NOW Probiotic-10 100 Billion
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] 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. Data not available for the specific probiotic product you asked about, so this analysis covers the calcium data provided. The RDA for most adults is 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily from all sources [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones and a signaling molecule for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density through mineralization and 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. For calcium specifically, side effects from high intakes include constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, and abnormal heart rhythms. High levels in the blood and urine can also cause poor muscle tone and poor kidney function [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. Some research suggests that very high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by calculating your total calcium intake from food and supplements — aim for 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily total. Take calcium supplements with food and avoid taking them at the same time as medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, or phenytoin, as calcium can reduce their absorption [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Veg Capsule(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