NOW Total Well-Being

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but it requires careful management. For the NOW Total Well-Being supplement, our assessment is that it provides a critical nutrient most adults need, yet you must be mindful of your total daily intake from all sources, including food. The data confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as the structural building block for your skeleton and a key signal for your muscles and nerves. It works by supporting bone density and mineral deposition, and it also helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. Without enough calcium, your body will leach it from your bones, which can weaken them over time.

Safety profile

FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all dietary supplements, though specific data for this product is limited. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Very high levels in the blood can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications such as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Start by checking your total daily calcium intake from all foods and other supplements. The data does not specify the exact dose in this product, so you should read the label carefully. Take calcium supplements with food to improve absorption. If you take any of the listed medications, separate your calcium dose by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider to determine if this supplement is appropriate for your specific health needs.

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