Swanson Ultra Eggshell Calcium With Vitamin D-3
Brand: Swanson Ultra · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that Swanson Ultra Eggshell Calcium With Vitamin D-3 can be a useful supplement for supporting bone health, but you must be careful with dosing. Calcium is essential for bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, we have significant concerns about safety at high intakes, which we will detail below.
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your bones and a signal regulator for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it also helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. The vitamin D-3 in this product helps your body absorb that calcium more effectively.
Safety profile
The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports related to products in this category [FDA data]. High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium in your 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]. Also, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label. If you take any of the medications listed in the Safety profile, take this supplement at least two hours apart from those medicines [NIH ODS]. Talk to your doctor before starting this product, especially if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or prostate cancer. Data not available on the specific eggshell source used in this product.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Swanson Ultra |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On 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