Nature's Plus Source of Life Animal Parade Children's Chewable Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Supplement Natural Orange Flavor

Our assessment

The evidence shows that the calcium in this supplement supports bone density and nerve signaling, but you need to be aware of the risks associated with high intakes [NIH ODS]. For a children’s chewable, the specific dose per serving is not listed in the data provided, so we cannot confirm if it meets or exceeds safe levels for your child. Data on the exact amount of calcium in this product is not available.

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder and signaler. It works by supporting bone mineralization and density, while also helping your child’s muscles relax and nerves send messages properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements in this database. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that high 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Because the exact calcium dose is not available in the data, we cannot give a precise recommendation for this specific product. If you choose to use this supplement, check the label for the exact calcium amount per serving and ensure your child’s total daily intake from all sources — including food and other supplements — does not exceed the recommended upper limit for their age. Data not available on the specific serving size or ingredient amounts in this product.

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