Swanson Liquid Calcium & Magnesium
Brand: Swanson · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the combination of calcium and magnesium in Swanson Liquid Calcium & Magnesium is a standard approach to support these minerals working together. Our assessment: this product can help you meet your calcium needs, but you must be careful with dosing to avoid risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones, supporting bone density and mineral deposition. It also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly. Magnesium often works alongside calcium to support these functions [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Side effects from high levels include constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications such as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. The total number of reports for this specific product is data not available.
Our recommendation
Start with the recommended serving on the label. Take calcium with food to improve absorption, and separate it from thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level for calcium without your doctor’s guidance. Choose this liquid form if you have trouble swallowing pills, but monitor for any digestive discomfort [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Swanson |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 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