GNC Calcium 600 mg Caramel
Brand: GNC · Form: SUPPLEMENT FORM, OTHER [E0172] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your bone health, but the data also requires careful attention to dosing and timing. For GNC Calcium 600 mg Caramel, our assessment is that it provides a meaningful dose of calcium, but you need to be aware of potential risks and interactions [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton and a signal regulator for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density through mineralization and helps your muscles relax and nerves communicate properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for products containing calcium. While many of these reports may involve multiple ingredients, the specific risks for calcium are notable. High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels 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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by checking your total daily calcium intake from all sources—food and supplements—before adding 600 mg. Take this supplement separately from any medications listed above by at least two hours to avoid absorption problems [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level without medical supervision. Data not available for specific caramel formulation interactions [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | GNC |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Delicious Soft Chew(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