Highland Laboratories Calcium 250 mg
Brand: Highland Laboratories · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: Calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but the data shows you need to be careful with dosing. The provided information focuses on a 250 mg calcium supplement, which is a moderate dose. The evidence shows that calcium supports bone density and nerve signaling, but high intakes carry specific risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block and a messenger. It works through bone mineralization to support density and mineral deposition, and it supports neuromuscular relaxation for proper muscle and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. This makes it essential for your skeleton and your nervous system.
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though this number is not specific to this product alone. The specific risks for calcium include that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels 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].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your total daily calcium intake from food and other supplements. This 250 mg dose is modest, but calcium can reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Take calcium at a different time than these medications. Do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level without medical supervision [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Highland Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Vegetarian Capsule(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