NOW Elderberry & Zinc
Brand: NOW · Form: LOZENGE [E0174]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product combines two ingredients with different levels of support. Elderberry has traditional use for immune support, but the primary data available here is for calcium. Our assessment is that you should not rely on this product for calcium, as the data provided does not specify the calcium content in NOW Elderberry & Zinc. For calcium, the RDA is well-established for bone health, but you need a dedicated supplement to meet those needs [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of the ingredients in this supplement as having distinct roles. Calcium is a master builder for your skeleton, supporting bone mineralization and density. It also acts as a nerve signaler, helping your muscles relax and nerves communicate properly [NIH ODS]. The data provided does not include a mechanism of action for elderberry or zinc, so specific information on how those ingredients function in this product is not available.
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for all dietary supplements, but specific data for this exact product is not provided. Based on the data for calcium, which is one ingredient, high intakes can be risky. Side effects of excessive calcium include constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. High calcium levels may also increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Data not available for side effects specific to elderberry or zinc in this product.
Our recommendation
We recommend using this product only if you are specifically looking for an elderberry and zinc combination. Do not rely on it as a calcium supplement, as its calcium content is not specified in the data provided. For calcium, choose a dedicated supplement and be aware that it can reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine [NIH ODS]. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Lozenge(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