NOW Molecularly Distilled Omega-3
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
Our assessment: The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for bone health, but the data also reveals significant safety considerations you must weigh carefully. While calcium supports bone density and nerve signaling, high intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It works through bone mineralization to deposit minerals and maintain bone density, and it also supports neuromuscular relaxation for proper nerve signaling and muscle function [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high levels 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]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: If you take calcium, be cautious about total intake from both food and supplements. Discuss your kidney function and heart health with your doctor before starting. Take calcium supplements separately from the medications listed above to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 500.0 Softgel(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