Schiff Super Calcium
Brand: Schiff · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. Our assessment is that for most adults, getting calcium from food is preferable, and supplements should be used to fill a gap, not as a primary source. The data confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular function [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is critical for preventing fractures as you age. Calcium also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly after contraction [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for this product category. The safety data shows that high calcium 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your dietary intake. If you need a supplement, choose a dose that does not exceed your total daily need from food and supplements combined. Take calcium with food and separate it from thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 4 hours [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the specific dose in Schiff Super Calcium from the provided data.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Schiff |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Softgel(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