Llama Naturals Adult Vitamin Simply Strawberry

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. Our assessment is that while calcium is a critical nutrient for supporting bone density and neuromuscular function, the supplement should be used with a clear understanding of your total daily intake from all sources. Data on the specific dosing for this product is not available, but the general principles of calcium supplementation apply [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as the building block for your skeleton and a signal messenger for your body. It supports bone mineralization, which is the process of depositing minerals into your bone matrix to keep them strong. It also aids in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Start by calculating your total daily calcium intake from food and other supplements before adding this product. Be aware of the potential interactions with medications you may be taking. Because high calcium intakes carry cardiovascular risks, we recommend you consult with your healthcare provider to determine if this supplement is appropriate for your individual health needs [NIH ODS].

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