NOW Coral Calcium Powder
Brand: NOW · Form: POWDER [E0162] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium from coral sources provides the same mineral content as other calcium supplements. Our assessment: this product can help you meet your daily calcium needs, but it is not superior to standard calcium carbonate or citrate. You need 1,000 mg to 1,200 mg of calcium daily from all sources, and this powder can contribute to that total [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural building block for your skeleton. It supports bone mineralization and density by depositing into your bone matrix [NIH ODS]. Calcium also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, meaning it helps your muscles relax and your nerves transmit signals properly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplement categories. For calcium specifically, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium in your 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]. Calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
Start by calculating your total daily calcium intake from food and supplements. If you need extra calcium, this powder can be a convenient option, but you should take it with food for best absorption. Separate calcium doses from thyroid medication or antibiotics by at least 2 hours [NIH ODS]. Data on the specific benefits of coral calcium over other forms is not available — do not expect unique health effects beyond standard calcium supplementation.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 6.0 oz. 170.0 Gram(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