Ancient Nutrients Iron

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, the data surrounding calcium supplementation is nuanced and requires careful consideration of dosage and individual risk factors. You should not assume that more calcium is always better, as excessive intake carries significant risks [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is critical for maintaining strong bones as you age. Additionally, calcium plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles contract and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for supplements in this category [FDA data]. For calcium specifically, the data warns that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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

Do not take this supplement without first reviewing your total daily calcium intake from food and other supplements. The data does not provide a specific RDA for this product, so you should aim to meet your needs primarily through dietary sources. If you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or take any of the listed medications, consult your doctor before use. Data not available for the specific dosage of this product [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