Nature Made Vitamin B12 3000 mcg Cherry Flavor
Brand: Nature Made · Form: LOZENGE [E0174] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the data does not support using this specific product—Nature Made Vitamin B12 3000 mcg Cherry Flavor—as a calcium source. This product contains Vitamin B12, not calcium. For calcium needs, you should look for a dedicated calcium supplement. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements confirms calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones and a signal conductor for your nerves. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available for this specific product's side effects. However, for calcium supplements in general, the FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. Regarding calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High calcium levels in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Do not use this product for calcium. It is a Vitamin B12 supplement. If you need calcium, choose a dedicated calcium supplement. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Start with food sources and talk to your doctor before adding a calcium supplement, especially if you take any of these medications.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Nature Made |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 40.0 Microlozenge(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