How do I read the a red target?

Vitamixer

For the second day in a row my calcium target is red and it's over 200%. How do I interpret this exactly?

TIA

Vickie

200% means you've taken in double the minimum target (RDA).
Red means you've exceeded the maximum target (upper limit).

At ~200% calcium it should still be a tolerable level without adverse effects, but there's no need to add any more calcium-rich food. You may also want to watch for your average calcium:magnesium balance.

Susan_RD_101

As @Vickie said, if a nutrient is in the red, you've surpassed the tolerable upper limit, which is the highest intake of a nutrient where no adverse effect is seen.

The adverse effects from excessive intakes vary significantly with each nutrient. For example, excess vitamin C can cause diarrhea, whereas excess calcium can cause hypercalcemia (excess calcium is deposited where it shouldn't be).

If you are consistently hitting 2000 mg of calcium per day, I would scale back supplements/foods intake to be around 1000-1500 mg per day (unless indicated otherwise from your family doctor).

Kind regards,

denuse_1247

So if i see something in green, that means it's good? even if the bar is all the way to the end?

Hilary

@denuse_1247 keep in mind that the default targets are based on DRI values. If the targets don't look quite right, make sure you look at your profile critically! Check your body details, activity levels, etc. Make sure you check the foods you have added to your diary as well. Learn more about choosing the best foods for your needs here: https://cronometer.com/blog/6-tips-getting-nutrition-data/
Cronometer is to be seen as a tool to track consumption and all targets we have set by default are not for everyone. If you have different needs you are welcome to make the changes based on your healthcare professional's recommendation or personal preference.