NOW Full Spectrum Mineral Caps
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. Our assessment is that this supplement can support your skeletal and neuromuscular systems, but you must monitor your total intake from food and other supplements to avoid safety risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and a signal messenger. It supports bone density through mineralization and helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly. This makes it essential for everyday movement and long-term skeletal strength [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. Specific to calcium, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Taking too much can cause constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease. High blood and urine calcium levels can also lead to poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, and low phosphate levels [NIH ODS] [FDA data]. Calcium can reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by calculating your daily calcium intake from food before adding a supplement. Take this product with food to improve absorption, and separate it from any medications listed in the interactions by at least two hours. Data not available on the exact dose per capsule in this product, so follow the label directions carefully. If you have a history of kidney stones or heart conditions, consult your doctor before use [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 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