Altrum Ultra Calcium Complex
Brand: Altrum · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a well-studied mineral essential for bone health, but it requires careful dosing and timing. Altrum Ultra Calcium Complex provides calcium, a key nutrient for supporting bone density and muscle function [NIH ODS]. However, you need to be aware of both the benefits and the specific risks associated with calcium supplementation.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. For this product to be effective, you must take it as directed and consider its interactions with other medications.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Very high levels of calcium in the blood and urine can cause serious side effects including poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by checking your total daily calcium intake from food and other supplements to avoid exceeding safe levels. Take calcium supplements at a separate time from the medications listed above to prevent absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Because of the potential for serious side effects at high levels, do not exceed the dosage on the label without consulting your healthcare provider. Data on the specific formulation of this complex beyond calcium is not available.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Altrum |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 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