The calcium and vitamin D supplement is used to treat or prevent the onset of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures, especially in individuals with low blood calcium levels.
The calcium and vitamin D supplement can be purchased in pharmacies, health food stores or hypermarkets in tablet form, with various trade names such as Calcium D3, Calcium 500 mg + D, Fixa-Cal, Caltrate 600 + D or Os-Cal 500 + D, for example.
What is it for
The calcium and vitamin D supplement is indicated for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, before and after menopause, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In addition, the calcium and vitamin D supplement can be used to decrease the risk of fractures.
See other tips to prevent osteoporosis in: How to decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
How to take
The calcium and vitamin D supplement use consists of taking 1 to 2 tablets (500 to 1500 mg of calcium and 200 to 600 IU of vitamin D) with meals.
Side effects
Side effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation include abdominal pain, gas, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, increased levels of calcium in the blood and urine and vomiting.
Contraindications
The supplement of calcium and vitamin D is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, with excess calcium in the blood, with excessive elimination of calcium in the urine, with sarcoidosis, with renal failure or with hyperparathyroidism.
The use of calcium and vitamin D supplements in pregnancy, breastfeeding and in patients with kidney stones should be done under medical guidance.
In addition to the supplement, there are some calcium-rich foods like almonds that can also help increase blood calcium levels, preventing and treating osteoporosis. Check out the 5 health benefits of almonds.
