NOW Magnesium & Calcium
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this combination supplement provides calcium, a mineral critical for bone health. Our assessment: calcium is one of the most well-supported supplements for maintaining bone density, but you must be aware of the specific safety considerations and medication interactions that come with it [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all products. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Start by evaluating your dietary calcium intake before supplementing. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data not available for specific dosage recommendations for this product. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider to check if this supplement is right for you.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 Tablet(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