NOW Pure, Buffered Magnesium Ascorbate
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that NOW Pure, Buffered Magnesium Ascorbate is a supplemental form of calcium. Our assessment is that calcium is essential for your bone health and nerve function, but you need to be very careful with dosing because high intakes carry real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and a signal messenger. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, making your skeleton strong. It also helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available on specific side effects for this product. However, based on the ingredient data, 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]. Some research also suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. The total FDA adverse event reports for this supplement category number 592,059 [FDA data].
Our recommendation
We recommend you check your total calcium intake from food and other supplements before adding this product. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Start with the lowest effective dose and do not exceed the RDA without medical supervision [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