NOW Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, the data also reveals significant safety considerations you should be aware of. Our assessment is that while calcium is important, you should approach supplementation cautiously and only if you cannot meet your needs through diet [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a builder and messenger for your body. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. For your bones, it helps maintain their structure and strength, while for your muscles, it helps them relax properly after contracting [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available for side effects specific to this product. However, the FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, some research suggests high 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 the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We recommend you first assess your dietary calcium intake from food sources like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods before considering a supplement. If you decide to take it, be aware of the potential for high intake and interactions with medications. Consult your doctor to determine if a calcium supplement is appropriate for you, especially if you take any of the medications listed above [NIH ODS]. Start with the lowest effective dose and monitor for any side effects.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 240.0 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