Sundown Calcium Magnesium & Zinc
Brand: Sundown · Form: SUPPLEMENT FORM, OTHER [E0172] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that Sundown Calcium Magnesium & Zinc provides three minerals essential for bone health and nerve function. Our assessment: this is a reasonable option for supporting your daily mineral intake, but you need to be aware of specific safety concerns with calcium. The key is taking the correct dose at the right time to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
How it works
Think of calcium as the foundation builder for your bones — it supports bone density and mineral deposition through a process called bone mineralization [NIH ODS]. Calcium also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. The magnesium and zinc in this formula work alongside calcium to support these processes, though specific data for those minerals is not provided in this analysis.
Safety profile
FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements in their database [FDA data]. For calcium specifically, high 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start with one tablet daily, taken with food to improve absorption. Take calcium supplements at least two hours apart from any thyroid medication or antibiotics to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and talk to your doctor before starting if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the exact mg amounts per serving, so check the label carefully to ensure your total daily calcium from all sources stays within safe limits.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Sundown |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Caplet(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