The Vitamin Shoppe Iron 28 mg
Brand: The Vitamin Shoppe · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your body, but it is not a supplement to take casually. The data indicates that while calcium supports bone health, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. For most adults, getting calcium from food is the safest and most effective strategy.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton and a signaling molecule for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition through bone mineralization, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. Specific to calcium, high levels 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] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Do not take calcium supplements without first speaking with your doctor. The data suggests risks from high calcium intake may outweigh benefits for many people [NIH ODS]. If you do need a supplement, start with a low dose and take it with food. Always check for interactions with your current medications [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | The Vitamin Shoppe |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 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