NOW Calcium Carbonate
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. Our assessment is that NOW Calcium Carbonate can be an effective way to meet your calcium needs, but you should not exceed the recommended daily intake without medical supervision [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is critical for preventing fractures as you age. Calcium also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping 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 numbers for this product are not available. 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 [FDA data] [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start with a single tablet daily and do not exceed the total recommended intake from all sources. Take it with food for better absorption. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 12.0 oz. 340.0 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