Publix Extra Strength Antacid Calcium Supplement

Our assessment

Our assessment: Calcium is essential for your bone health and nerve function, and this product provides a supplemental dose. The evidence shows that getting enough calcium is critical for maintaining bone density as you age [NIH ODS]. However, we need to discuss the important safety considerations and potential risks associated with high intakes.

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

Data not available for specific side effect report counts for this product. However, 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]. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all supplements, but this number is not specific to calcium [FDA data].

Our recommendation

Our recommendation: Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. If you take any of these medications, take your calcium supplement at a different time of day. Speak with your doctor before starting this supplement, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or heart conditions [NIH ODS].

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