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Side Effects of Osteophase

OsteoPhase is the trademarked name of a nutritional supplement. OsteoPhase has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The most common side effects of taking OsteoPhase are digestive upset and mild allergic reactions, including itching and irritability. OsteoPhase allegedly contains a marine-based calcium source as well as other "osteo-supportive herbs and botanicals."

  1. Ingredients in OsteoPhase

    • OsteoPhase contains concha ostrea (oyster shell), Astragalus polysaccharides, Angelica Sinensis and Coix seed as well as a "naturally rich source of calcium." Concha ostrea comes from marine organisms, such as mollusks. The bone health effects come from the tissue responsible for new shell growth in oysters and other mollusks. Concha ostrea contains a matrix of proteins, glycoproteins and chitin, all of which promote bone strength.

    Side Effects of Calcium Supplements

    • Calcium is a key to many important bodily functions: blood clotting, nerve impulses, heartbeat, hormone secretions and bone growth and health. That's why many adults take supplements. But calcium supplements can cause gas or constipation. Increasing your intake of fluids and high-fiber foods may nullify some of these side effects. OsteoPhase, like all nutritional supplements, may cause minor allergic reactions or digestive upset.

    The FDA and Calcium Supplements

    • In May 2009, the FDA released a statement regarding calcium supplements and their role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The agency said that calcium and vitamin D supplements---along with regular exercise--have a direct correlation with a reduced risk for osteoporosis as well as general bone health and maintenance.

    OsteoPhase Drug Interactions

    • One potential side effect of taking OsteoPhase is negative interactions with other medications. Calcium supplements may reduce the body's absorption of iron and the antibiotic tetracycline. If you are taking any medications, don't take them within two hours of ingesting OsteoPhase. Pregnant or nursing women and children under the age of 18 should not take OsteoPhase.

    Preventing Osteoporosis

    • There are ways to reduce your risk of osteoporosis other than supplements like OsteoPhase. These include exercise, getting calcium and Vitamin D from food and sunlight, not smoking, reducing caffeine intake to three cups per day and reducing alcohol to two servings per day. If you are monitoring your calcium intake, doctors recommend most adults get 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium every day. Calcium-fortified foods like certain breads and juices may help your body absorb calcium better than a supplement.

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