NOW Coral Calcium 1000 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that NOW Coral Calcium 1000 mg provides a significant dose of the essential mineral calcium. Our assessment is that while calcium is critical for health, this supplement delivers 1000 mg per serving, which is a high dose that requires careful consideration of your total daily intake from food and other sources [NIH ODS]. You should evaluate whether you need this level of supplementation, as excessive calcium intake carries documented risks.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and signal messenger for your body. It supports bone mineralization, helping to maintain bone density and deposit minerals into your skeleton. Additionally, it plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, aiding proper muscle function and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across calcium products. For safety, you should know that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium 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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data on specific side effect counts for this product is not available.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to start by assessing your total daily calcium intake from your diet before adding this supplement. If you decide to use it, take it with food and separate it from the medications listed above by at least two hours. Given the serious risks associated with high calcium levels, we advise you to consult your healthcare provider to determine if a 1000 mg supplement is appropriate for your specific needs [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 Veg Capsule(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