NOW Iron 18 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health and nerve function, but supplementation requires careful consideration of dosage and interactions. For a general audience, the data supports calcium's role in bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, you should be aware that high intakes may carry risks, and the product you are asking about contains iron, not calcium — data for the specific ingredient in NOW Iron 18 mg is not available for this analysis.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and signal messenger — it supports bone density by depositing minerals into your skeleton and helps your muscles relax and nerves communicate properly [NIH ODS]. These mechanisms are well-documented, though they apply to calcium supplements, not the iron product in your query.
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. For calcium specifically, high levels 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]. Some research also suggests high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our assessment: Before taking any supplement, you should verify the ingredient label. For calcium, if you choose to supplement, be aware it can reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. For the NOW Iron 18 mg product you specified, data on its specific benefits and risks is not available, so consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Veg Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On 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