Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Strong Bones Core Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Sundown Organics

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Strong Bones Core Complex is a dietary supplement by Sundown Organics with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis, correcting vitamin d deficiency, immune system support.Based on those ingredients, 778 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin D, Calcium, Menaquinone. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Strong Bones Core Complex by Sundown Organics

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Strong Bones Core Complex contains 3 active ingredients: vitamin D, menaquinone (a form of vitamin K), and calcium. Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium absorption and bone health; menaquinone supports bone mineralization and blood clotting; and calcium is the structural foundation of bone itself.

The product also contains inactive ingredients — tapioca dextrose, organic bamboo extract, organic rice extract blend, fermentation blend, maltodextrin, organic sunflower lecithin, organic palm oil, organic guar gum, and organic safflower oil — which serve as binders, fillers, and carriers.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: bone health and strength support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis, Fall prevention, Fractures, Hyperparathyroidism-related bone loss, Kidney transplant-related bone loss, Osteoporosis — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Calcium is rated "Likely Effective" for Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Likely Effective" for Hyperparathyroidism, Osteoporosis.
  • Also on file: Vitamin D is rated "Likely Effective" for Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.

Vitamin D is established as effective for rickets, osteomalacia (soft bones from vitamin D deficiency), familial hypophosphatemia, renal bone disease (osteodystrophy), and hypoparathyroidism. Menaquinone (vitamin K) is effective for vitamin K-dependent clotting factor deficiencies and hemorrhagic disease, and is possibly effective for osteoporosis.

Calcium is effective for low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) and high potassium (hyperkalemia), and is likely effective for osteoporosis. Together, the three ingredients target bone strength through different mechanisms, though the full effectiveness of the combination formula itself is not established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin D Vitamin K Calcium

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin D and calcium are generally well tolerated at recommended doses; however, very high intakes over time can cause toxicity. Vitamin D toxicity can lead to elevated blood calcium (hypercalcemia) with symptoms including bone loss, reduced growth in children, eye inflammation, and light sensitivity.

Calcium at high doses may increase risk of kidney stones and, according to some research, possibly increase cardiovascular risk and prostate cancer risk, though the evidence remains debated. Menaquinone (vitamin K) is generally well tolerated; the most common side effects from oral use are mild and include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

During pregnancy, vitamin D is likely safe at recommended amounts but should be used only under your doctor's guidance; menaquinone is likely safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding; and calcium is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when taken in recommended amounts.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin D Vitamin K Calcium

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 779 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Strong Bones Core Complex, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin (blood thinner) — this product's vitamin K content directly interferes with it. Also double-check use if you take HIV medications (dolutegravir, elvitegravir, or raltegravir), injectable antibiotics (ceftriaxone), heart rhythm medications (verapamil, diltiazem, digoxin, or sotalol), thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), cholesterol drugs (atorvastatin), water pill diuretics (thiazides), or calcipotriene cream.

Your doctor may need to adjust timing or doses.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Strong Bones Core Complex is built for bone health through three established nutrients. If you take warfarin (a blood thinner), do not use this product — the vitamin K content will block warfarin's effect.

If you take any HIV medications, heart rhythm drugs, thyroid hormone, certain antibiotics, cholesterol drugs, or water pill diuretics, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, because your medication doses or timing may need adjustment. Talk it over with your own healthcare provider to make sure this product fits your needs and medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Strong Bones Core Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Sundown Organics
Net contents 30 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2019
DSLD ID 212255
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Strong Bones Core Complex by Sundown Organics, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin D5 mcg25%
Menaquinone120 mcg--
Calcium200 mg15%

Other ingredients: Tapioca Dextrose, organic Bamboo extract, organic Rice extract Blend, Fermentation Blend, Maltodextrin, organic Sunflower Lecithin, organic Palm Oil, organic Guar Gum, organic Safflower Oil

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take one (1) tablet daily, preferably with a meal.

Once daily

Precautions

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

Contains soy ingredients.

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper Resistant: Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Storage

Store at room temperature and avoid excessive heat.

Formulation

Non-GMO No gluten No wheat No milk No lactose No artificial color No artificial flavor No artificial sweetener No preservatives No peanuts No tree nuts No fish Sodium free

Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International

Gluten free Dairy free Non-GMO

USDA Organic

Sundown believes in living clean...and being transparent. That's why you won't find genetically modified ingredients, gluten, wheat, dairy, lactose or artificial flavors in any of our products. Now, we're going one step further with our USDA Certified Organic Supplements that are 100% free of synthetic dyes. Now there's a clean, organic choice you can feel good about.

General Statements

Tree-free carton Made from 100% sugar cane fiber Eliminates wood-based processes Renewable resource Removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Made in the USA with select ingredients from around the world

Coated paper box US only how2recycle.info

Organic, Clean Nutrition In a world of choice, living your best becomes a collaboration between you...and you. When your well-being is important, living clean is a conscious choice you make.

Seals/Symbols

Quality Assurance International Certified Organic

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formula

Plant-Based Calcium with Vitamins D3 & K2

Our Strong Bones Core Complex contains Calcium from Algae that is harvested from the shores of South America. This important mineral, along with Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2, helps maintain vital body systems and supports bone health.

Ingredient Facts Algae Calcium is a plant-based Calcium that is hand harvested marine algae from South America that contains naturally occurring minerals. Vitamin K2 helps maintain vital body systems and supports bone health.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Strong Bones Core Complex by Sundown Organics label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Strong Bones Core Complex by Sundown Organics

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Vitamin D

Interacts with
715 drugs
5 mcg per serving Form: Cholecalciferol, Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and is important for healthy bones, muscles, and immune function. Many people,...

Vitamin D monograph & interactions

Menaquinone

Interacts with
2 drugs
120 mcg per serving

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient your body needs for normal blood clotting and to support healthy bones. Most people get enough from food, but suppl...

Menaquinone monograph & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: organic Algae

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Tapioca Dextrose, Organic Bamboo extract, Organic Rice extract Blend, Fermentation Blend, Maltodextrin, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Palm Oil, Organic Guar Gum, Organic Safflower Oil. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Strong Bones Core Complex by Sundown Organics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Strong Bones Core Complex?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
778Drugs
9 Major 146 Moderate 623 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin D 715
Calcium 168

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Strong Bones Core Complex with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin D8 drug types · 715 drugs

Aluminum

Vitamin D might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity, but this has only been reported in people with renal failure.
The protein that transports calcium across the intestinal wall can also bind and transport aluminum. This protein is stimulated by vitamin D, which may therefore increase aluminum absorption. This mechanism may contribute to increased aluminum levels and toxicity in people with renal failure, when they take vitamin D and aluminum-containing phosphate binders chronically.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Vitamin D might reduce absorption of atorvastatin.
A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%. However, while atorvastatin levels decreased, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels did not substantially change. Atorvastatin is metabolized in the gut by CYP3A4 enzymes, and researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, causing reduced levels of atorvastatin. However, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with vitamin D increases the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with vitamin D supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of arrhythmia from digoxin.
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and digoxin concurrently.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem for arrhythmia.
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically this could also occur with diltiazem. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and diltiazem concurrently.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Thiazide Diuretics

Theoretically, taking thiazide diuretics and high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Thiazide diuretics decrease urinary calcium excretion, which could lead to hypercalcemia if vitamin D supplements are taken concurrently. This has been reported in people being treated with vitamin D for hypoparathyroidism, and also in elderly people with normal parathyroid function who were taking a thiazide, vitamin D, and calcium-containing antacids daily.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil for arrhythmia.
Hypercalcemia due to high doses of vitamin D can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and verapamil concurrently.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Vitamin D might induce CYP3A4 enzymes and reduce the bioavailability of CYP3A4 substrates.
There is some concern that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4. In vitro research suggests that vitamin D induces CYP3A4 transcription. Additionally, observational research has found that increased UV light exposure and serum vitamin D levels are associated with decreased serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates such as tacrolimus and sirolimus, while no association between UV light exposure or vitamin D levels and levels of mycophenolic acid, a non-CYP3A4 substrate, was found. A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of the CYP3A4 substrate atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%; however, the clinical effects of atorvastatin were not reduced. While researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
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. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
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. 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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
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. 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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. 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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
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. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Menaquinone1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Vitamin K can antagonize and reverse the therapeutic effects of warfarin.
Vitamin K antagonizes the effects of warfarin. Excessive vitamin K intake, either from supplements or from changes in the diet, can reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Strong Bones Core Complex, from the product label.

Sundown Organics

See all Sundown Organics products
Name
Rexall Sundown, Inc.
City
Boca Raton
State
FL
ZipCode
33487
Phone Number
1-888-848-2435
Web Address
www.sundownorganics.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Strong Bones Core Complex by Sundown Organics: Common Questions

Does Strong Bones Core Complex by Sundown Organics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Strong Bones Core Complex has a known interaction with 778 medications, including 9 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Strong Bones Core Complex contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on warfarin?
No — you should not take this product with warfarin. The menaquinone (vitamin K) in this supplement directly opposes warfarin's blood-thinning effect, which could increase your clot risk. Talk with your doctor before using any bone or K supplement if you take warfarin.
Will this help my osteoporosis?
Calcium is likely effective for osteoporosis, and menaquinone (vitamin K) is possibly effective. Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and bone health, though the full effectiveness of this three-ingredient combination for osteoporosis is not established in our data. Discuss with your doctor whether this formula is right for your bone health plan.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy?
Vitamin D is likely safe at recommended doses but should be used only under your doctor's guidance during pregnancy. Both menaquinone and calcium are likely safe during pregnancy at recommended amounts. Talk with your doctor about whether this product and its dosage fit your prenatal care.
What are the most common side effects?
All three ingredients are generally well tolerated at recommended doses. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal effects from menaquinone (vitamin K) — nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and abdominal pain — and from calcium — belching, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach upset.
Can this interfere with my thyroid medication?
Yes — the calcium in this product can reduce how well levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) is absorbed. If you take thyroid medication, separate it from this supplement by at least 4 hours. Check with your pharmacist about the best timing for your specific doses.
Why can't I take this with certain HIV or heart medications?
Calcium can significantly reduce blood levels of some HIV drugs like dolutegravir and elvitegravir, making them less effective. High-dose vitamin D can raise blood calcium, which reduces how well heart rhythm medications like verapamil and diltiazem work. Your doctor may need to adjust timing or doses, so check before starting.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Strong Bones Core Complex label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Strong Bones Core Complex's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 99 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin D 26 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Tatro DS, ed. Drug Interactions Facts. Facts and Comparisons Inc., St. Louis, MO. 1999.
  3. Koutkia P, Chen TC, Holick MF. Vitamin D intoxication associated with an over-the-counter supplement. N Engl J Med 2001;345:66-7. PubMed
  4. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
  5. Demontis R, Leflon A, Fournier A, et al. 1 alpha(OH) vitamin D3 increases plasma aluminum in hemodialyzed patients taking AI(OH)3. Clin Nephrol 1986;26:146-9.
  6. Crowe M, Wollner L, Griffiths RA. Hypercalcemia following vitamin D and thiazide therapy in the elderly. Practitioner 1984;228:312-3.
  7. Parfitt AM. Thiazide-induced hypercalcemia in vitamin D-treated hypoparathyroidism. Ann Intern Med 1972;77:557-63. PubMed
  8. Thiazide diuretics and the risk of osteoporosis. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2003;19(11):191105.
  9. Moon J. The role of vitamin D in toxic metal absorption. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13:559-64.
  10. Demontis R, Reissi D, Noel C, et al. Indirect clinical evidence that 1alphaOH vitamin D<SUB>3</SUB> increases the intestinal absorption of aluminum. Clin Nephrol 1989;31:123-7.
  11. Adler AJ, Berlyne GM. Duodenal aluminum absorption in the rat: effect of vitamin D. Am J Physiol 1985;249:G209-13. PubMed
  12. Schwartz JB. Effects of vitamin D supplementation in atorvastatin-treated patients: A new drug interaction with an unexpected consequence. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2009;85:198-203. PubMed
  13. Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine, November 30, 2010. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Vitamin%20D%20and%20Calcium%202010%20Repo
  14. Cox KA, Dunn MA. Aluminum toxicity alters the regulation of calbindin-D28k protein and mRNA expression in chick intestine. J Nutr 2001;131:2007-13. PubMed
  15. Escribano, J., Balaguer, A., Pagone, F., Feliu, A., and Roque, I. Figuls. Pharmacological interventions for preventing complications in idiopathic hypercalciuria. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2009;(1):CD004754. PubMed
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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