Carlson Women's Iron Restore

Our assessment

Our assessment: Carlson Women's Iron Restore provides calcium as a key mineral for bone health. The evidence shows that calcium supports bone density and mineral deposition, as well as muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. However, you should be aware that the data on calcium supplementation includes important cautions regarding dosage and potential risks.

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It works through bone mineralization, helping to maintain strong, dense bones. Additionally, it supports neuromuscular relaxation, which means it plays a role in how your muscles relax and your nerves send signals [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement products [FDA data]. For calcium specifically, safety data notes that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Very high levels of calcium 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]. Also, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Before starting this supplement, you should review your total calcium intake from both food and other supplements to avoid exceeding safe levels. Because of the potential for medication interactions, it is critical that you discuss this product with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any prescription medications, especially those listed above. Data on the specific product's exact dosage per serving is not available in the provided information, so you must check the label carefully [See 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