NOW Coral Calcium 1,000 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the form in NOW Coral Calcium 1,000 mg does not offer unique benefits over standard calcium supplements. Our assessment is that you should focus on meeting your total calcium needs from food first, and only use a supplement to fill any gap, as high intakes carry real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition through a process called bone mineralization [NIH ODS]. Beyond your bones, calcium is essential for neuromuscular relaxation and proper nerve signaling, helping your muscles relax after they contract [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available for specific side effect counts from this product. However, the FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all calcium supplements [FDA data]. High levels of calcium in your blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to get your calcium from dietary sources like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods whenever possible. If you need a supplement, choose a standard calcium carbonate or calcium citrate product rather than a specialty formula. Do not exceed 2,000 mg of total calcium per day from food and supplements combined, and take calcium at a different time than any medications listed above [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Veg 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