NOW Zinc 50 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains 50 mg of zinc, but our data analysis must focus on the ingredient calcium, as that is the only ingredient data provided. For calcium, our assessment is that it is a well-studied mineral essential for bone health, but the data highlights significant risks at high intakes that you need to be aware of [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a critical role in muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Without adequate calcium, your body will pull it from your bones to support these vital functions.
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific calcium reports are not broken out in this data. The safety data for calcium is serious: high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High blood and urine levels of calcium can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, 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
Given the data provided, we cannot recommend the 50 mg zinc supplement based on the available information. For calcium, our recommendation is clear: you should not exceed the established upper limits unless under direct medical supervision due to the serious risks of heart disease, kidney issues, and medication interactions [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the specific zinc formulation in this product.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 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