What it does
Calcium vitamin is a supplement that helps maintain healthy bones and supports overall health.
Commonly used for: bone health, osteoporosis, calcium deficiency
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:13:11 · updated 2026-07-20 08:56:21
About this medicine
Calcium vitamin is a supplement that helps maintain healthy bones and supports overall health.
What it treats
- bone health
- osteoporosis
- calcium deficiency
How it works
It provides essential calcium and vitamin D, which are important for building and maintaining strong bones.
Who it's for
This supplement is suitable for people needing extra calcium and vitamin D, especially those at risk of bone problems.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: calciumvitamin
Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients that play critical roles in bone health and metabolic processes. Calcium is a mineral that is vital for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, as well as for muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and is important for maintaining adequate serum calcium and phosphate levels to enable normal bone mineralization.
Indications
- Osteoporosis prevention
- Osteomalacia
- Rickets
- Calcium deficiency states
- Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency
- Support for bone health
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific guidelines or consult a healthcare professional for dosage recommendations based on individual needs and conditions.
Adults: Refer to specific guidelines or consult a healthcare professional for dosage recommendations based on individual needs and conditions.
Mechanism of action
Calcium functions as a secondary messenger in various cellular processes, and it is crucial for the mineralization of bone. Vitamin D, specifically in its active form calcitriol, binds to vitamin D receptors (VDR) in target tissues, leading to increased intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. It also regulates the expression of genes involved in calcium homeostasis, bone remodeling, and mineral metabolism.
Pharmacodynamics
Calcium is primarily stored in the bones and teeth, with a small percentage in extracellular fluid. It is involved in various physiological functions including muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and hormonal secretion. Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium homeostasis and bone health by promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestines and reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby preventing hypocalcemia and supporting bone mineralization.
Pharmacokinetics
Calcium is absorbed in the intestine, primarily in the duodenum and proximal jejunum, with bioavailability affected by dietary factors, age, and vitamin D status. The half-life of calcium in the bloodstream is short, and it is largely excreted through the kidneys. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, with a longer half-life, and is metabolized in the liver and kidneys to its active forms. The pharmacokinetics of both nutrients can be influenced by several factors, including age, diet, and health status.
Contra-indications
- Hypercalcemia
- Severe renal impairment
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Sarcoidosis
- Vitamin D toxicity
Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, constipation)
- Hypercalcemia (symptoms include confusion, muscle weakness, and fatigue)
- Kidney stones
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Hypophosphatemia
Interactions
- Certain diuretics (thiazide diuretics may increase calcium levels)
- Antacids containing aluminum (may interfere with calcium absorption)
- Phosphate supplements (may reduce calcium absorption)
- Corticosteroids (may reduce calcium absorption)
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of kidney stones
- Monitor calcium levels regularly in patients receiving prolonged treatment
- Consider dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D when prescribing
- Assess renal function before initiating therapy
Pregnancy
Calcium is essential for fetal development, but excessive intake should be avoided. Adequate vitamin D levels are also important during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Calcium and vitamin D are important during breastfeeding, and supplementation may be necessary for nursing mothers to ensure adequate levels for both mother and infant.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Calcium carbonate tablets
- Calcium citrate tablets
- Calcium gluconate injectable solution
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) soft gels
- Calcium and vitamin D combination tablets
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.