NOW Coral Calcium Powder
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but the risks associated with high intake—including potential links to heart disease and kidney issues—require careful attention. For NOW Coral Calcium Powder, we recommend you assess your total daily calcium intake from all sources before supplementing, as the data highlights significant safety concerns with excessive doses [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body's structure and function. It supports bone mineralization and density, which is crucial for skeletal strength, and it plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the material that builds your bone matrix and the signal that helps your muscles relax after contracting.
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for calcium-containing products. High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, and extremely high blood levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by calculating your current daily calcium intake from food and other supplements. Do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level without a doctor's guidance. Take this supplement with food and separate it from medications like thyroid hormone or antibiotics by at least 2 hours. Data on the specific absorption of coral calcium compared to other forms is not available, so choose a standard calcium supplement based on your needs [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 6.0 oz. 170.0 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