Pharmics Inc. Ferretts Chewable Iron Supplement Natural Lemon-Lime Flavor

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data does not support taking it without a clear medical need. For the Pharmics Inc. Ferretts Chewable Iron Supplement Natural Lemon-Lime Flavor, the available data only covers the ingredient calcium, not iron. Therefore, our assessment is limited to the calcium component, and we cannot make a full evaluation of this specific product's intended purpose [NIH ODS].

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps with neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it plays a role in how your muscles relax and your nerves send signals [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

Data not available for this specific product's adverse events. The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but a breakdown for this product is not provided. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high levels 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].

Our recommendation

Do not take this supplement without first consulting your doctor. The data shows calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin. Because the product label lists iron as the primary ingredient but the data only covers calcium, you should seek a complete assessment from your healthcare provider [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