NOW Probiotic-10 + Inulin
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that the key ingredient in this product is calcium, based on the data provided. Our assessment is that calcium is well-supported for bone health, but the data also raises important safety considerations you need to know before taking this supplement [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones and a signaling molecule for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it also helps with neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product's ingredients are not provided in the data. The data shows that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Given the potential risks from high calcium intake, our recommendation is to be cautious. Do not exceed the recommended dosage on the label. If you take any medications listed above, separate your calcium supplement by at least 2 hours, or consult your pharmacist. The data does not provide a specific RDA or safe upper limit for this product, so talk to your doctor before starting [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 24.0 Packet(s) 72.0 Gram(s) 2.54 oz. |
| 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