Sundown Naturals Magnesium 500 mg
Brand: Sundown Naturals · Form: SUPPLEMENT FORM, OTHER [E0172]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains 500 mg of elemental calcium, which is a high single dose. While calcium is essential, taking this amount at once may not be ideal for absorption or safety. Our assessment is that you should check your total daily intake from food and other supplements before adding this, as exceeding recommendations carries risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium is a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization to help maintain strong, dense bones and also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the structural foundation for your skeleton and a calming signal for your nervous system.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though data is not available specifically for this product alone. The data warns that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels 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]. Additionally, 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 daily calcium intake from food sources. For most adults, the goal is around 1,000-1,200 mg total per day from all sources. A single 500 mg dose is reasonable, but do not take it at the same time as the medications listed above. Consider splitting your dose if you take other calcium sources, and always take with food for better tolerance [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Sundown Naturals |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 Caplet(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