Procter & Gamble Orange Fiber Singles

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. Our assessment is that while calcium is necessary, you need to be careful with dosing. High intakes may carry risks, so you should not exceed the recommended daily allowance without medical supervision [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton and a signaling molecule for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps regulate neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. The total number of adverse event reports for products in this category is 592,059 [FDA data].

Our recommendation

Start with a modest dose and do not exceed 1,000–1,200 mg of total calcium from all sources daily unless directed by your doctor. Take calcium separately from thyroid medication and antibiotics by at least 2 hours to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting this supplement, especially if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or are taking any prescription medications.

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