Heartland Products, Inc. Omega Greens

Our assessment

The evidence shows that Omega Greens contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, our assessment is that the benefits must be weighed carefully against the potential risks, especially since high calcium intakes are linked to serious health concerns. We recommend you evaluate your total dietary calcium intake before adding this supplement.

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder and a nerve communicator. It supports bone density and mineral deposition through bone mineralization, and it also supports muscle relaxation and nerve signaling through neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. This dual role makes it critical for both your skeleton and your nervous system.

Safety profile

Data not available for this specific product's adverse events. However, FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels 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

Start by reviewing your total calcium intake from food and other supplements. Do not exceed 2,500 mg per day from all sources, as high intakes carry significant risks [NIH ODS]. If you take any medications listed in the interactions, separate calcium intake by at least 2 hours. We recommend you speak with your doctor before starting this product to ensure it is safe for you.

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