NOW Magnesium Citrate 200 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: The data shows that calcium is a mineral primarily known for supporting bone health, but the evidence does not directly support using a product labeled as "NOW Magnesium Citrate 200 mg" to meet your calcium needs. You should not substitute magnesium citrate for calcium supplementation unless directed by your healthcare provider. For calcium specifically, the mechanism involves bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block and a signaling molecule. It helps your body deposit minerals into bone tissue to maintain density, and it supports normal muscle relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 adverse event reports for this product category. For calcium specifically, safety concerns include potential risks of heart disease and prostate cancer with high intakes. High calcium levels 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
Since the product is labeled as NOW Magnesium Citrate 200 mg, it is not a calcium supplement. Data not available for the specific benefits of this product for calcium intake. If you need calcium, choose a dedicated calcium supplement and take it separately from medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin to avoid absorption issues [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