Nature Made Magnesium Citrate
Brand: Nature Made · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health and nerve function, but the data on supplementation requires careful consideration. Our assessment: you should only take calcium supplements if you have a confirmed dietary gap, as high intakes carry real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton and a signal messenger for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is essential for muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high blood and urine levels 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]. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Focus on getting calcium from food first. If you do use a 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 a low dose and consult your doctor to check if you actually need it. Data not available for specific product-level side effect counts beyond the total FDA reports.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Nature Made |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Softgel(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