Member's Mark Caramel Calcium Chews
Brand: Member's Mark · Form: SUPPLEMENT FORM, OTHER [E0172] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for your health, and Member's Mark Caramel Calcium Chews can be an effective way to meet your daily needs. However, you need to be very careful with your total daily intake from all sources, as the data reveals important safety considerations. Our assessment is that these chews are a good option if you struggle with swallowing pills, but you must adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and be aware of potential interactions [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the building block for your bones. It works through a process called bone mineralization, supporting bone density and mineral deposition. Beyond your skeleton, calcium plays a critical role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly after they've been activated [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, so you should be vigilant. For calcium specifically, the data shows that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium in your 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] [FDA data]. You must also be careful with interactions: calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by calculating your total daily calcium intake from food and supplements. Do not exceed the daily recommended amount without a doctor's guidance. Take these chews with food for best absorption, and separate them from any medications listed in the interactions by at least 2 hours. If you take levothyroxine or antibiotics, talk to your pharmacist first [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Member's Mark |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 Soft Chew(s) |
| Market Status | On 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