NOW Red Mineral Algae
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that NOW Red Mineral Algae is a source of calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. Our assessment is that it can be a useful supplement for supporting your bone density, but you need to understand the specific dosage and potential risks before adding it to your routine [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones. It supports bone mineralization and helps deposit minerals into your skeleton to maintain strength. It also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for products in this category. The specific safety data for calcium shows that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very 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, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
We recommend checking your total daily calcium intake from food and other supplements before adding this product. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin. Data on the exact calcium dose per serving of this specific product is not available, so consult your healthcare provider to determine if this supplement is right for you [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 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