NOW Curcumin From Turmeric Root Extract

Our assessment

The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data raises important safety considerations. Our assessment is that you should approach calcium supplementation with caution, as the data from the National Institutes of Health indicates potential risks at high intakes, including possible links to heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is essential for keeping your skeleton strong. Additionally, calcium is a nerve and muscle regulator, helping your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

Data not available for this specific product's side effects from FDA reports. However, the NIH ODS data warns that high calcium intake can lead to serious issues. High levels in the blood and urine may cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though this number is not specific to this product [FDA data].

Our recommendation

Before taking a calcium supplement, you should consider getting your calcium intake from food first. If you do supplement, be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Start with a low dose and consult your doctor, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or heart conditions. The data does not support high-dose calcium for general health [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