The Vitamin Shoppe Calcium 1000
Brand: The Vitamin Shoppe · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that The Vitamin Shoppe Calcium 1000 provides a key mineral for bone health, but you need to be aware of significant safety considerations. Our assessment: calcium is essential for bone mineralization, but the data indicates potential risks that require careful management [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones and a signal regulator for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it also helps with muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, high 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 [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 by assessing your total daily calcium intake from food before supplementing. Take this supplement with food to improve absorption, and separate it from the medications listed above by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. Given the potential risks, discuss your personal heart health and kidney function with your doctor before starting. Data not available on the exact dosage per serving from the provided label information.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | The Vitamin Shoppe |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Softgel(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