NOW Red Omega
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but you need to be careful about your total intake from both food and supplements. For the product NOW Red Omega, specific data for this exact formulation is not available, so we must rely on general ingredient data for calcium. Our assessment is that calcium supplementation is most beneficial when your dietary intake is low, but excessive use carries real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium acts as a master builder in your body. It supports bone mineralization by helping deposit minerals into your skeleton, which keeps your bones dense and strong. It also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly after they have been activated [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
For the broader category of dietary supplements, the FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all products. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium in your 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
Data not available for specific dosing of this product. However, based on the calcium ingredient data, you should not exceed the recommended dietary allowance without a doctor’s guidance. If you take any of the listed medications, separate your calcium intake by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. Your safest approach is to get a blood test to check your calcium levels and discuss your total intake with your healthcare provider.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Softgel(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