Pharmics O-Cal F.A.
Brand: Pharmics · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that Pharmics O-Cal F.A. is a calcium supplement, and calcium is a critical mineral for your bone health. Our assessment: if you are not meeting your daily calcium needs through diet, a supplement like this can help, but you must be careful with dosage and timing due to significant risks and interactions [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and a cellular messenger. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is essential for muscle relaxation and proper nerve signaling. Without enough calcium, your body will leach it from your bones, weakening them over time [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available for specific side effects of Pharmics O-Cal F.A. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific counts for this product are not provided. However, the NIH ODS warns that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels in the 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 [FDA data] [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label. Take calcium supplements with food to improve absorption. Crucially, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin. Take this supplement at least two hours apart from any of these medications [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Pharmics |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 240.0 Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | Off 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