NOW Bone Calcium
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, and NOW Bone Calcium is a straightforward way to meet your needs. However, the data requires careful attention to dosage and timing to avoid risks. You should only take this supplement if your diet is low in calcium and your healthcare provider has confirmed a need [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density through direct mineralization of bone tissue. At the same time, it plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles and nerves signal properly after they contract [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific data for this product is not available. The evidence shows that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels in your blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake. If you need a supplement, take it with food and separate it from any medications by at least two hours. Do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level without medical supervision. Monitor for side effects like constipation, and discuss any heart or prostate concerns with your doctor [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | Off Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide