NOW Sports Branched Chain Amino Acid Powder
Brand: NOW Sports · Form: POWDER [E0162]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, the data on calcium supplementation warrants a careful approach. For a general audience, obtaining calcium from food is often safer than relying on supplements, given the potential risks associated with high intake [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and a cellular messenger. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it is essential for muscle relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high levels of calcium in the 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].
Our recommendation
Prioritize dietary sources of calcium before considering a supplement. If you do use a supplement, be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the specific side effect report count for calcium alone from the FDA data provided.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW Sports |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 12.0 oz. 340.0 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