- *MSRP:
$39.99- Our Price:
- $24.00
- Buy: at $24.00
- UPC: 733739012814
- # N1281
NOW Coral Calcium Plus Magnesium & Vitamin D – 100 Vegetarian Capsules
NOW® Coral Calcium Plus combines 500 mg of bioavailable elemental calcium from natural, fossilized sea coral with 250 mg of magnesium and 400 IU of Vitamin D2. This comprehensive formula directly supports strong bone mineralization, healthy muscle contraction, and natural bodily pH balance. By pairing pure marine-derived minerals with essential absorption cofactors, it delivers gentle, daily skeletal support without the heavy digestive burden of standard rock chalk.
Quick Specs Snapshot
- Active Form & Potency: Delivers 500 mg of elemental calcium (from 1,430 mg of fossilized coral calcium), 250 mg of elemental magnesium (from magnesium oxide, citrate, and aspartate), and 10 mcg (400 IU) of Vitamin D2 (as ergocalciferol) per 2-capsule serving.
- Primary Cellular Target: Bone matrix mineral density, skeletal integrity, and healthy neuromuscular muscle relaxation pathways.
- Supply & Value Math: 100 vegetarian capsules provide 50 full daily servings (a 25 to 50-day supply depending on routine), offering high per-milligram value backed by VitaNet®, LLC everyday discount pricing.
- Formulation Purity: Non-GMO, 100% vegetarian capsule, free of gluten, wheat, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and sesame; packaged in an eco-friendly 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin bottle.
"Right-Fit" Buyer's Guide & Form Comparison
Why the Form Matters
Most standard calcium pills rely on cheap, mined limestone rock (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) that requires massive amounts of stomach acid to break down, often causing gas, bloating, or constipation. NOW® Coral Calcium utilizes authentic, above-sea fossilized coral deposits that naturally carry a porous crystalline structure and a spectrum of balancing sea trace minerals, allowing for smoother digestive breakdown and gentle assimilation [1]. Furthermore, because taking calcium alone can throw your mineral balance off-kilter, this formula adds a targeted tri-blend of magnesium (oxide, citrate, and aspartate) along with Vitamin D2 to ensure calcium is routed into your bones instead of collecting in soft tissues [2].
Ideal For Shoppers Who:
- Want a balanced bone-support formula that delivers calcium and magnesium in the clinically recognized 2:1 ratio ✓
- Prefer a natural, whole-mineral coral source containing trace marine elements that are gentle on sensitive stomachs ✓
- Seek an allergen-friendly, vegetarian capsule free from common triggers like gluten, soy, dairy, and shellfish ✓
Consider Another Option If:
- You have severe low stomach acid and need a standalone 100% calcium citrate supplement formulated specifically to be taken on an empty stomach.
- You have trouble swallowing standard two-piece capsules and require a liquid or chewable mineral option.
- You are seeking a high-dose, single-mineral magnesium supplement strictly for nighttime sleep induction rather than a comprehensive bone formula.
Risk-Free Guarantee: Every order is protected by VitaNet®, LLC's unconditional 100% money-back guarantee—even on opened bottles, with return shipping covered—so you can evaluate digestive comfort and personal results completely risk-free.
Biochemical Mechanism & Cellular Pathways
To understand how this supplement works, think of building a sturdy brick home: calcium provides the hard physical bricks, magnesium acts as the flexible mortar holding everything firmly in place, and Vitamin D is the delivery driver moving the bricks out of the digestive tract and into your bloodstream.
1. Intestinal Uptake via Vitamin D2 (The Delivery Gatekeeper)
Calcium cannot easily cross from your digestive tract into your blood on its own. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) binds to Vitamin D Receptors (VDR) along your intestinal lining. This chemical signal switches on specialized transport proteins called calbindin-D9k, which actively bind to ionized calcium (Ca2+) and pull it through the intestinal wall into circulation [3].
2. Bone Matrix Mineralization (Laying the Bricks)
Once calcium enters the bloodstream, bone-forming cells called osteoblasts capture the mineral ions and weave them with phosphorus into a dense crystalline lattice known as hydroxyapatite—chemically structured as Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 [1, 3]. This mineral framework gives bones and teeth their rigid, fracture-resistant strength, while also serving as a reservoir of calcium ions needed for healthy heart muscle contractions and instant nerve messaging [1].
3. Magnesium's Dual Activation & Guard Role (The Mortar & Traffic Controller)
Magnesium (Mg2+) is an indispensable mineral cofactor for more than 300 metabolic enzymes. Crucially, magnesium is the precise mineral required by liver and kidney enzymes to convert stored vitamin D into its active circulating hormone form [2]. At the cellular level, magnesium works like an electrolyte gatekeeper: it balances calcium influx into muscle and nerve cells, preventing muscle cramping and stopping excess calcium from depositing in arterial walls [2]. Additionally, magnesium helps signal the thyroid gland to release calcitonin, a hormone that commands calcium to move out of the blood and lock securely into skeletal bone tissue [2].
4. Naturally Occurring Sea Trace Minerals
Unlike chalk dug out of an inland limestone quarry, fossilized coral calcium naturally brings along micro-amounts of marine trace minerals such as strontium, silica, and potassium. These tiny trace elements support healthy connective tissue flexibility, encourage balanced bone turnover, and help maintain normal systemic alkaline balance.
Optimal Dosing, Timing & Daily Synergy Guide
Optimal Timing & Meal Pairing
Always take your capsules with a meal containing a small amount of healthy dietary fat (such as olive oil, yogurt, eggs, or avocado). Eating triggers your stomach to produce natural hydrochloric acid, which breaks down the coral mineral structure and releases active ionic calcium (Ca2+) for easy absorption. At the same time, healthy dietary fats stimulate bile flow, allowing the fat-soluble Vitamin D2 to be fully absorbed through the digestive tract [3].
Circadian & Split-Dosing Strategy
The full daily serving is 2 capsules. Human intestinal transport channels become saturated when taking more than 500 mg of elemental calcium in a single sitting [4]. To achieve maximum bioavailability, split your dose: take 1 capsule with breakfast or lunch, and 1 capsule with dinner. Taking the second capsule with your evening meal also allows the magnesium to support natural muscle relaxation and calm neuromuscular tension before bedtime.
Smart Synergies & Spacing Rules
- Daily Synergies: Pairs exceptionally well with dietary Vitamin K2 (found in aged cheeses and fermented foods) and regular weight-bearing activity (such as walking or light strength training), which stimulates osteoblast cells to pull minerals directly into skeletal tissue.
- 2-Hour Separation Rule: Keep this supplement separated by at least 2 hours from iron supplements, thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine), and prescription tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics. Divalent minerals like calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) can bind to these compounds in the gut, blocking their absorption [4].
Timeline of What to Expect
- Week 1: Initial intestinal uptake and cellular acclimation. Circulating calcium and magnesium levels begin replenishing, supporting baseline muscle relaxation and normal electrolyte balance without stomach distress.
- Weeks 3–4: Cellular mineral saturation stabilizes. Neuromuscular transmission, muscle contraction-relaxation cycles, and steady bone remodeling receive continuous daily cofactor support.
- Months 2–3+: Cumulative structural bone mineralization benefits occur. Consistent daily mineral availability supports lasting bone density, joint resilience, and ongoing skeletal strength.
Capsule Quality, Sensory Profile & Excipients
Delivery Format & Swallowability
NOW® Coral Calcium Plus is encapsulated in clean, two-piece plant-derived vegetable capsules (Size 00). The capsule surface is completely smooth, gliding down easily when swallowed with a standard 8-ounce glass of water. If you prefer not to swallow capsules, you can gently twist open the two halves and empty the unflavored mineral powder directly into applesauce, a fruit smoothie, or oatmeal without damaging the active nutrients.
Natural Aroma, Taste & Color Notes
Because this product is sourced from genuine fossilized sea coral beds, the powder carries a completely neutral, clean mineral scent with no fishy odor or artificial perfumes. It has no added flavor or sweetness. The powder color ranges naturally from off-white to soft light beige. Natural speckling or slight color variations between bottles are entirely normal and reflect the natural mineral composition of geological coral deposits.
Other Ingredients Demystified
- Hypromellose (cellulose capsule): A 100% plant-based capsule shell derived from natural plant cellulose. It dissolves quickly and cleanly in the stomach within minutes, making it a pure, animal-free alternative to traditional gelatin capsules.
- Ascorbyl Palmitate: A fat-soluble, natural form of Vitamin C. It is used as a clean plant-based antioxidant during manufacturing to protect delicate nutrients from oxidation and keep the mineral powder flowing smoothly into capsules without synthetic chemical lubricants.
Storage & Eco-Friendly Packaging
This bottle is manufactured from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin, keeping plastic out of oceans and landfills. Store the tightly capped bottle in a cool, dry pantry or cabinet away from heat, steam, and direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in humid bathrooms to ensure the plant capsules stay crisp and fresh after opening.
Supplement Facts & Lab-Tested Quality
| Supplement Facts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size: 2 Capsules | Servings Per Container: 50 | ||
| Description | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
| Vitamin D (as D2 Ergocalciferol) | 10 mcg (400 IU) | 50% |
| Calcium (elemental) (from Fossilized Coral Calcium) |
500 mg | 38% |
| Magnesium (elemental) (from Magnesium Oxide, Citrate and Aspartate) |
250 mg | 60% |
| Fossilized Coral Calcium | 1.43 g (1,430 mg) | † |
| † Daily Value not established. | ||
Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule) and Ascorbyl Palmitate.
Allergen Statement: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
NOW® Rigorous In-House Lab Testing & Contaminant Controls
NOW Foods operates one of the most comprehensive in-house private analytical testing complexes in the nutritional supplement industry, spanning over 45,000 square feet and holding prestigious ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Every batch of Coral Calcium Plus is held to strict manufacturing controls:
- Ecologically Harvested Fossilized Coral: Sourced exclusively from above-sea geological coral deposits in Okinawa, Japan. This ensures living ocean coral reefs, lagoons, and marine habitats remain completely untouched, while shielding the raw material from modern industrial ocean pollution and microplastics.
- ICP-MS Heavy Metal Testing: Raw materials and finished batches are analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect trace elements down to parts-per-billion (ppb). Lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury levels are strictly screened to surpass USP and federal safety standards.
- Microbiological Screening: Every lot undergoes comprehensive screening for total aerobic plate count, yeast, mold, coliforms, and pathogens (such as Salmonella and E. coli).
- Active Potency Verification: In-house chemists verify that every capsule precisely meets label claims for elemental calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and atomic absorption testing.
Scientific References
- Ishitani, K., et al. (1999). Calcium absorption from the ingestion of coral-derived calcium by humans. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 45(5), 509-517.
- Rosanoff, A., Dai, Q., & Shapses, S. A. (2018). Essential Role of Magnesium in Vitamin D Function. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 118(3), 181-189.
- Christakos, S., et al. (2011). Vitamin D and Intestinal Calcium Absorption. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 347(1-2), 25-29.
- Heaney, R. P. (2001). Factors influencing the measurement of bioavailability, taking calcium as a model. The Journal of Nutrition, 131(4), 1344S-1348S.