CPC Contract Pharmacal Corporation Calcium Gluconate

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data also highlights important safety considerations you need to know. While calcium supports bone density and neuromuscular function, the available data does not provide a specific recommended daily allowance for this product [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones and a signal messenger for your nerves. It supports bone mineralization and deposition, and it helps 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, though specific report counts for this exact product are not available. Some research suggests 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 [FDA data] [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Because calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, you should take this supplement at least two hours apart from those medications. Data not available for a specific dosage recommendation for this product. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if calcium supplementation is appropriate for you [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