NOW Liquid Melatonin
Brand: NOW · Form: LIQUID, SUPPLEMENT FORM [E0165]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but supplementation requires careful consideration. While it supports bone mineralization and nerve signaling, high intakes carry notable risks [NIH ODS]. You should not exceed the recommended daily allowance without medical guidance.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton and a messenger for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density through mineralization and helps your muscles relax and nerves signal properly [NIH ODS]. This makes it essential for daily function, but your body tightly regulates calcium levels, so balance is key.
Safety profile
FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement types, though specific numbers for calcium alone are not available [FDA data]. The data shows that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
You should aim to get calcium from food first, as this provides the safest balance. If you need a supplement, take only the amount that aligns with your daily needs — typically 1,000 mg for most adults — and separate it from other medications by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. A blood test can help determine if you are deficient before starting supplementation. Do not take high doses without a healthcare provider's supervision.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 2.0 fl. Oz. 60.0 mL |
| 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