NOW Coral Calcium Powder
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but you should approach this supplement with caution. For most adults, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium is between 1,000 mg and 1,200 mg daily from all sources [NIH ODS]. Our assessment is that you should first evaluate your dietary intake before adding this supplement, as getting too much calcium carries real risks.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is critical for maintaining strong bones as you age [NIH ODS]. Calcium also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send messages properly [NIH ODS]. This powder form can be mixed into drinks for easy consumption.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for products containing calcium. You should be aware that some research suggests high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Side effects from excessively high levels include constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. High levels can also cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, and low phosphate levels [NIH ODS]. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by calculating how much calcium you already get from food. If you are below the RDA, this powder can help fill the gap. Take it with food to improve absorption, and separate it from any thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the RDA without consulting your doctor first. Data on the specific benefits of coral calcium over standard calcium carbonate is not available.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 6.0 oz. 170.0 g |
| 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