NOW Calcium Lactate
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but supplementation requires careful consideration. For NOW Calcium Lactate, we can confirm the ingredient calcium supports bone density and neuromuscular function [NIH ODS]. However, the specific benefits and risks of this particular product depend entirely on your individual calcium needs and overall diet.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton and a signaling molecule for your nerves and muscles. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it plays a critical role in muscle relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High blood and urine levels of calcium can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data on side effect report counts specifically for calcium lactate is not available.
Our recommendation
We recommend you first assess your dietary calcium intake from food sources before adding a supplement. If you choose to use NOW Calcium Lactate, take it separately from other medications by at least two hours to avoid absorption interference [NIH ODS]. Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level without guidance from your healthcare provider, as high levels carry serious risks [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 250.0 Tablet(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