NOW Calcium Hydroxyapatite Caps 250 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for your bone health, but the form in this supplement — calcium hydroxyapatite — is a specific source derived from bone. For most adults, the goal is to meet your total daily calcium needs, which are 1,000 mg for men up to age 70 and 1,200 mg for women over 50 and men over 70 [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a foundation builder for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. Because this product provides 250 mg per capsule, you would need to account for the calcium you get from food and other supplements to avoid exceeding safe levels.
Safety profile
FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for this product category. Be aware that very high calcium intakes can lead to serious risks, including constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. High calcium levels can also cause poor kidney function and poor muscle tone [NIH ODS]. Data not available on specific side effect report counts for this exact product.
Our recommendation
Before starting this supplement, calculate your total daily calcium from all sources — food, water, and other supplements. If you already eat dairy, fortified foods, or leafy greens, you may not need additional calcium. Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level of 2,000 mg per day from all sources without medical supervision [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Capsule(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