NOW Calcium Citrate Caps
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is an essential mineral for bone health, but it must be taken with careful attention to dosage and timing. For most adults, the goal is to meet, not exceed, the recommended daily intake from diet and supplements combined [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones and a signal conductor 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
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for this product category. High calcium intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels of calcium 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your total daily calcium intake from food first. If you need a supplement, take calcium citrate with meals for better absorption. Separate your dose from medications such as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin by at least two hours, as calcium can reduce their absorption [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Veg Capsule(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