NOW Calcium Citrate
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your bone health, but it comes with important safety considerations. Our assessment is that while calcium supplements like NOW Calcium Citrate can help you meet your needs, you must be careful with dosing and potential risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium plays two key roles in your body. First, it supports bone mineralization, helping to deposit minerals into your skeleton to maintain bone density. Second, it supports neuromuscular relaxation, which is essential for proper muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the building block for your bones and a calming signal for your nerves.
Safety profile
The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports for this product. Some research suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. 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]. 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
Our recommendation is to take calcium supplements only after assessing your dietary intake. Start with a lower dose, and take it with food for better absorption. Be sure to separate your calcium dose from any medications listed above by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS]. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have a history of kidney stones or heart conditions. Data not available on the specific dosage per tablet for this product.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 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