NOW Calcium Citrate
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for your bone health, but it is not without risks. Our assessment: for most adults, getting calcium from food is preferred, but if you need a supplement, you must be careful with dosing. The data confirms that calcium supports bone density and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. However, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the structural scaffolding for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. If you are not getting enough from your diet, a supplement like NOW Calcium Citrate can help fill the gap.
Safety profile
Safety is a major concern here. FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though data for this specific product is not available. High levels of calcium in your 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
Start by evaluating your dietary intake. Do not exceed the recommended daily allowance without a doctor’s guidance. Take calcium supplements with food and separate from other medications by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. Our recommendation: choose NOW Calcium Citrate only if you have a confirmed need, and always discuss dosing with your healthcare provider to avoid the serious risks associated with high calcium levels [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 Tablet(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