NOW Calcium Citrate Caps
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health and muscle function, but you must be careful with dosing. Our assessment: calcium citrate is a well-absorbed form, but the safety data requires your attention. The total FDA adverse event reports for calcium supplements are 592,059 [FDA data].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones and a signal conductor for your nerves. It supports bone mineralization and mineral deposition, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
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. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start with a moderate dose and take calcium citrate with food for best absorption. Avoid exceeding the RDA without a doctor's guidance. Data not available for specific dosing recommendations from this source. Always separate calcium supplements from medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin by at least two hours [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Vcap(s)(R) |
| 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