Bluebonnet Buffered Chelated Magnesium

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a well-established mineral, but the specific product, Bluebonnet Buffered Chelated Magnesium, contains magnesium, not calcium as its primary ingredient. Our assessment is based on the data provided for calcium, which is the only ingredient with available information. For this product, we must note a significant discrepancy: the label describes a magnesium supplement, but the only data we have is for calcium. Data not available for magnesium specifically.

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization by helping deposit minerals into your skeleton, and it plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements in their database. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that very high 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

We cannot recommend this product based on the data provided, as the information is for calcium, not magnesium. If you are seeking a magnesium supplement, data for that specific ingredient is not available in this analysis. For calcium, the evidence shows it is effective for bone health, but you should be cautious about exceeding recommended intakes due to potential heart and kidney risks [NIH ODS]. Always consult your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications [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