NOW Pure, Buffered Calcium Ascorbate
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health and nerve function, but this specific product, NOW Pure, Buffered Calcium Ascorbate, requires careful consideration. Our assessment is that calcium from this supplement can support your bone density and muscle relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, you must be cautious about your total daily intake from all sources, as high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a master builder for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and helps deposit minerals into your bone structure [NIH ODS]. Calcium also acts as a nerve relaxant, supporting muscle relaxation and proper nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS]. This dual role makes it critical for both structural support and daily function.
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories [FDA data]. For calcium specifically, high levels 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]. You should also know that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by reviewing your total daily calcium intake from food and all supplements. Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level without medical supervision. Take this supplement at least two hours apart from any medications listed in the interactions [NIH ODS]. We recommend discussing your specific needs with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of kidney stones, heart disease, or prostate concerns [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 8.0 oz. 227.0 Gram(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