NOW Bone Calcium
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but the data also requires a careful look at dosing and safety. For NOW Bone Calcium, we can confirm the active ingredient is calcium, a mineral essential for bone mineralization and neuromuscular function [NIH ODS]. However, you need to be aware of the specific risks and interactions associated with calcium supplementation.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density by aiding in the deposition of minerals into your bone matrix. Additionally, it plays a critical role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly after contraction [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for all products, but specific report counts for this product are not available. The data shows that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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].
Our recommendation
You should be cautious with dosing. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Because of these risks and interactions, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting this supplement to determine if it is appropriate for your individual health needs and to ensure it does not interfere with any medications you take.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 240.0 Tablet(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