NOW Vitamin D-3
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
Our assessment: Based on the data provided, this supplement contains vitamin D-3, but the key ingredient with data available is calcium. The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. We recommend you verify the specific vitamin D-3 dosage on the product label, as that information is not provided here.
How it works
Think of calcium as a builder and signaler for your body. It supports bone mineralization, helping to maintain bone density, and it also supports muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. This makes it critical for your skeleton and your nervous system to function properly.
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for all products, but specific side effects for this exact supplement are not available in the data. For calcium, high levels 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]. You should also be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Because the exact vitamin D-3 dose is not listed in the data provided, we cannot give a specific daily amount. For calcium, the data does not provide an RDA, so you should consult your healthcare provider to determine the right intake for you. Be cautious with high doses due to the potential for heart and kidney risks [NIH ODS]. If you take any of the medications listed in the interactions section, take your calcium supplement at a different time of day [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 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