NOW Ultra Omega-3
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that the active ingredient in your product, calcium, is essential for bone health, but the data does not support the use of NOW Ultra Omega-3 as a source of calcium. Our assessment: you should not rely on this product to meet your calcium needs. For calcium specifically, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements confirms its role in bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your bones and a signal messenger for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific side effect data for this product is not available. For calcium generally, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High blood and urine calcium levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Data not available for a specific recommendation on NOW Ultra Omega-3 for calcium. If you need calcium, choose a dedicated calcium supplement after consulting your healthcare provider. Be aware that high calcium intakes carry significant risks, and always take calcium supplements separately from the medications listed above [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 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