NOW Coral Calcium Plus
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product is primarily a calcium supplement, and calcium is well-supported for bone health. However, the data does not provide specific evidence for the "coral" form being superior to standard calcium sources. For you, the key question is whether you need extra calcium at all, as many people get enough from diet alone.
How it works
Calcium is a master regulator for your bones and nerves. It supports bone density through mineralization and helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. Without enough calcium, your body will pull it from your bones, which weakens them over time.
Safety profile
The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for similar products, though specific data for this brand is not available. Risks include constipation and nausea [NIH ODS]. More serious side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, poor kidney function, and extreme tiredness can occur with very high calcium levels [NIH ODS]. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by evaluating your total calcium intake from food and other supplements. If you truly need a supplement, standard calcium citrate or carbonate is well-studied and often more affordable. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine [NIH ODS]. Always take calcium supplements at a different time than these medications.
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