NOW Ultra Omega 3-D
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that the calcium in NOW Ultra Omega 3-D supports bone health and nerve function, but you need to be careful with dosing. Our assessment is that calcium is a well-researched mineral, but it comes with important safety considerations you should know about before adding it to your routine [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific report counts for calcium alone are not available. Some research suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Start by checking your total daily calcium intake from food and other supplements. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, so take your supplement at a different time than these drugs [NIH ODS]. Aim for the amount that meets, but does not exceed, your daily needs, and consult your healthcare provider to assess your personal risk for heart or kidney issues [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Fish 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