NOW Magnesium Ascorbate
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that NOW Magnesium Ascorbate provides a form of vitamin C (ascorbate) bound to magnesium. Based on the data provided, the primary ingredient with available information is calcium, not magnesium or ascorbate. For the specific ingredient calcium, our assessment is that it is essential for bone health, but you should be aware of potential risks with high intake. Data for the specific effects of magnesium ascorbate is not available [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones and a signal messenger for your muscles and nerves. It supports bone mineralization and density, and helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. For the magnesium and ascorbate components of this product, specific mechanism data is not available.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For the calcium component specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High blood levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease. Calcium can also reduce absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. Data on side effects specific to magnesium ascorbate is not available.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to consult your healthcare provider before starting this or any supplement, especially since the primary active ingredients (magnesium and ascorbate) lack specific safety and efficacy data in the provided information. If you are considering this for calcium intake, be mindful of the potential risks and medication interactions. Because the data provided does not include specific study evidence for this product, we cannot make a confident recommendation based on clinical trials [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 8.0 oz. 227.0 Gram(s) |
| Market Status | Off 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