Equate Calcium 600+D+Minerals
Brand: Equate · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
Our assessment: Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health, but the evidence shows that supplementation requires careful attention to dosage and timing. The data confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. For you, the key is to determine if you are getting enough calcium from your diet before adding a supplement like this one.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones and a signal messenger for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. This Equate product combines 600 mg of calcium with vitamin D and other minerals to aid absorption.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for this product category. The safety data indicates that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Start by reviewing your daily calcium intake from food. If you consistently fall short, this supplement provides 600 mg — a reasonable single dose. Take it with food and separate it from any thyroid or antibiotic medications by at least 4 hours. Do not exceed the total daily recommended intake from all sources without consulting your healthcare provider [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Equate |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 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