Altrum Ultra Omega-3
Brand: Altrum · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your health, but it requires careful attention to dosing. Our assessment is that you should prioritize getting calcium from food sources and only consider supplements if your diet falls short, as high intakes carry real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the building block for your bones and teeth. It supports bone density through a process called bone mineralization, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, which helps your muscles and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
From a safety standpoint, this is where you need to be most careful. The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, and for calcium specifically, high intakes are linked to serious concerns. Some research suggests 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to aim for a total daily intake of 1,000–1,200 mg from all sources, but get most of it from food. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, so take supplements at a different time than these drugs [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed 2,000 mg per day from supplements and diet combined without medical supervision [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the specific formulation of this product.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Altrum |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 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