21st Century 600 Calcium Supplement
Brand: 21st Century · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium supplements like the 21st Century 600 Calcium product are foundational for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. The data confirms that calcium supports bone density and mineral deposition [NIH ODS]. However, we must be honest: data on the exact daily value for this specific product is not available in the provided information.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It works through bone mineralization, helping to deposit minerals into your bone matrix to keep them strong [NIH ODS]. Additionally, calcium supports neuromuscular relaxation, which means it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly after they contract [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for calcium supplements. This is a significant number, and the risks are real. High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium 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]. Also, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start with a single 600 mg tablet daily, but do not exceed this without consulting your doctor. You should take calcium supplements with food for better absorption, and separate them from any medications you take by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. We strongly recommend you get your calcium levels checked before starting supplementation, and discuss your personal heart and kidney health with your physician [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | 21st Century |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 400.0 Tablet(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