GNC Calcium Plus With Magnesium
Brand: GNC · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that GNC Calcium Plus With Magnesium is a standard supplement for supporting bone health through its primary ingredient, calcium. Our assessment is that this product can be a useful tool for meeting your calcium needs, but the data on safety and interactions requires careful attention. You should only consider this supplement if you have a confirmed need for additional calcium beyond what you get from your diet [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the key building block for your skeleton. It works through bone mineralization to support bone density and mineral deposition. Calcium also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, the data shows 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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake from food sources before adding this supplement. If you decide to use it, take it with food and separate it from any thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 2 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label, and consult your doctor if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or prostate conditions [NIH ODS]. The data for magnesium in this specific product is not available.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | GNC |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 Softgel(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