NOW Calcium Citrate Caps
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but supplementation requires careful consideration. Our assessment is that you should prioritize getting calcium from food sources first, and only use supplements like NOW Calcium Citrate Capsules to fill a verified gap in your diet. The data confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular function [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your bones and a signal messenger for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplement categories, though this number is not specific to calcium alone. Some research suggests that high calcium intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
For most adults, the goal is to meet your calcium needs through diet. If you do use a supplement, start with a low dose. Take this calcium citrate supplement with food for best absorption, and separate it from any thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least four hours. Data not available on the specific dose per capsule, so check your label carefully. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 240.0 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