Bayer Citracal Citracal Petites Calcium Citrate
Brand: Bayer Citracal · Form: SUPPLEMENT FORM, OTHER [E0172] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data requires careful consideration of dosage and safety. For you, Bayer Citracal Petites provides a form of calcium (calcium citrate) that is often better absorbed than other types [NIH ODS]. Our assessment is that this product can be a useful tool to help you meet your calcium needs, but it is not a substitute for a balanced diet and should be taken with full awareness of potential risks.
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineralization, which is essential for keeping your bones strong as you age. Beyond your bones, calcium also plays a vital role in nerve signaling and muscle relaxation, helping your nerves and muscles communicate and function properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data from the FDA includes a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for calcium supplements. While this number is high, it is important to note that it represents all reports across many products. Specific side effects associated with high calcium intake include constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. A key safety concern is that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. You should take calcium at a different time than these medications.
Our recommendation
We recommend you start by assessing your total daily calcium intake from food and supplements to avoid exceeding the upper limit. Because this product uses calcium citrate, it can be taken with or without food. However, due to the potential for drug interactions and side effects, it is crucial to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement, especially if you take any prescription medications. Do not rely solely on supplements; prioritize calcium-rich foods as your primary source [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Bayer Citracal |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Coated Caplet(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