NOW Omega-3 Mini Gels
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. The data confirms that calcium supports bone density and muscle function, but high intakes may carry risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder — it helps your body deposit minerals into bone tissue for strength and also supports nerve signaling and muscle relaxation [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Safety profile: FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, 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. Some research also suggests high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: You should aim to meet your calcium needs primarily through food. If you use supplements, check that your total intake from diet and supplements does not exceed the tolerable upper intake level. Be aware that calcium can reduce absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 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