The Vitamin Shoppe Calcium Citrate & Magnesium
Brand: The Vitamin Shoppe · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this combination of calcium citrate and magnesium is a common and generally safe approach for supporting bone health. However, you need to be aware of the specific dosing and potential risks. The data confirms that calcium is essential for bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. Our assessment is that this supplement can be beneficial, but you must use it carefully, paying close attention to your total daily calcium intake from all sources.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones and a signal regulator for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. The magnesium in the product works alongside calcium, though specific data on magnesium’s mechanism in this combination is not provided here.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for supplements containing these ingredients, though this number includes all products, not just this specific one [FDA data]. The data shows that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Specific side effects from high levels include 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]. You should also know that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Take this supplement with food to improve absorption. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label without consulting your healthcare provider. If you take any medications, separate your calcium dose by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS]. Monitor for side effects like constipation or nausea [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. Data not available for the exact dosage of each mineral in this specific product, so follow the label instructions precisely. Our recommendation: start with the label's suggested serving and assess your tolerance.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | The Vitamin Shoppe |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Capsule(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