Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Lemon

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data also reveals significant safety considerations. For a general audience seeking evidence-based guidance, we assess that calcium from food sources is preferable to supplementation, and any supplement use must be approached with caution due to potential risks. Data not available for the specific product Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Lemon — our assessment is based solely on the ingredient calcium.

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone density and mineral deposition through a process called bone mineralization, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation by supporting muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. You need calcium for your heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly.

Safety profile

FDA received 592059 total adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, safety data shows that high calcium 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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Our recommendation is to prioritize getting calcium from dietary sources. If you do choose a supplement, be aware of the risks and consult your healthcare provider, especially if you take any of the listed medications. Do not exceed recommended intakes without medical supervision, as the data indicates serious side effects at high levels [NIH ODS]. Data not available for the specific product Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Lemon.

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