NOW Clinical GI Probiotic
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that calcium is a critical mineral for your bone health, but it requires careful management. For the product NOW Clinical GI Probiotic, the primary active ingredient with available data is calcium. Our assessment is that calcium is effective for bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation, but you must be aware of significant risks and interactions [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of calcium as a structural builder for your skeleton. It supports bone density and mineral deposition, which is essential for maintaining strong bones as you age. Additionally, calcium plays a key role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping your muscles relax and nerves signal properly after contraction [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. Specific to calcium, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very 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 [FDA data] [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We recommend you do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level for calcium without medical supervision. Be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin. Take calcium supplements at a different time of day than these medications [NIH ODS]. Data not available on the specific dose of calcium in this product, so check the label carefully. Consult your doctor before starting this supplement, especially if you have kidney issues or take any prescription medications.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 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