NOW Ultra Omega-3
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but you need to be careful with dosing. Data not available on the specific ingredients of NOW Ultra Omega-3. For calcium, our assessment is that you should focus on meeting the RDA through food first, as high supplemental doses carry real risks [NIH ODS].
How it works
Calcium acts as a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves signal properly. Think of it as the structural support for your skeleton and the quiet signal for your nervous system [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Side effects from high blood and urine levels include 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 by getting calcium from food sources like dairy or leafy greens. If you use a supplement, take it with food and avoid exceeding 2,000 mg total per day from all sources. Be aware that calcium can reduce absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin — take calcium at least 2 hours apart from these drugs [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 180.0 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