Source Naturals Calcium Ascorbate
Brand: Source Naturals · Form: POWDER [E0162] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the specific form in this product, calcium ascorbate, is a buffered form that combines calcium with vitamin C. For the calcium component, the key data is clear: the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, you should be aware that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, and high levels in the blood and urine can lead to serious health issues [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton and a messenger for your nerves and muscles. The NIH ODS data explains that calcium works through bone mineralization to support bone density and mineral deposition, while also enabling neuromuscular relaxation to support muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. This makes it critical for daily function, but the dose and your overall intake matter significantly.
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, the NIH ODS reports that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Additionally, high levels of calcium 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 [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to be cautious with calcium supplementation. Before starting this product, review your total calcium intake from food and other supplements to avoid exceeding safe levels. If you take any medications that interact with calcium, such as thyroid medication or antibiotics, take them at least two hours apart from the supplement [NIH ODS]. Data on the specific benefits of calcium ascorbate over other forms is not available in the provided information, so stick with standard dosing guidance and consult your healthcare provider to determine if this supplement is right for you.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Source Naturals |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 4.0 Oz(s) 113.4 Gram(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