NOW Bone Calcium
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
Our assessment: If you are considering NOW Bone Calcium for bone health, the evidence supports calcium as a key mineral for bone density, but you must be aware of important safety considerations. The ingredient calcium is essential for bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, high calcium intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, according to some research [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the building block your body uses to keep your skeleton strong. It works by supporting bone density and mineral deposition, which is the process of adding minerals to your bone matrix [NIH ODS]. It also plays a role in muscle relaxation and nerve signaling, helping your muscles and nerves function properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for this product [FDA data]. 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Before starting this supplement, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your total calcium intake from food and other supplements. This is especially important if you take any of the medications listed above, as calcium can interfere with their absorption [NIH ODS]. Be mindful that high calcium intakes carry potential risks, and data on the specific formula's long-term safety is not available beyond what is listed here.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Tablet(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