Carlson Chelated Zinc
Brand: Carlson · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while calcium is essential for your health, you should be very careful with supplementation. Our assessment is that calcium supplements are best used only when you cannot meet your needs through diet. Data not available on the specific "Carlson Chelated Zinc" product, but the active mineral calcium has well-documented risks that you need to understand [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is critical for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling. Think of it as the building block for your skeleton and a key messenger for your muscles and nerves [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes are linked to serious risks. High levels 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. Some research also suggests high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Start by getting your calcium from food sources whenever possible. If you must supplement, take it with food and do not exceed the RDA without medical supervision. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin. Take calcium at least two hours apart from these medications [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Carlson |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 Tablet(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