NOW Zinc Glycinate
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: The evidence shows that calcium is essential for bone health, but the data on supplementation requires careful consideration. You need adequate calcium for strong bones and proper nerve function [NIH ODS]. However, the safety profile includes important risks you must understand before starting a supplement.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and signal messenger. It supports bone mineralization, helping maintain bone density, and it also plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling throughout your body [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplement ingredients. For calcium specifically, research indicates that high 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]. Data on adverse events specifically for NOW Zinc Glycinate is not available.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: Before taking any calcium supplement, you should first assess your dietary intake. If you do supplement, take calcium with food and separate it from medications listed in the safety profile by at least two hours [NIH ODS]. Work with your healthcare provider to determine if you truly need a calcium supplement, as the risks from high intake are significant [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 120.0 Softgel(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