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 the data also reveals significant safety considerations you need to know. Our assessment is that calcium supplementation is not for everyone, and you should approach it with caution based on your individual health profile [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and mineral deposition, helping maintain your bone density. Additionally, it plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific calcium reports are not isolated in this data [FDA data]. Regarding calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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].
Our recommendation
Data not available on a specific recommended daily dose for this product. However, you should be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Our recommendation is to prioritize getting calcium from food sources and to consult your healthcare provider before starting a supplement, especially if you take any of these medications.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 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