Thompson Brands Adora Calcium Dark Chocolate Supplements plus Vitamin D2 and Vitamin K1 are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Adora Calcium Supplements are naturally high in antioxidants and are very low in caffeine with approximately 5 mg of caffeine per Dark Chocolate disk, and 2 mg per Milk Chocolate disk.

Where does the vitamin D in Adora come from?
The vitamin D in Adora Calcium is D2 (ergocalciferol) which is derived from yeast. Thompson Brands chose this form of the vitamin because it is vegetarian. While some studies have shown that vitamin D3 is the more “active” form of the vitamin, most D3 comes from fish or lanolin (from sheep), which are not acceptable for many vegetarians. The body makes D3 from exposure to the sun, and can also convert D2 to D3 in the body. There is currently 100 IU of vitamin D2 in every Adora calcium disk

What is the benefit of vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is most well-known for the important role it plays in blood clotting (coagulation). Studies also show that vitamin K assists the body in depositing calcium into bones. A recommended daily intake of 120 micrograms for men and 90 micrograms for women was determined based on consumption levels of healthy individuals. No adverse effects have been reported for vitamin K, so an upper limit (UL) was not established.

I am on blood thinners. Can I still take Adora Calcium?
It is very important that you run this question by your physician because when you take a blood thinner (or anticoagulant), such as Coumadin you must maintain a consistent vitamin K intake everyday. Since Adora Calcium contains 40 ug of vitamin K per disk, this supplement could potentially interact with your medication and limit its effectiveness. However, by working with your doctor, you may be able to adjust your medication levels therefore allowing you to take Adora Calcium.

Is it O.K. to eat chocolate with calcium?
Yes. Although chocolate contains oxalic acid (a chemical that binds calcium in many plants, such as spinach), Adora Calcium contains much more calcium than chocolate contains oxalate so there's plenty of free calcium left over. In addition, Thompson Brands formulation includes approximately 7% more calcium to ensure each disk contains at least 500 mg of absorbable calcium. Furthermore, the natural fat (from cocoa butter) in the chocolate actually helps promote absorption of the vitamin D (fat-soluble vitamin), and the vitamin D helps promote absorption of the calcium.

Will the caffeine in chocolate affect my calcium levels?
Excess caffeine consumption can cause calcium to be excreted in your urine. Although chocolate does naturally contain caffeine, the amount of caffeine present in an Adora Calcium disk (a 7 gram serving) is very tiny. Specifically, an Adora Calcium disk in Dark Chocolate contains 5 mg of caffeine, while an Adora Calcium disk in Milk Chocolate contains just 2 mg of caffeine.