NOW Vitamin D-3 400 IU
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a crucial mineral for your bone health, but you need to be careful with supplementation. Our assessment is that you should prioritize getting calcium from your diet first, and only consider a supplement if you cannot meet your needs through food [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which are essential for keeping your bones strong. It also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
There are 592,059 total adverse event reports in the FDA database for this category [FDA data]. Safety data shows that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Data not available for a specific recommended dose for this product. Our recommendation is to talk with your doctor before starting calcium supplements, especially if you take any medications. It is safest to meet your calcium needs through food sources first [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 Softgel(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