NOW Sports Branched-Chain Amino Acids

Our assessment

The evidence shows that while calcium is essential for bone health, the data does not support using a branched-chain amino acid product like NOW Sports BCAAs as a source of this mineral. Calcium is not listed as an ingredient in this specific product. For bone and nerve health, we recommend getting calcium from food or a dedicated calcium supplement, not from BCAA powders [NIH ODS].

How it works

Calcium plays two key roles in your body. First, it supports bone mineralization, helping maintain bone density and structure. Second, it aids neuromuscular relaxation, which is critical for muscle relaxation and proper nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. These functions are separate from the muscle-building effects of branched-chain amino acids, which are the primary ingredients in NOW Sports BCAAs.

Safety profile

Data not available for side effects specific to this product. However, for calcium in general, the FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. High calcium intake can cause serious side effects including nausea, constipation, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications such as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

We do not recommend using NOW Sports Branched-Chain Amino Acids as a source of calcium, as the product label does not indicate it contains this mineral. If you need calcium for bone density or nerve function, choose a dedicated calcium supplement and follow the RDA for your age group [NIH ODS]. Always take calcium supplements at least two hours apart from the medications listed above to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS].

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