Doctor's A-Z Calcium (Citrate) Plus Magnesium

Our assessment

The evidence shows that Doctor's A-Z Calcium (Citrate) Plus Magnesium is a supplement designed to support bone health. The key ingredient, calcium, plays a critical role in bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, you need to be aware of specific safety considerations and potential medication interactions before adding this to your routine.

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It works through bone mineralization to support bone density and mineral deposition, and it also aids in neuromuscular relaxation, which supports muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. This makes it important for both bone strength and proper muscle function.

Safety profile

Data not available for the specific number of adverse event reports for this product alone. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories [FDA data]. Regarding calcium specifically, some research suggests that high 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 [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Our assessment: You should use this supplement with caution. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. If you take any of these medications, separate your doses by at least 2 hours. We recommend discussing your total calcium intake from food and supplements with your healthcare provider to avoid exceeding safe levels.

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