NOW Calcium Citrate
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. Our assessment is that calcium citrate is a well-absorbed form, but you must monitor your total intake from food and supplements to avoid exceeding safe levels [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a critical role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. For you, this means stronger bones and proper muscle function.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 adverse event reports for this product category. High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels 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 absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start with a low dose and take it with food. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake without medical supervision. Separate calcium from certain medications by at least two hours. Data on exact dosing for this specific product is not available, so consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 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