NOW Calcium Hydroxyapatite Caps
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium, the primary ingredient in NOW Calcium Hydroxyapatite Caps, is essential for bone health, but you need to be thoughtful about your dosage. Our assessment is that this supplement can be a valid option for supporting your bone density, but only if you account for the calcium you already get from food [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it also plays a critical role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. If you aren’t getting enough calcium from your diet, your body will leach it from your bones, which is why supplementation can be helpful.
Safety profile
Data not available for this specific product’s side effects. However, the FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all products in this category [FDA data]. High calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, and can cause side effects like constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. You should also be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by calculating your daily calcium intake from food. If you are below the RDA of 1,000–1,200 mg, this supplement can help fill the gap. Take it with food and separate it from other medications by at least two hours to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 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