NOW Ultimate Zinc-C
Brand: NOW · Form: LOZENGE [E0174] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. Our assessment is that while calcium is critical for your body, you need to be very careful with dosing, as high intakes carry significant risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a builder and messenger in your body. It supports bone density through mineralization and helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. This makes it foundational for your skeleton and your nervous system.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, safety data shows that 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. Some research also suggests high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake before supplementing. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Without specific dosage data for this product, we cannot recommend a starting dose. Data not available for the exact product formulation on the label.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 50.0 Lozenge(s) |
| Market Status | On 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