. It has been suggested that a decrease of absorption is possible, probably by forming nonabsorbable chelates. However, mycophenolate pharmacokinetics are not affected by iron supplementation in available clinical research.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Iron might decrease penicillamine levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate penicillamine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Oral iron supplements can reduce absorption of penicillamine by 30% to 70%, probably due to chelate formation. In people with Wilson's disease, this interaction has led to reduced efficacy of penicillamine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Iron might decrease levels of quinolone antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Advise patients to separate quinolone antibiotics and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron decreases the absorption of quinolones due to formation of insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Iron might decrease levels of tetracycline antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Advise patients to take iron at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after tetracycline antibiotics. Concomitant use can decrease absorption of tetracycline antibiotics from the gastrointestinal tract by 50% to 90%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Chloramphenicol

Theoretically, taking chloramphenicol with iron might reduce the response to iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia.
Chloramphenicol interferes with erythrocyte maturation. However, since chloramphenicol isn't usually taken for prolonged periods, this isn't likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Iron full monograph & interactions

Iodine3 drug types · 7 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Combining iodine with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use with iodine might increase the risk of having excessive iodine levels and adversely affecting thyroid function. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking iodine while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Combining iodine with lithium might have additive hypothyroid effects.
Lithium can inhibit thyroid function. Several case reports suggest that concomitant use of lithium and potassium iodide can reduce thyroid function in otherwise healthy adults. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Iodine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Friendly Force, from the product label.

HealthForce SuperFoods

See all HealthForce SuperFoods products
Name
Excelsior Alchemy
City
Tempe
State
AZ
ZipCode
85284
Phone Number
(800) 748-6229
Web Address
www.HealthForceSuperFoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods: Common Questions

Does Friendly Force by HealthForce SuperFoods interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Friendly Force has a known interaction with 2,170 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Friendly Force contains 19 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Friendly Force while I'm pregnant?
Iron is likely safe in pregnancy, but your prenatal care provider should guide the dose. Iodine is likely safe and even important during pregnancy, though again follow your provider's dosing. Kelp is possibly unsafe in pregnancy due to its variable and potentially excessive iodine content. Burdock and marshmallow lack enough safety data — medicinal amounts should be avoided. Several probiotics are possibly safe, but data are limited. Talk with your doctor before starting, as each ingredient has different guidance.
Will Friendly Force interact with my antibiotics?
Yes. All six probiotic strains in this product can be killed by antibiotics, reducing the probiotics' effectiveness. Separate your antibiotic dose from the probiotic by as many hours as possible — your pharmacist can help you time them. Additionally, if you're taking a tetracycline or quinolone antibiotic, the iron in this product will reduce the antibiotic's absorption, so spacing doses matters there too.
Is iron in this product safe for long-term use?
Iron is safe at recommended doses, but excess iron can be toxic and should only be used when there's a real need. If you have a documented iron deficiency (confirmed by testing), your doctor can advise on how long to take it. Don't use iron supplements without a reason — have your iron levels checked first.
What are the probiotics in Friendly Force for?
The six probiotic species in this blend are meant to support healthy gut bacteria. Some are possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and respiratory infections. However, evidence for other uses — like anxiety, allergies, or cold prevention — is currently insufficient. Probiotics work best when gut bacteria are imbalanced; if yours are healthy, you may not see a benefit.
Does this product have any fillers or binders?
The inactive ingredients are rice hulls and VeganCaps (the capsule material). These are excipients — standard materials that hold the supplement together. There are no additional fillers beyond what's needed for the capsule itself.
What's the kelp in Friendly Force for?
Kelp is a seaweed rich in iodine and minerals. The iodine supports thyroid and metabolic function. However, kelp's iodine content is variable and can be quite high; evidence for other health claims is insufficient in the data we hold. If you take thyroid medications or lithium, kelp's iodine can interfere, so talk with your pharmacist first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

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Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Friendly Force’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Iron

Interacts with 80 drugs

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin and carry oxygen in the blood. Supplements are mainly useful for treating or preventing iron deficiency and iron-deficiency an...

Read the full Iron monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Iodine

Interacts with 7 drugs

Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, and most people get enough from iodized salt, dairy, and seafood. Supplements help when you are truly deficient, but...

Read the full Iodine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Fucus Vesiculosus

Interacts with 891 drugs

Fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack) is a brown seaweed rich in iodine that has been used traditionally for thyroid concerns, weight, and skin. There is little solid human evidence to support mo...

Read the full Fucus Vesiculosus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Burdock

Interacts with 122 drugs

Burdock is a traditional herb most often used for skin problems and as a so-called 'blood purifier,' but high-quality human studies are lacking and most claims are not well proven. It is wid...

Read the full Burdock monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Marshmallow

Interacts with 2,040 drugs

Marshmallow root is a traditional herb rich in soothing, gel-like fibers called mucilage, which is why it has long been used for coughs, sore throats, and stomach irritation. Evidence for th...

Read the full Marshmallow monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bifidobacterium Bifidum

Interacts with 182 drugs

Bifidobacterium bifidum is a 'friendly' bacteria (probiotic) that naturally lives in the human gut and is taken to support digestion and gut balance. Some evidence suggests probiotics may he...

Read the full Bifidobacterium Bifidum monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lactobacillus Gasseri

Interacts with 182 drugs

Lactobacillus gasseri is a 'friendly' probiotic bacterium found naturally in the human gut, mouth, and vaginal tract, and in some fermented foods. Early research suggests it may help with di...

Read the full Lactobacillus Gasseri monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Streptococcus Thermophilus

Streptococcus thermophilus is a friendly bacterium used as a probiotic, often combined with other strains in yogurt and supplements. It is generally well tolerated in healthy people and may...

Read the full Streptococcus Thermophilus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Interacts with 182 drugs

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' bacterium used as a probiotic to support gut and vaginal health. It is generally well tolerated in healthy people, and there is reasonable evidence...

Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis

Interacts with 182 drugs

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis is a well-studied probiotic bacterium commonly added to supplements and yogurts to support digestion and gut health. It appears generally safe for most...

Read the full Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bifidobacterium Longum

Interacts with 182 drugs

Bifidobacterium longum is a 'friendly' bacterium found naturally in the human gut and used as a probiotic. It is generally well tolerated and is most studied for digestive issues, though evi...

Read the full Bifidobacterium Longum monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lactobacillus Delbrueckii

Interacts with 182 drugs

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a 'friendly' bacterium used in food fermentation and sold as a probiotic, often as part of multi-strain products. It is generally considered safe for healthy peo...

Read the full Lactobacillus Delbrueckii monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Friendly Force's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 222 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Iron 72 references
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  2. Bruner AB, Joffe A, Duggan AK, et al. Randomized study of cognitive effects of iron supplementation in non- anaemic iron-deficient adolescent girls. Lancet 1996;348:992-6.
  3. Ullen H, Augustsson K, Gustavsson C, Steineck G. Supplementary iron intake and risk of cancer: reversed causality? Cancer Lett 1997;114:215-6.
  4. Reunanen A, Takkunen H, Knekt P, et al. Body iron stores, dietary iron intake and coronary heart disease mortality. J Intern Med 1995;238:223-30. PubMed
  5. Lund EK, Wharf SG, Fairweather-Tait SJ, Johnson IT. Oral ferrous sulfate supplements increase the free radical-generating capacity of feces from healthy volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:250-5.
  6. Rehman A, Collis CS, Yang M, et al. The effects of iron and vitamin C co-supplementation on oxidative damage to DNA in healthy volunteers. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1998;246:293-8. PubMed
  7. Klipstein-Grobusch K, Grobbee DE, den Breeijen JH, et al. Dietary iron and risk of myocardial infarction in the Rotterdam Study. Am J Epidemiol 1999;149:421-8. PubMed
  8. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  9. Tatro DS, ed. Drug Interactions Facts. Facts and Comparisons Inc., St. Louis, MO. 1999.
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  11. Campbell N, Paddock V, Sundaram R. Alteration of methyldopa absorption, metabolism, and blood pressure control by ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1988;43:381-6..
  12. Schumann K, Borch-Iohnsen B, Hentze MW, Marx JJ. Tolerable upper intakes for dietary iron set by the US Food and Nutrition Board (commentary). Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:499-500. PubMed
  13. Tuomainen TP, Punnonen K, Nyyssonen K, Salonen JT. Association between body iron stores and the risk of acute myocardial infarction in men. Circulation 1998;97:1461-6.. PubMed
  14. Salonen JT, Nyyssonen K, Korpela H, et al. High stored iron levels are associated with excess risk of myocardial infarction in Eastern Finnish men. Circulation 1992;86:803-11.. PubMed
  15. Campbell NRC, Hasinoff B. Ferrous sulfate reduces levodopa bioavailability: Chelation as a possible mechanism. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1989;45:220-5.. PubMed
  16. Campbell NRC, Hasinoff BB, Stalts H, et al. Ferrous sulfate reduces thyroxine efficacy in patients with hypothyroidism. Ann Int Med 1992;117:1010-3.. PubMed
  17. Kiechl S, Willeit J, Egger G, et al. Body iron stores and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis: prospective results from the Bruneck study. Circulation 1997;96:3300-07. PubMed
  18. Comparison of oral iron supplements. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2008;24(8):240811.
  19. Tran T., Wax J. R., Philput C., Steinfeld J. D., Ingardia C. J. Intentional iron overdose in pregnancy--management and outcome. J Emerg Med 2000;18(2):225-228. PubMed
  20. Toblli J. E., Brignoli, R. Iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex in iron deficiency anemia / review and meta-analysis. Arzneimittelforschung 2007;57(6A):431-438. PubMed
  21. Köpcke W., Sauerland M. C. Meta-analysis of efficacy and tolerability data on iron proteinsuccinylate in patients with iron deficiency anemia of different severity. Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45(11):1211-1216.
  22. Campbell N. R., Campbell R. R., Hasinoff B. B. Ferrous sulfate reduces methyldopa absorption: methyldopa: iron complex formation as a likely mechanism. Clin Invest Med 1990;13(6):329-332.
  23. Morii M., Ueno K., Ogawa A., Kato R., Yoshimura H., Wada K., Hashimoto H., Takada M., Tanaka K., Nakatani T., Shibakawa M. Impairment of mycophenolate mofetil absorption by iron ion. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2000;68(6):613-616. PubMed
  24. Gelone D. K., Park J. M., Lake K. D. Lack of an effect of oral iron administration on mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics in stable renal transplant recipients. Pharmacotherapy 2007;27(9):1272-1278. PubMed
  25. Ducray P. S., Banken L., Gerber M., Boutouyrie B., Zandt H. Absence of an interaction between iron and mycophenolate mofetil absorption. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2006;62(4):492-495. PubMed
  26. Lorenz M., Wolzt M., Weigel G., Puttinger H., Hörl W. H., Födinger M., Speiser W., Sunder-Plassmann G. Ferrous sulfate does not affect mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics in kidney transplant patients. Am J Kidney Dis 2004;43(6):1098-1103. PubMed
  27. Osman M. A., Patel R. B., Schuna A., Sundstrom W. R., Welling P. G. Reduction in oral penicillamine absorption by food, antacid, and ferrous sulfate. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1983;33(4):465-470. PubMed
  28. Michael, B., Coyne, D. W., Fishbane, S., Folkert, V., Lynn, R., Nissenson, A. R., Agarwal, R., Eschbach, J. W., Fadem, S. Z., Trout, J. R., Strobos, J., and Warnock, D. G. Sodium ferric gluconate complex in hemodialysis patients: adverse reactions compar
  29. Zhang, X., Ouyang, J., Wieczorek, R., and DeSoto, F. Iron medication-induced gastric mucosal injury. Pathol.Res Pract 2009;205(8):579-581. PubMed
  30. Barbieri, P. G. [To-day exposure to occupational carcinogens and their effects. The experience of the rubber industry, iron metallurgy, asphalt work and aviculture]. Epidemiol.Prev 2009;33(4-5 Suppl 2):94-105.
  31. Macedo, A. and Cardoso, S. [Routine iron supplementation in pregnancy]. Acta Med Port. 2010;23(5):785-792.
  32. Bastide, N. M., Pierre, F. H., and Corpet, D. E. Heme iron from meat and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and a review of the mechanisms involved. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2011;4(2):177-184. PubMed
  33. Stevens, R. G. Iron and the risk of cancer. Med Oncol Tumor Pharmacother. 1990;7(2-3):177-181. PubMed
  34. van den, Hombergh J., Dalderop, E., and Smit, Y. Does iron therapy benefit children with severe malaria-associated anaemia? A clinical trial with 12 weeks supplementation of oral iron in young children from the Turiani Division, Tanzania. J.Trop.Pediatr. PubMed
  35. Liabeuf S, Gras V, Moragny J, et al. Ulceration of the oral mucosa following direct contact with ferrous sulfate in elderly patients: a case report and a review of the French National Pharmacovigilance Database. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Apr 25;9:737-40. PubMed
  36. Qiao L, Feng Y. Intakes of heme iron and zinc and colorectal cancer incidence: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Cancer Causes Control. 2013 Jun;24(6):1175-83. PubMed
  37. Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
  38. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents: Drug Interactions between Integrase Inhibitors and Other Drugs. AIDSinfo. July 14, 2016. Available at: https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescen
  39. Song I, Borland J, Arya N, Wynne B, Piscitelli S. Pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir when administered with mineral supplements in healthy adult subjects. J Clin Pharmacol. 2015;55(5):490-6. PubMed
  40. Esan MO, Boele van Hensbroek M, Nkhoma E, et al. Iron supplementation in HIV infected Malawian children with anemia: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Clin Inf Dis 2013;57(11):1626-34.doi:10.1093/cid/cit528. PubMed
  41. Zlotkin S, Newton S, Aimone AM, et al. Effect of iron fortification on malaria incidence in infants and young children in Ghana: a randomized trial. JAMA 2013;310(9):938-47. PubMed
  42. Khambalia AZ, Aimone A, Nagubandi P, et al. High maternal iron status, dietary iron intake and iron supplement use in pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective study and systematic review. Diabet Med. 2016;33(9):1211-21. PubMed
  43. Kinnunen TI, Luoto R, Helin A, Hemminki E. Supplemental iron intake and the risk of glucose intolerance in pregnancy: re-analysis of a randomised controlled trial in Finland. Matern Child Nutr. 2016;12(1):74-84.
  44. Low MS, Speedy J, Styles CE, De-Regil LM, Pasricha SR. Daily iron supplementation for improving anaemia, iron status and health in menstruating women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4:CD009747. PubMed
  45. Melit LE, Marginean CO, Mocanu S, Marginean MO. A rare case of iron-pill induced gastritis in a female teenager: A case report and a review of the literature. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(30):e7550. PubMed
  46. Neuberger A, Okebe J, Yahav D, Paul M. Oral iron supplements for children in malaria-endemic areas. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2:CD006589. PubMed
  47. Peña-Rosas JP, De-Regil LM, Gomez Malave H, Flores-Urrutia MC, Dowswell T. Intermittent oral iron supplementation during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD009997. PubMed
  48. Brabin B, Gies S, Roberts SA, et al. Excess risk of preterm birth with periconceptional iron supplementation in a malaria endemic area: analysis of secondary data on birth outcomes in a double blind randomized controlled safety trial in Burkina Faso. Mala PubMed
  49. Kaundal R, Bhatia P, Jain A, et al. Randomized controlled trial of twice-daily versus alternate-day oral iron therapy in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. Ann Hematol 2020;99(1):57-63. PubMed
  50. Li N, Zhao G, Wu W, et al. The efficacy and safety of vitamin C for iron supplementation in adult patients with iron deficiency anemia: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(11):e2023644.<br> PubMed
  51. Houston BL, Hurrie D, Graham J, et al. Efficacy of iron supplementation on fatigue and physical capacity in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e019240. PubMed
  52. Koch RM, Tchernodrinski S, Principe DR. Case report: Rapid onset, ischemic-type gastritis after initiating oral iron supplementation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022;9:1010897. PubMed
  53. Milman NT. Iron supplementation in pregnant Danish women revisited: Effects on prepartum and postpartum iron deficiency, anemia, serum erythropoietin; including iron status, erythropoietin and anthropometrics in newborns. A randomized, placebo-controlled
  54. Rogozinska E, Daru J, Nicolaides M, et al. Iron preparations for women of reproductive age with iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy (FRIDA): a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Haematol 2021;8(7):e503-e512. PubMed
  55. Shah AA, Donovan K, Seeley C, et al. Risk of infection associated with administration of intravenous iron: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4(11):e2133935. PubMed
  56. Gamad N, Saha PK, Sharma P, Suri V, Chakrabarti A, Saha L. A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy, tolerability, and cost of oral iron preparations in iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021;47(11):3828-3841. PubMed
  57. El-Hawy MA, Abd Al-Salam SA, Bahbah WA. Comparing oral iron bisglycinate chelate, lactoferrin, lactoferrin with iron and iron polymaltose complex in the treatment of children with iron deficiency anemia. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2021;46:367-371. PubMed
  58. Adams A, Scheckel B, Habsaoui A, et al. Intravenous iron versus oral iron versus no iron with or without erythropoiesis- stimulating agents (ESA) for cancer patients with anaemia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2 PubMed
  59. Kancherla K, Constantin H, Kanawati A, Graham E. Iron-induced Hypophosphatemic Osteomalacia-An Atypical Case of Bilateral Femoral Stress Fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev 2023;7(5):e22. PubMed
  60. Shi R, Marin JG, Beaulieu M. Skin staining following intravenous iron extravasation in a patient with chronic kidney disease: A case report. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2023;10:20543581231165705. PubMed
  61. Varandas C, Vieira J, Correia CJ, et al. Hypersensitivity reactions to iron products: 10-year experience in a Portuguese tertiary Centre. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2023.
  62. Jara Vidal M, López García MC, Quílez Toboso RP. Kounis syndrome after intravenous iron administration. Med Clin (Barc) 2023. DOI
  63. Jara Vidal M, Ruiz de Assín Valverde A, Aznar Rodríguez S. Severe hypophospathemia secondary to intravenous iron. Med Clin (Barc) 2023. DOI
  64. Samões B, Silva B, Martins A, et al. Hypophosphatemic osteomalacia induced by intravenous iron therapy: a case report. Joint Bone Spine 2023;90(5):105586. PubMed
  65. Seng NW, Barco JB, Wong MH, et al. Hypophosphatemia related to intravenous iron therapy with ferric carboxymaltose: A case series. Transfus Med 2023. PubMed
  66. Fernandez-Flores A, Fernandez-Parrado M, Alzoghby-Abi Chaker J, Angulo AG. Axillary cutaneous hemosiderosis in a patient with hyperhidrosis, after intravenous iron infusion. Am J Dermatopathol 2023;45(7):463-465. PubMed
  67. Ye S, Grill V, Luo J, Nguyen HH. Concurrent Denosumab and Parenteral Iron Therapy Precipitating Severe Hypocalcemia and Hypophosphatemia. JCEM Case Rep 2024;2(2):luae005. PubMed
  68. Yerigeri K. Hemochromatosis in an Adult Female With Previous Iron Deficiency Anemia on Iron Supplementation. Cureus 2023;15(12):e50166. PubMed
  69. Meyers M, Salmon M, Libert I, Klá&scaron;terský J. A meta-analysis on the risk of infection associated with intravenous iron therapy in cancer-associated anaemia: a double-edged sword?. Curr Opin Oncol 2024;36(4):223-232. PubMed
  70. Short V, Allen R, Earley CJ, et al. A randomized double-blind pilot study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intravenous iron versus oral iron for the treatment of restless legs syndrome in patients with iron deficiency anemia. Am J Hem PubMed
  71. Bellos I, Frountzas M, Pergialiotis V. Comparative Risk of Hypophosphatemia Following the Administration of Intravenous Iron Formulations: A Network Meta-Analysis. Transfus Med Rev 2020;34(3):188-194. PubMed
  72. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biktarvy Prescribing Information. October 2024. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/210251Orig1s020lbl.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2025.

See these in context on the Iron monograph →

Bifidobacterium Bifidum 7 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Xiao JZ, Takahashi S, Odamaki T, et al. Antibiotic susceptibility of bifidobacterial strains distributed in the Japanese market. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):336-42. PubMed
  3. Rerksuppaphol S, Rerksuppaphol L. Randomized controlled trial of probiotics to reduce common cold in schoolchildren. Pediatr Int. 2012;54(5):682-7. PubMed
  4. Karamali M, Dadkhah F, Sadrkhanlou M, et al. Effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Metab 2016;42(4):234-41. PubMed
  5. Badehnoosh B, Karamali M, Zarrati M, et al. The effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018 May;31(9):1128-1136.
  6. Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178.
  7. Esaiassen E, Hjerde E, Cavanagh JP, Simonsen GS, Klingenberg C; Norwegian Study Group on Invasive Bifidobacterial Infections. Bifidobacterium bacteremia: Clinical characteristics and a genomic approach to assess pathogenicity. J Clin Microbiol. 2017;55(7) PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Bifidum monograph →

Lactobacillus Gasseri 12 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Ramachandran L, Dontaraju VS, Patel K. Lactobacillus-associated spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in a liver cirrhosis patient on probiotics. Cureus. 2020;12(12):e11896. PubMed
  3. Rossi F, Amadoro C, Gasperi M, Colavita G. Lactobacilli infection case reports in the last three years and safety implications. Nutrients. 2022;14(6):1178. PubMed
  4. Ranchal P, Gupta R, Goldberg R, A Lobo S, Pascual A, El Khoury MY. Penicillin-sensitive Lactobacillus jensenii bacteremia. Am J Ther 2021;28(2):e250-e252. PubMed
  5. Grazioli-Gauthier L, Rigamonti E, Leo LA, Martinetti Lucchini G, Lo Priore E, Bernasconi E. Lactobacillus jensenii mitral valve endocarditis: Case report, literature review and new perspectives. IDCases 2022;27:e01401. PubMed
  6. Toprak NU, Bozan T, Yilmaz S, Buyukbayrak EE, Tigen ET. Polymicrobial bacteremia due to Lactobacillus jensenii and Veillonella montpellierensis in a pregnant patient; case report and review of literature. Anaerobe 2022;75:102576. PubMed
  7. Chazan B, Raz R, Shental Y, Sprecher H, Colodner R. Bacteremia and pyelonephritis caused by Lactobacillus jensenii in a patient with urolithiasis. Isr Med Assoc J 2008;10(2):164-5.
  8. Ramos-Coria D, Canto-Losa J, Carrillo-Vázquez D, Carbajal-Morelos L, Estrada-León R, Corona-Rodarte E. Lactobacillus gasseri liver abscess and bacteremia: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021;21(1):518. PubMed
  9. Elikowski W, Malek-Elikowska M, Lisiecka M, Bodora A, Wisniewska K, Oko-Sarnowska Z. Lactobacillus gasseri endocarditis on the aortic valve bioprosthesis - a case report. Pol Merkur Lekarski 2017;43(257):220-223.
  10. Esquibel A, Dababneh AS, Palraj BR. Lactobacillus gasseri causing bilateral empyema. Case Rep Infect Dis 2017;2017:4895619.
  11. Tleyjeh IM, Routh J, Qutub MO, Lischer G, Liang KV, Baddour LM. Lactobacillus gasseri causing Fournier's gangrene. Scand J Infect Dis 2004;36(6-7):501-3. PubMed
  12. Dickgiesser U, Weiss N, Fritsche D. Lactobacillus gasseri as the cause of septic urinary infection. Infection 1984;12(1):14-6. PubMed

See these in context on the Lactobacillus Gasseri monograph →

Streptococcus Thermophilus 21 references
  1. Saxelin M, Chuang NH, Chassy B, et al. Lactobacilli and bacteremia in southern Finland 1989-1992. Clin Infect Dis 1996;22:564-6. PubMed
  2. Tynkkynen S, Singh KV, Varmanen P. Vancomycin resistance factor of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in relation to enterococcal vancomycin resistance (van) genes. Int J Food Microbiol 1998;41:195-204. PubMed
  3. Klein G, Zill E, Schindler R, et al. Peritonitis associated with vancomycin-resistant Lactobacillus rhamnosus in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient; organism identification, antibiotic therapy, and case report. J Clin Microbiol 1998;36:
  4. Kalima P, Masterton RG, Roddie PH, et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus infection in a child following bone marrow transplant. J Infect 1996;32:165-7. PubMed
  5. Goldin BR. Health Benefits of probiotics. Br J Nutr 1998;80:S203-7. DOI
  6. Rautio M, Jousimies-Somer H, Kauma H, et al. Liver abscess due to Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain indistinguishable from L. rhamnosus strain GG. Clin Infect Dis 1999;28:1159-60.
  7. MacGregor G, Smith AJ, Thakker B, Kinsella J. Yoghurt biotherapy: contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients? Postgrad Med J 2002;78:366-7. PubMed
  8. Land MH, Rouster-Stevens K, Woods CR, et al. Lactobacillus sepsis associated with probiotic therapy. Pediatrics 2005;115:178-81.
  9. De Groote MA, Frank DN, Dowell E, et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG bacteremia associated with probiotic use in a child with short gut syndrome. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2005;24:278-80. PubMed
  10. Vahabnezhad E, Mochon AB, Wozniak LJ, Ziring DA. Lactobacillus bacteremia associated with probiotic use in a pediatric patient with ulcerative colitis. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2013;47(5):437-9. PubMed
  11. Dolatkhah N, Hajifaraji M, Abbasalizadeh F, Aghamohammadzadeh N, Mehrabi Y, Abbasi MM. Is there a value for probiotic supplements in gestational diabetes mellitus? A randomized clinical trial. J Health Popul Nutr. 2015;33:25. PubMed
  12. Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178.
  13. Sendil S, Shrimanker I, Mansoora Q, Goldman J, Nookala VK. Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteremia in an immunocompromised renal transplant patient. Cureus. 2020;12(2):e6887. PubMed
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Iodine 26 references
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Lactobacillus Acidophilus 15 references
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See these in context on the Lactobacillus Acidophilus monograph →

Fucus Vesiculosus 15 references
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Burdock 11 references
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Marshmallow 5 references
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  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
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See these in context on the Marshmallow monograph →

Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis 8 references
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  2. Phuapradit P, Varavithya W, Vathanophas K, et al. Reduction of rotavirus infection in children receiving bifidobacteria-supplemented formula. J Med Assoc Thai 1999;82:S43-8.
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  5. Taipale TJ, Pienihäkkinen K, Isolauri E, Jokela JT, Söderling EM. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in early childhood. Pediatr Res. 2016;79(1-1):65-9. PubMed
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  8. Wildt S, Munck LK, Vinter-Jensen L, et al. Probiotic treatment of collagenous colitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2006;12(5):395-401. PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis monograph →

Bifidobacterium Longum 21 references
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  2. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  3. Xiao JZ, Takahashi S, Odamaki T, et al. Antibiotic susceptibility of bifidobacterial strains distributed in the Japanese market. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):336-42. PubMed
  4. Rautava S, Kainonen E, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and breast-feeding reduces the risk of eczema in the infant. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;130(6):1355-60. PubMed
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  7. Pellonperä O, Mokkala K, Houttu N, et al. Efficacy of fish oil and/or probiotic intervention on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in an at-risk group of overweight and obese women: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial PubMed
  8. Shahriari A, Karimi E, Shahriari M, Aslani N, Khooshideh M, Arab A. The effect of probiotic supplementation on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus among high-risk pregnant women: A parallel double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial PubMed
  9. Esaiassen E, Hjerde E, Cavanagh JP, Simonsen GS, Klingenberg C; Norwegian Study Group on Invasive Bifidobacterial Infections. Bifidobacterium bacteremia: Clinical characteristics and a genomic approach to assess pathogenicity. J Clin Microbiol. 2017;55(7) PubMed
  10. Enomoto T, Sowa M, Nishimori K, et al. Effects of bifidobacterial supplementation to pregnant women and infants in the prevention of allergy development in infants and on fecal microbiota. Allergol Int 2014;63(4):575-85. PubMed
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Lactobacillus Delbrueckii 9 references
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  2. Rossi F, Amadoro C, Gasperi M, Colavita G. Lactobacilli infection case reports in the last three years and safety implications. Nutrients. 2022;14(6):1178. PubMed
  3. Ranchal P, Gupta R, Goldberg R, A Lobo S, Pascual A, El Khoury MY. Penicillin-sensitive Lactobacillus jensenii bacteremia. Am J Ther 2021;28(2):e250-e252. PubMed
  4. Grazioli-Gauthier L, Rigamonti E, Leo LA, Martinetti Lucchini G, Lo Priore E, Bernasconi E. Lactobacillus jensenii mitral valve endocarditis: Case report, literature review and new perspectives. IDCases 2022;27:e01401. PubMed
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See these in context on the Lactobacillus Delbrueckii monograph →

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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