NOW Total Well-Being
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. For most adults, the goal is to meet the recommended daily intake through diet, using supplements only to fill gaps. Our assessment is that calcium is well-studied, but it is not without risks, and you need to be mindful of your total intake from all sources [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is critical for maintaining strong bones as you age. It also plays a vital role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly after contraction [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for this product category. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake from dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level without medical supervision. Also, be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin. Take calcium supplements at a different time than these medications [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | On 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