Integrative Therapeutics B12-Active Delicious Cherry Flavor
Brand: Integrative Therapeutics · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is critical for bone health, but you need to be very careful with supplementation. Our assessment: based on the data, you should prioritize getting calcium from food and only use a supplement if your diet falls short. The data for this specific product, Integrative Therapeutics B12-Active Delicious Cherry Flavor, does not list calcium as an ingredient, so this analysis applies to calcium supplements in general.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is essential for keeping your bones strong as you age [NIH ODS]. It also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Safety is a serious concern here. The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Very high levels in your blood and urine 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]. Data not available on the number of reports specifically for calcium.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: do not start a calcium supplement without first assessing your dietary intake. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Work with your doctor to check your levels and review any medications you take before adding a calcium supplement [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Integrative Therapeutics |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 30.0 Chewable Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | Off 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