California Academy of Health Vegetarian Iron Complex

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium, the key ingredient in this product, is essential for bone health, but the data on supplementation comes with important caveats. Our assessment: you should carefully consider your dietary calcium intake before adding this supplement, as high intakes from supplements carry specific risks.

How it works

Calcium supports your body in two primary ways. First, it is critical for bone mineralization, helping to build and maintain bone density. Second, it supports neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. Think of calcium as a key building block that your body uses every day.

Safety profile

FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific counts for this product are not available. Regarding calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Start by assessing how much calcium you already get from food. If you are taking medications like those listed above, take this supplement at a different time of day to avoid absorption issues. Because of the potential risks associated with high calcium intakes, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider before starting this supplement, especially if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or prostate concerns. Data not available on the exact calcium dosage per serving, so check the label carefully.

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