Indiana Botanic Gardens Calcium 600 With Vitamin D

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product provides 600 mg of calcium and vitamin D, which can support bone health, but you need to be aware of specific risks. Our assessment: this supplement can be useful if your diet is low in calcium, but the data shows you should not exceed recommended intakes without medical supervision.

How it works

Think of calcium as a building block for your bones. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. This product pairs calcium with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb the mineral more effectively.

Safety profile

FDA received 592059 total adverse event reports for this product category. The safety data shows that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Side effects from high levels include 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

Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake before adding this supplement. Take this product with food and separate it from the medications listed by at least two hours. Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or heart disease. Data not available on specific dosage instructions for this product. Always check the label for the exact serving size [FDA data].

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