NOW Melatonin 5 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while calcium is essential for bone health, the data provided does not support the use of a melatonin product for calcium supplementation. Our assessment is that NOW Melatonin 5 mg is intended for sleep support, not as a source of calcium. For calcium, you should rely on dietary sources or dedicated calcium supplements, as the specific benefits and risks for this product are not applicable to the mineral [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is critical for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. However, this specific product is melatonin, which works differently to help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Data on how melatonin works is not available in the provided information.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. For calcium, high intakes can lead to serious risks, including constipation, nausea, poor muscle tone, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Additionally, high calcium levels can cause poor kidney function and extreme tiredness [NIH ODS]. These side effects are not directly tied to the melatonin product you are asking about.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to clearly separate your health goals. If you are taking NOW Melatonin 5 mg for sleep, follow the label directions. If you need calcium for bone health, do not rely on this product. Instead, aim to meet your calcium needs through food or a dedicated calcium supplement, while being aware of the potential risks of high intake, including interactions with medications like bisphosphonates and levothyroxine [NIH ODS]. Data on a specific calcium dose or recommendation for this product is not available.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 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