NOW Calcium & Magnesium
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health and neuromuscular function, but the data on supplementation requires careful consideration. For the specific product NOW Calcium & Magnesium, data on its exact formulation is not available beyond the listed ingredients. Our assessment is that calcium supplements can be beneficial for meeting your daily needs, but you must be aware of significant safety considerations [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a critical mineral for your body's structure and signaling. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. This means it helps your bones stay strong and your muscles relax properly after contraction.
Safety profile
The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for products in this category. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to prioritize getting calcium from your diet first. If you need a supplement, do not exceed the recommended dietary allowance without medical supervision. Be aware that taking calcium alongside certain medications can reduce their effectiveness [NIH ODS]. Discuss your total calcium intake from all sources with your healthcare provider to avoid the risks associated with high levels [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 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