NOW Molecularly Distilled Omega-3
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but it requires careful management. Our assessment is that you should prioritize getting calcium from food sources first, as high-dose supplements carry notable risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density through mineralization and also plays a vital role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels 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
We recommend you aim to meet your calcium needs through dietary sources like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods. If you must use a supplement, take it with food and separate it from other medications by at least two hours. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake without medical supervision [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Softgel(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