Nature's Way Alive! Fruit Source Vitamin C

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, the specific dose of calcium in Nature's Way Alive! Fruit Source Vitamin C is not provided in the available data. Our assessment is that while calcium is beneficial, you need to be aware of the specific risks and interactions associated with supplementation [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder and signal messenger. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. This means calcium helps your bones stay strong and your muscles and nerves function properly.

Safety profile

Data not available for adverse events specific to this product. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for all supplement products. For 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 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Given that the calcium dose in this product is not listed in the available data, we cannot make a specific dosage recommendation. If you are taking any medications, especially those listed above, consult your doctor before using this product. The total number of FDA reports for supplements is significant, so always be cautious. Your best path is to get your calcium from food sources and discuss any need for supplementation with your healthcare provider [NIH ODS] [FDA data].

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