What is Adcal D3 and how does it work?
Adcal D3 is a brand of medicine which contains the ingredients calcium and colecalciferol (otherwise known as vitamin D3) and is taken as a supplement by children and adults, over 12 years old, to help support strong bones and teeth in adults.
Vitamin D is naturally absorbed by the body through sunlight and also some foods such as oily fish. Vitamin D is essential to supporting strong bones as it is needed for the body to be able to absorb the calcium that we consume through food and drink.
Most adults will get enough calcium and vitamin D from their diet and sunlight that they do not need to take dietary supplements. However, if you suffer from conditions such as osteomalacia or osteoporosis and struggle to absorb enough vitamin D and calcium, taking Adcal D3 can prevent bones from becoming weaker and more brittle.
Adcal D3 is available at The Independent Pharmacy as flavoured chewable tablets but also comes in a caplet and soluble tablet preparation.
What is Adcal D3 used for?
Adcal D3 is used to increase your daily intake of calcium and vitamin D to help support healthier, stronger bones and teeth in those that are unable to absorb adequate calcium and vitamin D from their diet and lifestyle alone.
Adcal D3 may be a suitable supplement for the following:
- People with osteoporosis or osteomalacia
- The elderly
- Anyone that is restricted or has a disability that limits their exposure to sunlight
- Women going through the menopause
If you are unsure whether you are deficient in calcium and vitamin D you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Adcal D3 for osteoporosis
If you have a diagnosis of osteoporosis you may need to take calcium and vitamin D3 supplements such as Adcal D3 to help your body to absorb enough calcium to help improve your bone strength.
If you have osteoporosis or another bone disorder such as osteomalacia you should speak to your doctor or a pharmacist about your options before taking supplements.
Is Adcal D3 good for you?
Adcal D3 is a vitamin and mineral supplement to support healthy bones. Most people will get sufficient calcium and vitamin D from their diet and exposure to sunlight and so will not require Adcal D3.
However, for those that are at risk of calcium and vitamin D deficiency, Adcal D3, can be a quick and easy method of increasing the body’s absorption of these essential vitamins and minerals where lifestyle changes are not enough.
It is not advisable to take Adcal D3 unless you know that you have decreased levels of calcium and vitamin D3. Taking supplements when they are not needed can cause damage to your kidneys. You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about your calcium or vitamin D intake and absorption before taking Adcal D3.
Adcal D3 alternatives
Adcal D3 is an approved calcium and vitamin D3 supplement for people who are at an increased risk of deficiency as they are unable to absorb enough calcium and vitamin D through diet and lifestyle alone.
First-line advice for all people who have reduced uptake of vitamin D and calcium should be to increase the amount of calcium and vitamin D in their diet and to safely get more exposure to natural sunlight. More information about vitamins and minerals can be found on the NHS website.
Adcal D3 is a brand of supplement that contains both calcium and vitamin D3 and the same medication can be bought under different brand names such as:
- Accrete D3
- Cacit D3
- Calfovit D3
- SunVit-D3
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