NOW Calcium Ascorbate
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the specific product NOW Calcium Ascorbate requires you to check the label for exact dosing. Our assessment: calcium supplements are well-studied, but you must be careful with total intake from all sources [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block and a cellular messenger. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific reports for this product are not isolated. High calcium intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High blood and urine levels 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Start by checking the label for the exact dose per serving. Be aware that calcium can reduce absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin — take them at separate times [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the RDA without medical supervision. If you have a history of kidney stones or heart disease, consult your doctor before starting [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 8.0 oz. 227.0 Gram(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