NOW Ultra Omega-3
Brand: NOW · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a foundational mineral for bone health, but it requires careful management. Our assessment is that calcium supplements, including those found in products like NOW Ultra Omega-3 (which contains calcium), can be beneficial when your diet is lacking, but they are not without significant risks [NIH ODS]. You should not exceed the recommended intake without professional guidance.
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block and a cellular messenger. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is essential for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Your body relies on a precise balance of calcium to keep your muscles, nerves, and heart functioning properly.
Safety profile
Data not available on side effects specifically for this product. However, the FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For calcium specifically, high intakes can lead to serious effects, including constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. High blood levels of calcium can also cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, and low phosphate levels [NIH ODS]. Some research also suggests a possible increased risk of heart disease and prostate cancer with high intakes [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to get your calcium needs assessed by a healthcare professional before starting a supplement. Do not take calcium supplements without knowing your dietary intake and blood levels, as the risks from excessive intake are serious [NIH ODS]. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. If you take any of these, you must time your calcium supplement separately from your medication.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 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