NOW Iron Complex
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the data also reveals significant safety concerns that require careful attention. Our assessment is that you should only supplement calcium if you have a confirmed dietary gap, as high intakes carry real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Your body needs a precise balance to keep these systems running smoothly.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific counts for calcium alone are not broken out in the data provided. The NIH ODS data warns that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Do not start calcium supplements without first assessing your dietary intake and discussing it with your healthcare provider. If you take calcium, take it with food and separate it from the medications listed above by at least two hours. Monitor for side effects like constipation or nausea. For most people, getting calcium from food sources is safer than relying on supplements [NIH ODS].
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