NOW Calcium Lactate
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but supplementation requires careful consideration. Our assessment is that you should focus on meeting your calcium needs through food first, as high supplemental doses carry notable risks. Data on specific adverse events for this exact product is not available, but total FDA adverse event reports for calcium supplements number 592,059 [FDA data].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition through a process called bone mineralization [NIH ODS]. Additionally, calcium plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation by supporting muscle relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We recommend you prioritize dietary calcium sources before turning to supplements. If you do supplement, take calcium with food and avoid exceeding the tolerable upper intake level. Be aware of potential medication interactions — separate calcium from medications like thyroid hormone or certain antibiotics by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 Tablet(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