Cal-Mag DK
NOW
Cal-Mag DK
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(852 ratings)
Magnesium 133 mg
Vitamin K 30 mcg
Calcium 266 mg
Score 70.0
NOW's Cal-Mag DK combines essential bone and heart health nutrients: calcium, magnesium, vitamins D3 and K2. It's an affordable option with a well-absorbed calcium form, but the doses of D3 and K2 are modest, and the magnesium form has lower bioavailability. It serves as a good foundational supplement but may not be potent enough for specific therapeutic needs.
Quantity: 180 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (90 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Bone Health
Heart Health
Joint Health
Muscle Gain
General Health
leaderboard Score 70.0
NOW's Cal-Mag DK combines essential bone and heart health nutrients: calcium, magnesium, vitamins D3 and K2. It's an affordable option with a well-absorbed calcium form, but the doses of D3 and K2 are modest, and the magnesium form has lower bioavailability. It serves as a good foundational supplement but may not be potent enough for specific therapeutic needs.
insights Analysis
Cal-Mag DK by NOW is formulated to provide synergistic nutrients essential for maintaining bone density and supporting cardiovascular health. The inclusion of Calcium Citrate is a positive, as it is a well-absorbed form of calcium. However, the doses of Vitamin D3 (320 IU) and Vitamin K2 (30 mcg) are quite modest, potentially limiting their efficacy for individuals with significant deficiencies or those seeking more robust therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, the reliance on Magnesium Oxide, while common, means a lower absorption rate compared to chelated forms, which might necessitate higher doses or a different form for optimal benefits. Despite these limitations, the product offers a cost-effective way to supplement these important micronutrients.
- Contains all four synergistic nutrients (Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2) important for bone and cardiovascular health.
- Calcium is provided in the highly absorbable Citrate form.
- Offers excellent value with a very low price per serving.
- Produced by NOW, a reputable brand known for quality and affordability.
- The dosage of Vitamin D3 (320 IU) is considerably lower than often recommended for optimal daily intake or addressing deficiencies.
- The Vitamin K2 dose (30 mcg) is relatively low, and the specific form (MK-4 or MK-7) is not specified, potentially limiting its effectiveness for advanced cardiovascular support.
- Magnesium is primarily in the Oxide form, which generally has lower bioavailability and can cause digestive issues compared to more absorbable forms like citrate or glycinate.
- Individuals with significant Vitamin D or K deficiencies, or those with specific health concerns related to bone density or cardiovascular health, should consult a healthcare professional as the doses in this product may be insufficient.
- The magnesium oxide content might lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as laxative effects, in sensitive individuals due to its lower absorption rate.
$14.89($0.16 per serving)
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bolt Effectiveness for goals
Calcium is a vital mineral primarily known for its role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Adequate calcium intake throughout life can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It is essential for bone structure and density.
Magnesium is crucial for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, supporting muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. It also contributes to bone health, protein synthesis, and energy production. Many people use magnesium to support sleep, reduce muscle cramps, and manage stress.
Yes, all three nutrients are essential for comprehensive bone health, working synergistically. Calcium provides the structural material, Magnesium helps regulate calcium levels and supports bone matrix formation, and Vitamin K directs calcium to the bones and prevents arterial calcification. Together, they contribute to bone strength and integrity.
Some research suggests magnesium supplementation may help reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle cramps, particularly in individuals with a deficiency or specific conditions like pregnancy. Magnesium supports proper muscle function and nerve transmission. However, evidence varies, and effectiveness can depend on the cause of the cramps.
Yes, Vitamin K, particularly Vitamin K2, is believed to play a role in bone density by activating proteins that help incorporate calcium into the bone matrix. This process helps ensure calcium is deposited where it's needed for bone strength. Adequate Vitamin K intake is associated with better bone health outcomes.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
For most adults, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium is 1,000 mg per day, increasing to 1,200 mg for women over 50 and men over 70. It is often advised to obtain calcium primarily from food sources and use supplements to bridge any nutritional gaps. Total daily intake, including from food, should not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) to avoid potential adverse effects.
Vitamin K2, specifically MK-7, is vital for proper calcium utilization in the body. It activates proteins like osteocalcin, which integrates calcium into bone, and MGP (Matrix Gla Protein), which helps prevent calcium from depositing in arteries and other soft tissues. Therefore, taking K2 with calcium helps ensure calcium is directed to where it's needed most, supporting both bone health and cardiovascular integrity.
For adult males, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is generally 400-420 mg, and for adult females, it's 310-320 mg. These recommendations may vary based on age, sex, and specific health conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding your needs.
Yes, calcium and magnesium can generally be taken together, but some suggest separating high doses to optimize absorption. Magnesium helps regulate calcium levels and assists in its absorption and utilization within the body. Taking these supplements with food may also aid absorption and reduce potential digestive discomfort.
Yes, Vitamin K, particularly K2, is often recommended to be taken with calcium and magnesium as it plays a crucial role in directing calcium to the bones and preventing its deposition in soft tissues. Magnesium also supports Vitamin K's function and overall bone health. This combination is often considered synergistic for promoting both bone and cardiovascular health.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, Vitamin K can significantly interfere with the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting, which is the opposite effect of these medications. Individuals taking warfarin should maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K and discuss any changes with their healthcare provider.
Generally, it is safe to take calcium and magnesium supplements together, and they are often found in combined formulations. However, very high doses of one mineral can sometimes compete with the absorption of the other. Taking them at different times or in balanced ratios can help optimize absorption.
Excessive intake of magnesium, especially from supplements, can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. In very high doses, it can cause more serious issues like low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat. These severe effects are rare with typical supplement doses.
For most people, dietary and supplemental calcium does not increase the risk of kidney stones, and adequate calcium intake may even reduce the risk. However, in individuals predisposed to certain types of kidney stones, especially those with high urinary calcium, very high doses of calcium supplements might increase risk. It is important to discuss individual risk factors with a doctor.
Yes, calcium supplements can bind to certain antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, forming complexes that are not easily absorbed by the body. This can reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic medication. It is usually recommended to take calcium supplements a few hours before or after these types of antibiotics.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Vitamin D3 | 8 mcg |
Vitamin K2 | 30 mcg |
Calcium | 266 mg |
Magnesium | 133 mg |
Categories
Calcium 75.0
This supplement provides 266mg of Calcium in the Citrate form, which is highly regarded for its excellent bioavailability and absorption, even without food. While the dose is moderate and often needs to be combined with dietary intake to meet daily recommendations, the quality of the calcium source is a strong positive.
Vitamin K 65.0
The product contains 30mcg of Vitamin K2, which is beneficial for directing calcium to bones and preventing arterial calcification. However, this dose is quite modest compared to the higher amounts often found in specialized K2 supplements (e.g., 90-180mcg for MK-7) and the specific K2 form is not detailed, potentially limiting its overall efficacy.
Magnesium 65.0
The product contains 133mg of Magnesium, primarily in the Oxide form. While providing essential magnesium, Magnesium Oxide has lower bioavailability compared to other forms such as Magnesium Citrate, Glycinate, or Malate, meaning a smaller percentage of the elemental magnesium is absorbed by the body.
Goals
General Health 75.0
As a source of essential minerals (Calcium, Magnesium) and vitamins (D3, K2), this product contributes positively to overall well-being. It helps address common dietary gaps for these micronutrients, offering a good general health boost for those not seeking specific therapeutic interventions.
Bone Health 70.0
This product contains Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin K2, all critical for bone mineralization and structure. However, the low doses of Vitamin D3 and K2, along with the less bioavailable magnesium oxide, mean it provides foundational support but may not be adequate for individuals with higher needs or deficiencies, making it less effective than alternatives with higher potencies.
Heart Health 65.0
Vitamin K2 and Magnesium are important for maintaining cardiovascular health by supporting arterial elasticity and regulating blood pressure. While these ingredients are present, the modest doses of Vitamin K2 (30mcg) and Vitamin D3 (320 IU) may not be sufficient for robust cardiovascular benefits, especially when compared to specialized formulations with higher potencies.
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