NOW Elderberry & Zinc
Brand: NOW · Form: LOZENGE [E0174] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that the NOW Elderberry & Zinc supplement you are asking about is not a single ingredient product, but a combination formula. Based on the data provided, we can only analyze one of its key ingredients: Calcium. Data for the elderberry and zinc components is not available. Our assessment of the calcium component is that it is essential for bone health, but you must be cautious with dosing and potential interactions [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and a cellular messenger. It supports bone mineralization, meaning it helps deposit minerals into your skeleton to keep it dense and strong. It also plays a critical role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Based on FDA adverse event data, there have been 592,059 total reports across all supplements, though specific reports for this product are not available. For calcium specifically, safety concerns include that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high blood 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Since we lack specific data on the elderberry and zinc components, we cannot make a full recommendation for this specific product. For the calcium component, you should be aware that it can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. We recommend speaking with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement, especially if you take any prescription medications or have a history of kidney problems or heart disease.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 30.0 Lozenge(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