Nature's Plus Source of Life Animal Parade Children's Chewable Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Supplement Natural Orange Flavor
Brand: Nature's Plus Source of Life Animal Parade · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
Our assessment: This children's multivitamin contains calcium, a mineral essential for growing bones. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements confirms that calcium supports bone density, mineralization, and muscle relaxation [NIH ODS]. For your child, this supplement can help fill nutritional gaps, but it is not a substitute for a balanced diet. We advise you to check the specific calcium amount on the label to ensure it complements, rather than duplicates, what your child gets from food.
How it works
Calcium acts as a master regulator for your child's body. It helps build strong bones and teeth through a process called bone mineralization, and it supports healthy nerve signaling and muscle relaxation [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the key that helps muscles unwind after play and nerves send clear messages from the brain to the body. For children, getting enough calcium is critical during growth spurts when bone density is being established.
Safety profile
The safety profile for calcium requires careful attention. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific reports for this product are not isolated [FDA data]. High calcium intakes can lead to side effects such as constipation, nausea, weight loss, and extreme tiredness. Very high levels in the blood and urine may cause poor muscle tone, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Some research also suggests a potential increased risk of heart disease and prostate cancer with high intakes [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the exact number of reports specifically for this product.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Use this supplement as a nutritional safety net, not a primary source of calcium. You should aim for your child to get most of their calcium from food sources like milk, yogurt, and fortified cereals. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of certain medications, including tetracycline antibiotics and levothyroxine, so give the supplement at a different time than these drugs [NIH ODS]. We suggest starting with one chewable per day and consulting your pediatrician to ensure the total daily calcium intake from all sources stays within safe limits for your child's age.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Nature's Plus Source of Life Animal Parade |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Animal(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