NOW Ultra Omega-3
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. Data confirms that high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. For most adults, the goal is to get calcium from food first, and only supplement to fill a verified gap.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Without enough calcium, your body will leach it from your bones, which weakens them over time.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data not available for specific calcium report counts from the FDA data provided.
Our recommendation
Start by reviewing your diet. If you eat dairy, leafy greens, or fortified foods, you may not need a supplement. If you do supplement, keep total intake from all sources at or below the Tolerable Upper Intake Level. Always take calcium supplements separately from thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Softgel(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