BIOVEA Iron 18 mg

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data on supplementation carries important caveats. For the specific product BIOVEA Iron 18 mg, we have no ingredient data for calcium, so we must focus on the general risks of calcium supplementation. Our assessment: you should approach calcium supplements with caution, as high intakes may be linked to serious health risks [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones and a signal regulator for your nerves. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. However, this analysis applies to calcium generally, not to the specific product listed, as data for BIOVEA Iron 18 mg is limited to its name.

Safety profile

FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific report counts for calcium alone are not available in the provided data. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Side effects from excessive calcium include poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce absorption of medications such as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Data not available for the specific ingredient calcium in BIOVEA Iron 18 mg. Based on general calcium data, we recommend you get calcium from food sources first. If you must supplement, stay below the tolerable upper intake level and always take calcium separately from thyroid medication or antibiotics to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Consult your doctor before starting any calcium supplement, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or heart disease.

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