NOW Women's Probiotic
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for your health, but the data also highlights important safety considerations. Our assessment: calcium supplements are effective for supporting bone health, but you must be careful with dosing and timing to avoid risks and medication interactions [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder and a signal messenger. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves communicate properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available on side effect reports specific to this product. However, for calcium overall, 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. 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] [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Start with food sources first, and only supplement if your diet is low. If you take calcium, avoid taking it at the same time as bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, or phenytoin, as it can reduce their absorption [NIH ODS]. Stick to the RDA and do not exceed it without medical supervision.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 50.0 Veg Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | Off 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