GNC Coral Calcium
Brand: GNC · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your health, but the specific product GNC Coral Calcium is a supplement, not a medication. Our assessment is that you should focus on the calcium content, not the "coral" source, as the science on calcium is what matters. Data for the specific brand and formulation of GNC Coral Calcium is not available beyond the listed ingredients.
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block and a messenger. It supports bone mineralization, which helps maintain your bone density and strength, and it is essential for neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
You should be aware of significant risks. FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all products, though data is not available specifically for this brand. Some research suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to get your calcium from food first, as the data does not support needing a "coral" source. If you do supplement, be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake without a doctor's guidance, and always check for interactions with your other medications [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | GNC |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | Off Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide