Description
Overview
How does Adcal-D3 1500mg/400IU (56 Chewable Tablets) rebuild bone density? The primary function of this medication is to supply the body with the raw materials needed for bone mineralisation. Each tablet contains 1500mg of Calcium Carbonate, which yields 600mg of elemental calcium. Calcium is the major structural component of the skeleton. In conditions like osteoporosis, the rate of bone breakdown exceeds the rate of bone formation, leading to brittle and porous bones.By providing a concentrated source of calcium, the supplement ensures that the body does not need to leach calcium from the existing bone stores to maintain blood levels, thereby preserving structural integrity and reducing the risk of fractures in the spine and hip.
Why is the Vitamin D3 component essential? Calcium cannot be effectively utilized by the body without the presence of Vitamin D. These tablets contain 400IU of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). This vitamin acts as a key that unlocks the transport mechanisms in the small intestine. Without adequate Vitamin D, less than 10% of dietary calcium is absorbed, rendering calcium supplements largely ineffective. The inclusion of Vitamin D3 ensures that the calcium provided by the carbonate is actively transported into the bloodstream and deposited into the bone matrix rather than being excreted as waste.
How does the chewable format aid efficacy? These tablets are formulated to be chewed rather than swallowed whole. This mechanical breakdown in the mouth increases the surface area of the medication before it reaches the stomach. This pre-dissolution is particularly important for Calcium Carbonate, which requires stomach acid to break down effectively. By chewing the tablet, the user ensures better dispersion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, while also making the medication easier to take for elderly patients who may suffer from dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Who Is It For
Who are these tablets suitable for? This product is suitable for adults, the elderly, and children aged 12 years and over. It is specifically indicated for the prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency. It is an ideal choice for post-menopausal women who are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to hormonal changes. It is also suitable for pregnant women (under medical supervision) to support the skeletal development of the foetus without depleting the mother’s own calcium reserves.
Usage Instructions
How to take the medication correctly? This product is for oral use. The recommended dose for adults and the elderly is two tablets daily, preferably one in the morning and one in the evening.
Chewing: The tablet must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. It should not be swallowed whole.
Fluid: A glass of water can be taken after chewing to wash down any residue.
Timing: It is often best taken with or after a meal to maximise absorption, as the presence of food stimulates stomach acid production which aids the breakdown of calcium carbonate.
Warnings
When must the medication not be used? The tablets must not be used by patients with severe kidney failure or those with a history of calcium-containing kidney stones (renal calculi). It is contraindicated in patients with hypercalcaemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood) or hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in the urine). Patients with sarcoidosis should consult a doctor before use as they may be more sensitive to the effects of Vitamin D.
Alternatives
Common alternatives to Adcal-D3? If this product is not suitable due to the flavour or texture, common alternatives include:
Calcichew-D3 Forte: Similar chewable tablets usually available in lemon flavour, offering a comparable dose of calcium and Vitamin D.
Accrete D3: Another film-coated tablet option for those who dislike the chalky texture of chewables, though these must be swallowed whole.
Adcal-D3 Dissolve: Effervescent tablets that dissolve in water to create a lemon-flavoured drink, suitable for those who cannot chew tablets.
Calceos: A chewable tablet with a slightly different ratio of calcium to Vitamin D, often prescribed based on specific deficiency levels.
Sandocal: An effervescent calcium supplement often used when high doses of calcium are needed quickly, though sometimes without the added Vitamin D.
