NOW Calcium Carbonate
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the data on NOW Calcium Carbonate is limited. Our assessment: this supplement can help you meet your calcium needs, but you must be careful with dosing and timing to avoid risks and medication interactions [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural foundation for your bones. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Your body needs a steady supply, but how you take it matters.
Safety profile
Data not available for specific side effects of this product. However, the FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all supplements, though this number is not specific to calcium [FDA data]. High calcium intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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 reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Take this supplement with food for best absorption. Separate it from other medications by at least 2 hours to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the RDA without a doctor's guidance, as high intakes carry serious risks [NIH ODS]. If you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or take any of the listed medications, consult your doctor before starting [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