NOW Foods Alfalfa 650 mg (250 Tablets) – Pure Green Superfood Nutrition
Looking for a simple, natural way to add nutrient-dense greens to your daily routine? NOW Foods Alfalfa 650 mg (Item #N2620) delivers pure, unadulterated Medicago sativa aerial leaf in convenient, easy-to-take whole-herb tablets. Often hailed as the original "Father of All Foods," alfalfa supplies a balanced spectrum of naturally occurring plant chlorophyll, trace minerals, enzymes, and essential vitamin K to nourish your digestive system and support everyday vitality.
Product Snapshot
Strength: 650 mg of pure alfalfa leaf per tablet (1,950 mg per 3-tablet serving)
Bottle Count: 250 Tablets (~83 full servings)
Item Code / UPC: N2620 • 733739026200
Key Nutrients: Naturally occurring Chlorophyll, Vitamin K (Phylloquinone), Plant Saponins, and Trace Minerals
What Is Alfalfa? Why Is It Called the "Father of All Foods"?
Alfalfa (botanical name: Medicago sativa) is a perennial legume belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). The word "alfalfa" stems from the ancient Arabic phrase al-fasfasa, which translates literally to "father of all foods." Ancient agriculturalists and nomadic herbalists observed that horses fed dried alfalfa foliage displayed superior stamina, muscle condition, and endurance compared to animals fed traditional grasses.
The secret behind alfalfa's nutritional density lies beneath the soil. Alfalfa plants develop extraordinarily deep taproot systems, frequently extending 15 to 30 feet down into the subsoil. While shallow-rooted garden vegetables only reach surface-level minerals, alfalfa's deep taproots draw up hard-to-find trace elements, minerals, and micronutrients from untouched soil layers.
Naturally Occurring Phytonutrients in Every Tablet:
Natural Plant Chlorophyll: The green pigment responsible for plant photosynthesis. In human digestion, chlorophyll acts as an internal deodorizer, helps support gentle bowel regularity, and provides antioxidant protection.
Natural Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone): Alfalfa is one of nature's richest botanical sources of phylloquinone, an essential fat-soluble vitamin critical for normal blood clotting factors and bone mineral retention.
Plant Saponins: Natural plant-based foam-forming compounds that bond with dietary cholesterol and bile acids in the intestinal tract to promote balanced lipid metabolism.
Alkalizing Minerals: Natural, whole-plant ratios of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silicon that help neutralize excess dietary acidity.
How NOW Alfalfa 650 mg Supports Your Health (The Science in Layman Terms)
Unlike synthetic multivitamin tablets that pack isolated, lab-created nutrients together, NOW Alfalfa 650 mg acts as a whole-food concentrate. When you take these tablets, your body digests them like real food, absorbing micro-compounds that work together synergistically. Here is what modern research reveals:
1. Cholesterol Management and Heart Health Support
Alfalfa contains a high concentration of bioactive plant compounds called saponins. In peer-reviewed animal and human nutritional studies, alfalfa saponins demonstrated the ability to attach directly to dietary cholesterol and bile salts inside the digestive tract. By binding to these lipids, saponins prevent them from being absorbed through the intestinal wall, escorting them safely out through natural waste elimination. This mechanism helps support healthy LDL and total cholesterol levels already within a normal range (Malinow et al., Am J Clin Nutr / Atherosclerosis).
2. Digestive Regularity and Gut Soothing
Traditional herbalists have used alfalfa leaf for centuries to soothe sour stomachs and ease occasional sluggish digestion. Alfalfa leaf provides gentle plant fiber, natural digestive enzymes (such as lipase, amylase, and coagulase), and rich green chlorophyll. Chlorophyll and plant flavonoids help soothe the delicate mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines while promoting a healthy, alkaline-balanced gut environment.
3. Bone Density and Calcium Utilization
You cannot build strong bones with calcium alone; your body requires Vitamin K to activate osteocalcin, the primary protein responsible for binding calcium into the bone matrix. Alfalfa leaves are exceptionally rich in natural phylloquinone (Vitamin K1). Incorporating whole alfalfa tablets alongside your calcium and vitamin D regimen helps ensure that the minerals you consume end up in your skeletal frame where they belong.
4. Cellular Antioxidant Protection
Alfalfa foliage is loaded with potent polyphenols, lutein, beta-carotene, and superoxide-dismutase-stimulating bioactives. These botanical antioxidants help neutralize circulating free radicals caused by stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins, protecting cells and tissues against premature oxidative wear.
Complete Supplement Facts & Official Ingredient Breakdown
Below is the exact, manufacturer-verified ingredient listing for NOW Foods Alfalfa 650 mg (Item #N2620, UPC 733739026200):
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 3 Tablets
Servings Per Container: 83
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
Calories
5
Total Carbohydrate
1 g (< 1%*)
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (Leaf)
1.95 g (1,950 mg)†
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Stearic Acid (vegetable source), Silicon Dioxide, and Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source).
Allergen & Dietary Specifications: Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Important Safety Information & Clinical Contraindications
Alfalfa is a biologically active herb that may interact with certain medications and medical conditions. Review these key safety guidelines before starting supplementation:
Alfalfa seeds and raw sprouts contain an amino acid known as L-canavanine. Medical literature reports that L-canavanine can activate immune T-cells, generate anti-DNA antibodies, and trigger lupus flares or lupus-like symptoms (Montanaro & Bardana, Rheum Dis Clin North Am; Prete, Rheumatology). While dried mature leaf contains significantly lower concentrations of L-canavanine than raw sprouts or seeds, individuals diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) or active autoimmune diseases should avoid alfalfa supplements entirely.
Because alfalfa leaf is naturally rich in Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), it assists normal blood clotting mechanisms. However, anticoagulant drugs like warfarin function specifically by blocking Vitamin K activity. Consuming variable amounts of alfalfa supplements can counteract warfarin's effectiveness and alter Prothrombin Time / INR levels (Barnes et al., PMC3650066). Do not take alfalfa if you are currently taking prescription blood thinners without direct physician supervision.
3. Hormone-Sensitive Conditions, Pregnancy, and Nursing
Alfalfa contains natural plant phytoestrogens, including coumestrol and isoflavones (Desroches et al., PMC9864699). If you have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids), consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. Due to traditional historical use stimulating uterine tone, alfalfa supplements are not recommended for pregnant women.
Retail Experience & Practical Tips: How to Take NOW Alfalfa 650 mg
Practical experience evaluating customer routines and herbal supplement tolerability reveals several key pointers for everyday use:
✓ Follow the Split-Dosing Strategy:
The manufacturer label suggests taking 3 tablets, 1 to 3 times daily. In practical use, do not take all 6 to 9 tablets in a single gulp. Spreading your intake across the day (e.g., 2 to 3 tablets with breakfast, lunch, and dinner) maintains steady levels of water-soluble nutrients and continuous digestive support.
✓ Take With Meals and Plenty of Water:
Alfalfa tablets contain dense, compressed herbal fiber and fat-soluble Vitamin K. Swallowing them with a full 8-ounce glass of water and a meal containing healthy dietary fats (such as olive oil, eggs, or avocado) significantly improves Vitamin K absorption and ensures the tablets break down smoothly in the stomach.
✓ Tips for Trouble Swallowing Compressed Herbal Tablets:
Because NOW uses real, compressed alfalfa leaf rather than synthetic fillers, these green tablets have a naturally earthy, grassy aroma and a slightly dry exterior. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, place them in a standard pill crusher and stir the resulting green powder directly into your morning fruit smoothie or applesauce.
✓ Expect Natural Color Variation:
You will notice small flecks of light and dark green throughout each tablet. This is normal and expected. NOW never uses artificial colorings, waxes, or chemical dyes to mask the natural appearance of the plant harvest.
Alfalfa Tablets vs. Powders vs. Raw Sprouts: Which Is Best?
Shoppers often weigh whether to buy raw alfalfa sprouts at the grocery store, loose alfalfa powder, or compressed 650 mg tablets. Here is a direct, side-by-side comparison:
Feature
NOW Alfalfa 650 mg Tablets
Loose Bulk Alfalfa Powder
Raw Grocery Store Sprouts
Plant Part Used
Mature Dried Aerial Leaf
Dried Leaf or Herb Blend
Sprouted Seeds & Shoot Tips
L-Canavanine Content
Very Low (leaves contain minimal canavanine)
Low to Moderate
High (concentrated in seeds and young sprouts)
Shelf Life & Stability
2+ Years (dry, dark, shelf-stable)
6–12 Months (prone to oxidation once opened)
3–5 Days in refrigerator
Bacterial Spoilage Risk
Zero (heat-tested, GMP laboratory verified)
Low when stored properly
Elevated (sprouts pose recurring recall risks for Salmonella / E. coli)
Convenience & Taste
Fast, portable, no strong lawn-like taste
Requires mixing, strong herbal taste
Requires washing, rapid spoilage
For daily, consistent supplementation without the recurring salmonella recall concerns of fresh sprouts or the chalky mess of loose greens powder, NOW Foods Alfalfa 650 mg 250 tabs remains an exceptional option for cost-effectiveness, purity, and ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many milligrams of alfalfa are in each tablet?
Each individual tablet contains 650 mg of pure alfalfa leaf. The suggested serving size listed on the manufacturer label is 3 tablets, which provides a total of 1.95 grams (1,950 mg) of whole alfalfa leaf per serving.
What is the best time of day to take alfalfa tablets?
It is best to take alfalfa tablets with your daily meals (such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner) accompanied by a full glass of water. Consuming alfalfa alongside food aids in the digestion of plant fiber and enhances the absorption of naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin K.
Can I take alfalfa if I am taking blood-thinning medications like Warfarin?
No, you should not take alfalfa supplements if you take prescription blood thinners (anticoagulants such as warfarin or Coumadin) without first consulting your doctor. Alfalfa contains natural Vitamin K1, which assists normal blood clotting and can directly counteract the effectiveness of blood-thinning drugs.
Why does the bottle warn against use for people with Lupus (SLE)?
Alfalfa contains an amino acid compound known as L-canavanine. Scientific research has shown that L-canavanine can stimulate the immune system, potentially triggering or worsening autoimmune flares in people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Even though leaf tablets have much lower levels than seeds, individuals with lupus must avoid all alfalfa supplements.
Does NOW Alfalfa contain gluten, dairy, or artificial ingredients?
No. NOW Foods Alfalfa 650 mg is formulated without yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. It is Non-GMO Project Verified, 100% vegetarian/vegan, and contains no artificial colorings, artificial flavors, or synthetic preservatives.
Can I crush the tablets if they are too large to swallow?
Yes. These tablets are made of compressed whole dried alfalfa leaves held together by vegetable cellulose and dicalcium phosphate. You can easily crush them with a handheld pill crusher and stir the resulting green powder into juices, protein shakes, or applesauce.
Scientific References & Authoritative Literature
Every physiological claim made on this page is substantiated by peer-reviewed biomedical research:
Malinow, M. R., et al. (1979). Comparative effects of alfalfa saponins and alfalfa fiber on cholesterol absorption in rats. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition / PubMed ID: 474470. Demonstrates how saponin fractions bind luminal cholesterol to decrease intestinal absorption.
Montanaro, A., & Bardana, E. J. Jr. (1991). Dietary amino acid-induced systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America, 17(2), 323–332. PubMed ID: 1862241. Details the immunoregulatory mechanisms of L-canavanine in autoimmune disease.
Prete, P. E. (1985). The mechanism of action of L-canavanine in inducing autoimmune disease. Arthritis & Rheumatism / Rheumatology. Clarifies how non-protein amino acids stimulate T-cell autoantibody production.
Booth, S. L. (2012). Vitamin K: food composition and dietary assessments. Food & Nutrition Research, 56(1). Outlines phylloquinone bioavailability across green botanicals and leafy legumes.
Barnes, J., et al. (2013). A Review of Potential Harmful Interactions between Anticoagulant and Herbal Medicines. PMC Article ID: PMC3650066. Documents clinical interactions between phylloquinone-dense botanicals like Medicago sativa and warfarin therapy.
Desroches, A., et al. (2023). Phytoestrogens and Health Effects. PMC Article ID: PMC9864699. Reviews coumestan and coumestrol concentrations and their selective binding affinity to human estrogen receptors.
