Chocolate Calcium Supplement

Chocolate calcium supplements contain a blend of calcium and vitamins D and K. They are primarily taken to promote bone health. Manufacturers of calcium chews recommend a serving of two chews daily. Two chews contain 40 calories, 1 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 8 g carbohydrate, 6 g sugar and 30 mg sodium. According to the "Pharmacist's Letter," calcium chews are likely safe when you take them as recommended. Discuss benefits and risks of calcium supplementation with your doctor, as well as potential drug interactions.

Calcium

The Daily Value, or DV, for calcium is 1,000 mg. Two chocolate calcium supplements provides 100 percent of the DV. Calcium is essential for bone strength and health throughout your lifetime. It also has roles in blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve transmission.

Vitamin D

Two chocolate calcium chews provide 250 percent of the DV for vitamin D, or 1,000 mg. Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption and helps to maintain bone strength. It helps to maintain normal serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Its role in supporting breast and heart health still was being investigated as of 2011.

Vitamin K

Two chocolate calcium chews also provide 100 percent of the DV for vitamin K, or 80 mcg. Vitamin K is important to bone health because it helps your body form bone proteins. It also acts as a coenzyme during the production of proteins used in blood clotting.

Interactions

If you take a blood thinner such as warfarin, you should check with your health-care provider before taking chocolate calcium supplements. The vitamin K in these chews can decrease the medication's effectiveness. Calcium supplements can have a severe interaction with ceftriaxone. There is also the potential for a moderate interaction with aluminum, atorvastatin, calciptriene, cimetidine, digoxin, diltiazem, lovothyroxine, quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics, thiazide diuretics and verapamil.

Adverse Reactions

Vitamins D and K are well tolerated when taken as recommended. Excessive intake of vitamin D can lead to vitamin D toxicity. The main side effects of calcium supplements are belching and flatulence. Studies published in the "British Medical Journal" have linked calcium supplementation, with or without vitamin D, to increased risk of cardiovascular events, especially heart attack. In studies, subjects have had an average dietary calcium intake of 837 to 861 mg in addition to calcium supplementation of 500 to 2,000 mg daily. Researchers theorize that excess calcium may be deposited in arteries and worsen atherosclerosis. "Pharmacist's Letter" recommends that you consume adequate calcium to meet daily requirements, but not excessive amounts. Consider your total calcium intake from both dietary and supplemental sources. Discuss the benefits and risks of calcium supplementation with your doctor, especially if you have or are at risk for heart disease.