NOW Women's Probiotic
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but the data does not indicate that NOW Women's Probiotic is a significant source of calcium. This product is a probiotic, and you should not rely on it to meet your calcium needs. While calcium supports bone density and nerve signaling [NIH ODS], it is not the primary ingredient in this supplement.
How it works
Calcium acts as a master regulator for your bones and muscles. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it helps your muscles relax and your nerves send signals properly [NIH ODS]. For this probiotic, however, the primary mechanism is supporting gut health, not providing calcium.
Safety profile
Data not available for safety of this specific product. For calcium generally, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. High levels in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. The FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific reports for this product are not available [FDA data].
Our recommendation
Do not use NOW Women's Probiotic as a calcium source. If you need calcium, choose a dedicated calcium supplement and take it separately from medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, as calcium can reduce their absorption [NIH ODS]. Speak with your doctor about your specific calcium needs.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 50.0 Veg Capsule(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