Nature's Bounty Gentle Iron
Brand: Nature's Bounty · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but you must be careful with dosing. Data indicates that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. For the Nature's Bounty Gentle Iron product, the ingredient list does not include calcium, so this analysis applies to calcium supplements in general, not this specific product.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Your body relies on a steady supply, but more is not always better.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, side effects from high blood and urine 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Data not available on the specific calcium dose for this product. If you take a calcium supplement, do not exceed the RDA without medical supervision. Monitor for side effects like constipation or nausea, and separate calcium intake from certain medications by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS]. Always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Nature's Bounty |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 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