Rite Aid Pharmacy Slow Release Iron

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your body, but the data also comes with important cautions. For a product like Rite Aid Pharmacy Slow Release Iron, it is essential to note that the primary ingredient listed in the data is calcium, not iron. Our assessment is that calcium supplements can be effective for bone health, but you must be aware of the specific risks and interactions supported by the data [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a building block for your bones and a signal regulator for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone mineralization, helping to deposit minerals into your skeleton for density, and it aids in neuromuscular relaxation, which allows your muscles to relax and your nerves to signal properly after contracting [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, the data shows 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] [FDA data].

Our recommendation

We recommend you do not take this supplement without first checking the label to confirm its exact ingredients and dosage. If it is a calcium supplement, be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Start with a low dose and consult your doctor to determine if calcium is right for you based on your diet and health status [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