NOW Fruit & Greens PhytoFoods

Our assessment

The evidence shows that you are considering a general greens powder, but the only specific ingredient we have data for in NOW Fruit & Greens PhytoFoods is calcium. Based on the ingredient list, this product is a blend of fruits and vegetables, but we must focus on what the data confirms. For calcium, the primary mineral in this type of product, our assessment is that it supports bone health, but you should be aware of potential risks if you are already taking other supplements or have certain health conditions [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder and a nerve communicator. It works through bone mineralization, helping to deposit minerals into your skeleton for density and strength. It also supports neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly after they fire [NIH ODS]. This makes it essential for everything from a steady heartbeat to preventing muscle cramps.

Safety profile

Data not available for the full product blend. For calcium specifically, safety is a concern at high intakes. Some research suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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]. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories, though specific reports for this product are not available [FDA data].

Our recommendation

Our recommendation is to use this product with caution if you are already taking a multivitamin or calcium supplement. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. If you take any of these medications, take your supplement at a different time of day. For most people, getting calcium from food is preferred, but if you use this powder, do not exceed your total daily intake from all sources [NIH ODS].

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