NOW Calcium Citrate
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your bones and muscles, but you need to be careful with dosing. The data confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, high intakes may be linked to risks like heart disease and prostate cancer, so this is not a supplement to take casually [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block and a cellular signaler. It helps your body deposit minerals into bone tissue for strength, and it relaxes your muscles and nerves after they fire [NIH ODS]. Without enough calcium, your body will pull it from your bones, which can weaken them over time.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific counts for calcium alone are not provided here. High levels of calcium in your blood or urine 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 [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your dietary intake before adding a supplement. If you choose to take NOW Calcium Citrate, take it with food and space it at least two hours apart from the medications listed above to avoid interference [NIH ODS]. Data not available for a specific daily dose from the provided information, so consult your healthcare provider for a personalized target. For most people, the goal is to meet — not exceed — your needs.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 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