NOW Zinc 50 mg
Brand: NOW · Form: TABLET [E0155] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while calcium is essential for your health, the specific product "NOW Zinc 50 mg" contains zinc, not calcium. For calcium supplements, our assessment is that they are effective for supporting bone health, but the data on high-dose calcium intake raises important safety concerns you should understand [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block and a cellular messenger. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it plays a critical role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high blood 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] [FDA data]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Data not available for the specific zinc product you asked about. For calcium, our recommendation is to get your calcium from food sources first. If you take a supplement, be mindful of total intake from all sources and consult your doctor, especially if you take any of the medications listed above [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 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