NOW Calcium & Magnesium Softgels
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that the calcium in NOW Calcium & Magnesium Softgels is essential for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. The data confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton — it deposits into bone tissue to maintain density and strength. It also acts as a nerve signal regulator, helping your muscles relax and your nerves fire properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all products. 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] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start with your dietary calcium intake first. If you take this supplement, take it with food and separate it from your thyroid or antibiotic medications by at least 2 hours. Data on the exact dosage for this specific product is not available, so follow the label instructions and do not exceed 2,000 mg of total calcium per day from all sources [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 240.0 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