NOW Calcium Citrate
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. Our assessment is that calcium citrate is a well-absorbed form, but it is not a risk-free supplement. The data confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it also helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 adverse event reports for calcium. Safety risks include 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].
Our recommendation
You should take calcium supplements only if you know your dietary intake is low. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. We recommend you consult your doctor before starting, especially if you take any of these medications.
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