NOW Magnesium Citrate Softgels
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but its use requires careful consideration of dosage and timing. For most adults, getting calcium from food is preferred, and supplementation should be targeted based on your dietary intake. Data not available for the specific product named "NOW Magnesium Citrate Softgels" — the ingredient analyzed here is calcium.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton and a signal regulator for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves transmit signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. Specifically for calcium, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your daily calcium intake from food. If you are below the RDA of 1,000 mg for most adults, consider a supplement of 500 mg or less. Take calcium with food to improve absorption, and separate it from medications like thyroid hormone or antibiotics by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS]. Choose a form like calcium citrate if you have digestive concerns. Do not exceed 2,000 mg total daily from food and supplements combined [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 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