| Ingredients | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
|
Calories
|
60 Calorie(s) |
|
Total Carbohydrates
|
12 Gram(s) |
|
Dietary Fiber
|
9 Gram(s) |
|
Soluble Fiber
|
5 Gram(s) |
|
Sugar
|
3 Gram(s) |
|
Protein
|
0.5 Gram(s) |
|
(Ca)
|
30 mg |
|
(Fe)
|
1.5 mg |
|
Proprietary Blend
|
13.73 Gram(s) |
|
Psyllium
(husk)
(organic)
(Psyllium PlantPart: husk Note: organic )
|
|
|
Whole Grain Brown Rice Sweetener
(Oryza)
(organic)
(Whole Grain Brown Rice Sweetener (Alt. Name: Oryza) Note: organic )
|
|
|
Psyllium seed powder
(seed)
|
|
|
(bran)
|
|
natural Apple Cinnamon flavor Note: msg free, Silicon Dioxide (Alt. Name: SiO2), Stevia leaf extract PlantPart: leaf Genus: Stevia
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Fiber Plus Powder Apple Cinnamon. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Fiber Plus Powder Apple Cinnamon. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally or intravenously and appropriately. Calcium is safe when used in appropriate doses (7555,12928,12946,95817). However, excessive doses should be avoided. The Institute of Medicine sets the daily tolerable upper intake level (UL) for calcium according to age as follows: Age 0-6 months, 1000 mg; 6-12 months, 1500 mg; 1-8 years, 2500 mg; 9-18 years, 3000 mg; 19-50 years, 2500 mg; 51+ years, 2000 mg (17506). Doses over these levels can increase the risk of side effects such as kidney stone, hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia, and milk-alkali syndrome. There has also been concern that calcium intake may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD), including myocardial infarction (MI). Some clinical research suggests that calcium intake, often in amounts over the recommended daily intake level of 1000-1300 mg daily for adults, is associated with an increased risk of CVD, CHD, and MI (16118,17482,91350,107233). However, these studies, particularly meta-analyses, have been criticized for excluding trials in which calcium was administered with vitamin D (94137). Other clinical studies suggest that, when combined with vitamin D supplementation, calcium supplementation is not associated with an increased risk of CVD, CHD, or MI (93533,107231). Other analyses report conflicting results and have not shown that calcium intake affects the risk of CVD, CHD, or MI (92994,93533,97308,107231). Advise patients not to consume more than the recommended daily intake of 1000-1200 mg per day, to consider total calcium intake from both dietary and supplemental sources (17484), and to combine calcium supplementation with vitamin D supplementation (93533).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in excessive doses. The National Academy of Medicine sets the daily tolerable upper intake level (UL) for calcium according to age as follows: 19-50 years, 2500 mg; 51 years and older, 2000 mg (17506). Doses over these levels can increase the risk of side effects such as kidney stones, hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia, and milk-alkali syndrome. There has also been concern that calcium intake may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD), including myocardial infarction (MI). Some clinical research suggests that calcium intake, often in amounts over the recommended daily intake level of 1000-1300 mg daily for adults, is associated with an increased risk of CVD, CHD, and MI (16118,17482,91350,107233). However, these studies, particularly meta-analyses, have been criticized for excluding trials in which calcium was administered with vitamin D (94137). Other clinical studies suggest that, when combined with vitamin D supplementation, calcium supplementation is not associated with an increased risk of CVD, CHD, or MI (93533,107231). Other analyses report conflicting results and have not shown that calcium intake affects the risk of CVD, CHD, or MI (92994,93533,97308,107231). Advise patients to not consume more than the recommended daily intake of 1000-1200 mg per day, to consider total calcium intake from both dietary and supplemental sources (17484), and to combine calcium supplementation with vitamin D supplementation (93533).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Calcium is safe when used in appropriate doses (17506).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses.
The Institute of Medicine sets the daily tolerable upper intake level (UL) for calcium according to age as follows: 0-6 months, 1000 mg; 6-12 months, 1500 mg; 1-8 years, 2500 mg; 9-18 years, 3000 mg (17506). Doses over these levels can increase the risk of side effects such as kidney stones, hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia, and milk-alkali syndrome.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately (945,1586,3263,3264,17506).
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends prescribing oral calcium supplementation 1.5-2 grams daily during pregnancy to those with low dietary calcium intake to prevent pre-eclampsia (97347).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses.
The Institute of Medicine sets the same daily tolerable upper intake level (UL) for calcium according to age independent of pregnancy status: 9-18 years, 3000 mg; 19-50 years, 2500 mg (17506). Doses over these amounts might increase the risk of neonatal hypocalcemia-induced seizures possibly caused by transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism in the setting of excessive calcium supplementation during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Neonatal hypocalcemia is a risk factor for neonatal seizures (97345).
LIKELY SAFE ...when the fresh or dried fruit is used orally in amounts commonly found in foods.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when fig fruit paste is consumed orally in amounts of up to 300 grams daily for up to 8 weeks (99956).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when fig leaf decoctions are used topically. Fig leaf contains psoralens (12579,12581). There have been reports of photodermatitis with burn-like lesions and rashes after fig decoctions were applied prior to sun exposure (49962,49968,49973,49975,49981). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of fig leaf when used orally.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when the fresh or dried fruit is used orally in amounts commonly found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of fig leaf or fruit used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and lactation; avoid use.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. For people age 14 and older with adequate iron stores, iron supplements are safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 45 mg per day of elemental iron. The UL is not meant to apply to those who receive iron under medical supervision (7135,96621). To treat iron deficiency, most people can safely take up to 300 mg elemental iron per day (15). ...when used intravenously and appropriately. Ferric carboxymaltose 200 mg and iron sucrose 200 mg have been given intravenously for up to 10 doses with no reported serious adverse effects (91179). A meta-analysis of clinical studies of hemodialysis patients shows that administering high-dose intravenous (IV) iron does not increase the risk of hospitalization, infection, cardiovascular events, or death when compared with low-dose IV iron, oral iron, or no iron treatment (102861). A more recent meta-analysis of clinical studies of all patient populations shows that administering IV iron does not increase the risk of hospital length of stay or mortality, although the risk of infection is increased by 16% when compared with oral iron or no iron (110186). Another meta-analysis of 3 large clinical trials in patients with heart failure shows that intravenous ferric carboxymaltose at a dose of around 1500 mg every 6 months for a year does not increase the incidence of adverse effects when compared with placebo (113901). Despite these findings, there are rare reports of hypophosphatemia and/or osteomalacia (112603,112608,112609,112610,113905).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally in excessive doses. Doses of 30 mg/kg are associated with acute toxicity. Long-term use of high doses of iron can cause hemosiderosis and multiple organ damage. The estimated lethal dose of iron is 180-300 mg/kg; however, doses as low as 60 mg/kg have also been lethal (15).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately (7135,91183,112601).
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive amounts.
Tell patients who are not iron-deficient not to use doses above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 40 mg per day of elemental iron for infants and children aged 0-13 years and 45 mg per day for children aged 14-18 years. Higher doses frequently cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and nausea (7135,20097). Iron is the most common cause of pediatric poisoning deaths. Doses as low as 60 mg/kg can be fatal (15).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Iron is safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding in patients with adequate iron stores when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 45 mg daily of elemental iron (7135,96625,110180).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in high doses.
Tell patients who are not iron deficient to avoid exceeding the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 45 mg daily of elemental iron. Higher doses frequently cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting (7135) and might increase the risk of preterm labor (100969). High hemoglobin concentrations at the time of delivery are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (7135,20109).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Jambolan tea prepared from 2 grams of jambolan leaves per liter of water has been consumed in place of water with apparent safety in clinical research (13092).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used in amounts commonly found in foods. Pectin has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts greater than those typically found in food. Pectin 4.8 grams three times daily has been used for up to one year without serious adverse effects (12547,15019,15020,92481,108525).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally in amounts greater than those found in food, short-term.
Pectin 4 grams/kg has been used daily for up to 7 days without reports of serious adverse effects (12575,19705).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used in amounts commonly found in foods.
Pectin has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts (12577).
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Rice bran and rice bran oil in doses of up to 30 grams daily have been used safely in studies lasting up to 5 years. Higher doses, up to 85 grams daily, have been used safely for 6 weeks in clinical trials (865,876,877,880,1354,106588,106590). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical rice bran.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately in infants.
Rice bran 1-5 grams daily for up to 6 months has been consumed with apparent safety by infants 6-12 months of age (103761).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of rice bran when used for medicinal purposes during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Fiber Plus Powder Apple Cinnamon. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
 Details
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease (21631). However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption (93006).
|
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Details
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates (12937).
|
Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Details
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia (12938). Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
|
Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Details
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects (6124). But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers (12939,12947).
|
Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Details
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction (15794,21632). So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.
|
Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Details
|
Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Details
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation (10574). Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.
|
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Details
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation (93578).
|
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Details
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation (94166).
|
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Details
|
Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Details
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients (38953). Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.
|
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Details
|
Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Details
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir (94164). However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure (94165).
|
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Details
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes (10018).
|
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Details
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut (1843).
|
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Details
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys (1902). Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.
|
Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Details
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation (10574). Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.
|
Theoretically, fig leaf might enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic drugs.
Details
A small clinical study in patients with type 1 diabetes shows that consuming a tea made from fig leaves modestly reduces postprandial glucose levels and insulin requirements (12578).
|
Fig leaf may enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of insulin.
Details
A small clinical study in patients with type 1 diabetes shows that consuming a tea made from fig leaves modestly reduces postprandial glucose levels and insulin requirements (12578).
|
Iron reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Details
Advise patients that doses of bisphosphonates should be separated by at least two hours from doses of all other medications, including supplements such as iron. Divalent cations, including iron, can decrease absorption of bisphosphonates by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract (15).
|
Theoretically, taking chloramphenicol with iron might reduce the response to iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia.
Details
|
Administration of intravenous iron within one month of denosumab administration might increase the risk of severe hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia.
Details
A case of severe hypocalcemia (albumin corrected calcium 6.88 mg/dL, ionized calcium 3.68 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (<0.5 mg/dL) with respiratory acidosis, QT interval prolongation, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was reported in a 76-year-old male who had received an iron polymaltose infusion within 2 weeks of a subcutaneous injection of denosumab. Serum parathyroid hormone was also elevated (348 pg/mL). Subsequent iron infusions with iron polymaltose and ferric carboxymaltose were followed by transient hypophosphatemia, but without hypocalcemia. Additionally, a literature review describes 6 additional cases of hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia in patients 52-92 years of age who had been administered intravenous iron as either ferric carboxymaltose or iron polymaltose and subcutaneous denosumab within 1-4 weeks of each other (113905).
|
Iron might decrease dolutegravir levels by reducing its absorption.
Details
Advise patients to take dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking iron. Pharmacokinetic research shows that iron can decrease the absorption of dolutegravir from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation (93578). When taken under fasting conditions, a single dose of ferrous fumarate 324 mg orally along with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces overall exposure to dolutegravir by 54% (94190).
|
Theoretically, taking iron along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Details
Iron is a divalent cation. There is concern that iron may decrease the absorption of integrase inhibitors from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation (93578). One pharmacokinetic study shows that iron can decrease blood levels of the specific integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation (94190). Also, other pharmacokinetic research shows that other divalent cations such as calcium can decrease the absorption and levels of some integrase inhibitors through chelation (93578,93579).
|
Iron might decrease levodopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Details
Advise patients to separate doses of levodopa and iron as much as possible. There is some evidence in healthy people that iron forms chelates with levodopa, reducing the amount of levodopa absorbed by around 50% (9567). The clinical significance of this hasn't been determined.
|
Iron might decrease levothyroxine levels by reducing its absorption.
Details
Advise patients to separate levothyroxine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption and efficacy of levothyroxine by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract (9568).
|
Iron might decrease methyldopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Details
|
Theoretically, iron might decrease mycophenolate mofetil levels by reducing its absorption.
Details
Advise patients to take iron 4-6 hours before, or 2 hours after, mycophenolate mofetil. It has been suggested that a decrease of absorption is possible, probably by forming nonabsorbable chelates. However, mycophenolate pharmacokinetics are not affected by iron supplementation in available clinical research (3046,20152,20153,20154,20155).
|
Iron might decrease penicillamine levels by reducing its absorption.
Details
Advise patients to separate penicillamine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Oral iron supplements can reduce absorption of penicillamine by 30% to 70%, probably due to chelate formation. In people with Wilson's disease, this interaction has led to reduced efficacy of penicillamine (3046,3072,20156).
|
Iron might decrease levels of quinolone antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Details
|
Iron might decrease levels of tetracycline antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Details
Advise patients to take iron at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after tetracycline antibiotics. Concomitant use can decrease absorption of tetracycline antibiotics from the gastrointestinal tract by 50% to 90% (15).
|
Animal research shows that jambolan seed and bark extracts can lower blood glucose levels (13599,13600,13601,104282). Theoretically, jambolan might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs. This might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
|
There is some in vitro evidence that jambolan can inhibit CYP2C9 (99067). Theoretically, concomitant use of jambolan with CYP2C9 substrates may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
|
Animal research shows that jambolan seed extract reduces the sitagliptin maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve by 39% and 22%, respectively. However, blood glucose levels were actually reduced to a greater extent in mice taking jambolan and sitagliptin in combination when compared with either product taken alone (104282). Theoretically, jambolan seed extract might alter the clearance of sitagliptin, although this may not alter the clinical effects of sitagliptin.
|
Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of digoxin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Details
A small clinical study shows that taking digoxin with a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of digoxin by about 62% (2212). It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, or the combination.
|
Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of lovastatin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Details
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of pectin and lovastatin might reduce the cholesterol-lowering effect of lovastatin, possibly due to reduced intestinal absorption of lovastatin (615).
|
Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.
Details
A small clinical study shows that taking tetracycline with bismuth subsalicylate in a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of tetracycline by about 34% (2213). It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, bismuth subsalicylate, or the combination.
|
Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Fiber Plus Powder Apple Cinnamon. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally and intravenously, calcium is well-tolerated when used appropriately.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Belching, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach upset.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Case reports have raised concerns about calciphylaxis and kidney stones.
Cardiovascular
...There has been concern that calcium intake may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD), including myocardial infarction (MI).
Some clinical research suggests that calcium intake, often in amounts over the recommended daily intake level of 1000-1300 mg daily for adults, is associated with an increased risk of CVD, CHD, and MI (16118,17482,91350,107233). However, these results, particularly meta-analyses, have been criticized for excluding trials in which calcium was administered with vitamin D (94137). Many of these trials also only included postmenopausal females. Other analyses report conflicting results, and have not shown that calcium intake affects the risk of CVD, CHD, or MI (92994,93533,97308,107231). Reasons for these discrepancies are not entirely clear. It may relate to whether calcium is taken as monotherapy or in combination with vitamin D. When taken with vitamin D, which is commonly recommended, calcium supplementation does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of CVD, CHD, or MI (93533,107231). Also, the association between calcium supplementation and CVD, CHD, or MI risk may be influenced by the amount of calcium consumed as part of the diet. Supplementation with calcium may be associated with an increased risk of MI in people with dietary calcium intake above 805 mg daily, but not in those with dietary calcium intake below 805 mg daily (17482). To minimize the possible risk of CVD, CHD, or MI, advise patients not to consume more than the recommended daily intake of 1000-1200 mg and to consider total calcium intake from both dietary and supplemental sources (17484). While dietary intake of calcium is preferred over supplemental intake, advise patients who require calcium supplements to take calcium along with vitamin D, as this combination does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of MI (93533).
Rarely, calcium intake can increase the risk of calciphylaxis, which usually occurs in patients with kidney failure. Calciphylaxis is the deposition of calcium phosphate in arterioles, which causes skin ulcers and skin necrosis. In a case report, a 64-year-old female with a history of neck fracture, sepsis, and ischemic colitis presented with painful leg ulcers due to calciphylaxis. She discontinued calcium and vitamin D supplementation and was treated with sodium thiosulfate and supportive care (95816).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, calcium can cause belching, flatulence, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and diarrhea (1824,1843,12950,38803). Although constipation is frequently cited as an adverse effect of calcium, there is no scientific substantiation of this side effect (1824,1843,1844,1845,12950,38978). Calcium carbonate has been reported to cause acid rebound, but this is controversial (12935,12936).
Oncologic ...There is some concern that very high doses of calcium might increase the risk of prostate cancer. Some epidemiological evidence suggests that consuming over 2000 mg/day of dietary calcium might increase the risk for prostate cancer (4825,12949). Additional research suggests that calcium intake over 1500 mg/day might increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer and prostate cancer mortality (14132). Consumption of dairy products has also been weakly linked to a small increase in prostate cancer risk (98894). However, contradictory research suggests no association between dietary intake of calcium and overall prostate cancer risk (14131,14132,104630). More evidence is needed to determine the effect of calcium, if any, on prostate cancer risk.
Renal ...Kidney stones have been reported in individuals taking calcium carbonate 1500 mg daily in combination with vitamin D 2000 IU daily for 4 years (93943).
General
...Orally, the fresh or dried fig fruit is well tolerated in amounts commonly found in foods.
A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted when fig fruit is used orally as medicine.
Topically, fig leaf may cause photodermatitis. There is limited reliable information available about the safety of fig fruit or latex when applied topically.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Allergy and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
Topically: The fig leaf may cause photodermatitis.
Dermatologic
...Topically, fig leaf might cause photodermatitis.
The leaf contains psoralens (12579,12581). Many cases of photodermatitis from fig leaf have been reported (49962,49968,49973,49975,49981). In at least two cases, the burns were serious enough to require hospitalization. Severe anemia and sepsis developed in one patient (49962). Avoid excessive sunlight or ultraviolet light exposure while using products containing fig leaf.
Orally, fig fruit is unlikely to cause photodermatitis (12581).
Immunologic ...Orally, fig fruit can cause allergy and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis (8815,12580). Topically, exposure to fig fruit and leaves can cause contact dermatitis. In some cases, sun exposure can make contact dermatitis worse (12689,99961).
General
...Orally or intravenously, iron is generally well tolerated when used appropriately.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and vomiting.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Case reports have raised concerns about oral or gastric ulcerations.
Intravenously: Case reports have raised concerns about hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia.
Cardiovascular
...There is debate regarding the association between coronary heart disease (CHD) or myocardial infarction (MI) and high iron intake or high body iron stores.
Some observational studies have reported that high body iron stores are associated with increased risk of MI and CHD (1492,9542,9544,9545,15175). Some observational studies reported that only high heme iron intake from dietary sources such as red meat are associated with increased risk of MI and CHD (1492,9546,15174,15205,15206,91180). However, the majority of research has found no association between serum iron levels and cardiovascular disease (1097,1099,9543,9547,9548,9549,9550,56469,56683).
There is one case of Kounis syndrome, also referred to as allergic angina or allergic myocardial infarction, in a 39-year-old female patient without previous coronary artery disease given intravenous ferric carboxymaltose. The patient experienced anaphylactic symptoms, including headache, abdominal pain, and breathing difficulties, 3 minutes after starting the infusion. She was further diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (112607).
There is also a case of a 56-year-old female, negative for HFE mutation homozygosity, diagnosed with acquired iron overload cardiomyopathy after starting ferrous sulfate 325 mg twice daily 3 years prior for iron deficiency secondary to alcoholic cirrhosis with esophageal varices and encephalopathy. The patient had no follow-up care over the 3 years and denied any blood transfusions over that time (113906).
Dermatologic ...Cutaneous hemosiderosis, or skin staining, has been reported following intravenous iron infusion in various case reports. Most of these cases are due to extravasation following iron infusion (112605,112611). In one case, extravasation has occurred following iron derisomaltose infusion in a 41-year-old female with chronic kidney disease (112605). Rarely, diffuse cutaneous hermosiderosis has occurred. In one case, a 31-year-old female with excessive sweating developed cutaneous hemosiderosis in the armpits following an intravenous iron polymaltose infusion (112611).
Endocrine ...Population research in females shows that higher ferritin levels are associated with an approximately 1. 5-fold higher odds of developing gestational diabetes. Increased dietary intake of heme-iron, but not non-heme iron, is also associated with an increased risk for gestational diabetes. The effects of iron supplementation could not be determined from the evaluated research (96618). However, in a sub-analysis of a large clinical trial in pregnant adults, daily supplementation with iron 100 mg from 14 weeks gestation until delivery did not affect the frequency or severity of glucose intolerance or gestational weight gain (96619).
Gastrointestinal
...Orally, iron can cause dry mouth, gastrointestinal irritation, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting (96621,102864,104680,104684,110179,110185,110188,110189,110192).
These adverse effects are uncommon at doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 45 mg per day of elemental iron in adults with normal iron stores (7135). Higher doses can be taken safely in adults with iron deficiency, but gastrointestinal side effects may occur (1095,20118,20119,56698,102864). Taking iron supplements with food seems to reduce gastrointestinal side effects (7135). However, food can also significantly reduce iron absorption. Iron should be taken on an empty stomach, unless it cannot be tolerated.
There are several formulations of iron products such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate, and others. Manufacturers of some formulations, such as polysaccharide-iron complex products (Niferex-150, etc), claim to be better tolerated than other formulations; however, there is no reliable evidence to support this claim. Gastrointestinal tolerability relates mostly to the elemental iron dose rather than the formulation (17500).
Enteric-coated or controlled-release iron formulations might reduce nausea for some patients, however, these products also have lower absorption rates (17500).
Liquid oral preparations can blacken and stain teeth (20118).
Iron can also cause oral ulcerations and ulcerations of the gastric mucosa (56684,91182,96622,110179). In one case report, an 87-year-old female with Alzheimer disease experienced a mucosal ulceration, possibly due to holding a crushed ferrous sulfate 80 mg tablet in the mouth for too long prior to swallowing (91182). The ulceration was resolved after discontinuing iron supplementation. In another case report, a 76-year old male suffered gastric mucosal injury after taking a ferrous sulfate tablet daily for 4 years (56684). In a third case report, a 14-year-old female developed gastritis involving symptoms of upper digestive hemorrhage, nausea, melena, and stomach pain. The hemorrhage was attributed to supplementation with ferrous sulfate 2 hours after meals for the prior 2 weeks (96622). In one case report, a 43-year old female developed atrophic gastritis with non-bleeding ulcerations five days after starting oral ferrous sulfate 325 mg twice daily (110179).
Intravenously, iron can cause gastrointestinal symptoms sch as nausea (104684,110192).
Hematologic ...Orally, iron supplements have been associated with hemochromatosis. In one case report, a 56-year-old female, negative for HFE mutation homozygosity, was diagnosed with acquired hemochromatosis after starting ferrous sulfate 325 mg twice daily 3 years prior, without follow-up care, for a previous iron deficiency secondary to alcoholic cirrhosis with esophageal varices and encephalopathy (113906).
Immunologic
...Although there is some clinical research associating iron supplementation with an increased rate of malaria infection (56796,95432), the strongest evidence to date does not support this association, at least for areas where antimalarial treatment is available (95433,96623).
In an analysis of 14 trials, iron supplementation was not associated with an increased risk of malaria (96623). In a sub-analysis of 7 preliminary clinical studies, the effect of iron supplementation was dependent upon the access to services for antimalarial treatment. In areas where anemia is common and services are available, iron supplementation is associated with a 9% reduced risk of clinical malaria. In an area where services are unavailable, iron supplementation was associated with a 16% increased risk in malaria incidence (96623). The difference in these findings is likely associated with the use of malaria prevention methods.
A meta-analysis of clinical studies of all patient populations shows that administering IV iron, usually iron sucrose and ferric carboxymaltose, increases the risk of infection by 16% when compared with oral iron or no iron. However, sub-analyses suggest this increased risk is limited to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (110186).
Intravenously, iron has rarely resulted in allergic reactions, including anaphylactoid reactions (110185,110192,112606,112607). There is one case of Kounis syndrome, also referred to as allergic angina or allergic myocardial infarction, in a 39-year-old female patient without previous coronary artery disease given intravenous ferric carboxymaltose. The patient experienced anaphylactic symptoms, including headache, abdominal pain, and breathing difficulties, 3 minutes after starting the infusion. She was further diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (112607).
Musculoskeletal ...Intravenously, iron administration may trigger hypophosphatemia in some patients (113905). However, parenteral iron rarely results in osteomalacia related to hypophosphatemia (112609). At least 2 cases exist of hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. In one case, a 70-year-old male with a genetic hemorrhagic disorder infused with ferric carboxymaltose developed lower limb pain with hypophosphatemia and diffuse bone demineralization in the feet (112609). In a second case, a 61-year-old male developed femoral neck insufficiency fractures following repeated ferric carboxymaltose transfusions for anemia related to vascular malformation in the bowel (112603). Severe hypophosphatemia requiring intravenous phosphate in the absence of osteomalacia has also occurred following intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (112608,112610).
Oncologic
...There is a debate regarding the association between high levels of iron stores and cancer.
Data are conflicting and inconclusive (1098,1099,1100,1102). Epidemiological studies suggest that increased body iron stores may increase the risk of cancer or general mortality (56703).
Occupational exposure to iron may be carcinogenic (56691). Oral exposure to iron may also be carcinogenic. Pooled analyses of population studies suggest that increasing the intake of heme iron increases the risk of colorectal cancer. For example, increasing heme iron intake by 1 mg/day is associated with an 11% increase in risk (56699,91185).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, iron has been associated with rare reports of iron pill aspiration. This occurs when all or part of the pill is aspirated into the lungs. Once in the lungs, it can cause a chemical burn of the bronchial mucosa. Dozens of cases of iron pill aspiration have been reported in individuals ranging in age from 22 months to 92 years. Patients presented with cough, dyspnea, wheezing, and hemoptysis. The hemoptysis led to death in 2 patients due to hemorrhage. Long-term complication of fibrosis and bronchial stenosis was reported in a few of the cases. In one case, a 48-year-old female accidentally aspirated a ferrous sulfate tablet and presented to the emergency department with cough, blood-stained sputum, chest pain, dyspnea, and acute distress. Bronchoscopy was performed, parts of the pill were retrieved, and chemical burns and necrotic tissue were observed in the bronchus intermedius mucosa and throughout the middle and lower lobes. Debridement with bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, placed on mechanical ventilation for 2 days, treated with corticosteroids, and discharged on the fifth day of hospitalization. Four weeks post-discharge the patient had significantly improved but still had some reduction in lung capacity.
Other ...Intravenously, sodium ferric gluconate complex (SFGC) caused drug intolerance reactions in 0. 4% of hemodialysis patients including 2 patients with pruritus and one patient each with anaphylactoid reaction, hypotension, chills, back pain, dyspnea/chest pain, facial flushing, rash and cutaneous symptoms of porphyria (56527).
General ...No adverse effects have been reported; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
General
...Orally, pectin seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, gas, loose stools, and mild cramps.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
All routes of administration: Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in sensitive individuals.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, pectin alone or in combination with guar gum and insoluble fiber can cause gastrointestinal adverse effects such as mild cramps, diarrhea, gas, and loose stools (12547,15020,92473).
Immunologic ...Orally and topically, pectin may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. In one case, a 7-year-old boy with a history of oral allergy syndrome after consuming a pectin-containing beverage experienced anaphylaxis after taking a citrus bath containing pectin. Allergy testing confirmed sensitivity to pectin (106928).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...The occupational inhalation of pectin dust can cause asthma (580,581,582,583,584).
General
...Orally, rice bran is generally well tolerated.
However, increasing the amount of bran in the diet can cause transient abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and erratic bowel habits.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal discomfort, erratic bowel habits, flatulence.
Topically: Erythema, itching.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
All ROAs: Anaphylactic reactions, including urticaria and angioedema.
Dermatologic ...Topically, rice bran broth baths can cause itching and skin redness (872). In rare cases, rash and itching from rice bran has been associated with contact infestation with Pyemotes tritici, an arthropod commonly called straw itch mite (2284).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, increasing the amount of bran in the diet can cause erratic bowel habits, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort during the first few weeks (272,106588).
Immunologic ...Orally and topically, rice bran can cause allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, itching, and cough (100733,106589). In a case report, a 5-year-old male presented with allergic eczema, urticaria, and cough due to rice bran ingestion (100733). In another case report, a 14-year-old male developed food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis after consuming 150 grams of rice bran. The 52-kDa and 63-kDa globulin constituents in rice bran have both been implicated as the source of allergic reactions (100732,106589). These constituents are not typically present in cooked, polished rice (106589).
Other ...Be aware that rice bran is a source of inorganic arsenic, which is known to negatively impact long-term health. The amount of inorganic arsenic in rice bran is unknown. However, a small analysis of powder and tablet rice bran products shows that, to exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake of inorganic arsenic, a person weighing 65 kg would need to consume over 295 grams of rice bran tablets daily or 109 grams of rice bran powder daily. These amounts are higher than the recommended amount of rice bran tablet (3 grams daily) and rice bran powder (10-20 grams daily) listed on the labels of most available supplements (100500).
