NOW Calcium Citrate Caps
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data requires careful attention to dosing and safety. For most adults, meeting the recommended intake through diet and supplementation can support strong bones, but exceeding safe levels carries real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as the building block for your skeleton. It works by supporting bone mineralization and density, while also helping your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly. Your body tightly regulates calcium levels, pulling from your bones when dietary intake is low [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for this product category. High calcium intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Side effects from high blood and urine levels include 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].
Our recommendation
Start by assessing your dietary calcium intake before supplementing. If you decide to use this product, take it with food and separate it by at least two hours from medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, as calcium can reduce their absorption [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level without medical supervision.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Veg Capsule(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