Pharmaceutical performance testing of commercially available calcium supplements

Abstract

The use of dietary supplements is increasing rapidly. More and more people take one or more types of supplements as a health booster, hoping to satisfy their body's daily nutritional need or even relieve disease. Although most dietary supplement products are used with such health benefit intention, they are still regulated as food, meaning that their assessed quality and effectiveness are not required by law. Therefore, the knowledge of the factors that influence the safety and efficacy of these products has not kept pace with public demand. Calcium is one of the most widely used supplements, with a confirmed benefit for bone growth and a variety of diseases such as osteoporosis. Its active ingredients are usually different types of calcium salts. The products include traditional and quick