NOW Sports Branched Chain Amino Acids

Our assessment

The evidence shows that the primary ingredient in this product, calcium, is essential for your bone health. However, for a general audience, it is important to understand that calcium supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our assessment is that you should only consider this product if you have a confirmed need for additional calcium, as high intakes carry risks that you need to be aware of [NIH ODS].

How it works

Think of calcium as the structural foundation for your bones and a key player in your nervous system. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is crucial for keeping your skeleton strong. Additionally, it supports muscle relaxation and nerve signaling, helping your muscles and nerves communicate effectively [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

Data not available for side effects specific to this product's full ingredient list. However, for calcium, FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. 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 [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

We recommend you do not take this supplement unless a healthcare provider has confirmed you have a calcium deficiency. If you do need it, be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Always take calcium supplements at a different time than these medications to avoid interactions [NIH ODS].

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