Natural Factors Iron Chelate 25 mg
Brand: Natural Factors · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your bone and nerve health, but it requires careful management. Our assessment: While calcium supports bone density and nerve signaling, the data indicates that high intakes may carry significant risks [NIH ODS]. You should not take this product unless you have a confirmed need for calcium supplementation.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural and signaling powerhouse. It supports bone mineralization, helping deposit minerals into your skeleton for density. It also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, allowing your muscles to relax and your nerves to signal properly after contraction [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Total FDA adverse event reports for this ingredient category are 592,059 [FDA data]. The data notes that high calcium 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]. Importantly, calcium can reduce the absorption of medications including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data on specific side effects with report counts for this individual product is not available.
Our recommendation
Do not take this supplement without first consulting your doctor. Given the potential for serious side effects and medication interactions, you need a blood test to confirm a calcium deficiency before starting. If your doctor recommends supplementation, they will guide you on the correct dose and timing to avoid interfering with other medications [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Natural Factors |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | Off 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