NOW Coral Calcium 1,000 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the specific form in NOW Coral Calcium 1,000 mg does not provide unique benefits over standard calcium supplements. You should consider this product only if you have a confirmed need for additional calcium, as high intakes carry real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium supports your body in two key ways: it is critical for bone mineralization, helping to maintain bone density and mineral deposition, and it plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, supporting proper muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Think of calcium as the building block your skeleton relies on every day.
Safety profile
FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium in your 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data not available for side effect report counts specific to coral calcium alone.
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your total calcium intake from food and any other supplements. If you do not have a diagnosed deficiency, most adults do not need a 1,000 mg supplement. If you choose to take this product, take it separately from medications listed in the safety profile. A standard calcium carbonate or citrate supplement is equally effective and often less expensive [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Veg Capsule(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