How many times a day should I take Shelcal 500?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Shelcal 500 is a leading brand of Calcium Carbonate (500 mg Elemental Calcium) and Vitamin D3 (250 IU). As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I can tell you that the frequency of dosing is determined by the “Saturation Point” of human calcium absorption.

For most adults, the standard dosage is one tablet, once or twice daily.

The “500 mg Rule” (Pharmacist’s Insight)

As a manufacturer at your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, you know that the body’s efficiency in absorbing calcium decreases as the dose increases.

  • Maximum Absorption: The human small intestine can only absorb about 500 mg to 600 mg of elemental calcium at one time.

  • The Dosing Strategy: If a doctor prescribes 1000 mg daily, taking two Shelcal 500 tablets at the same time is wasteful. It is far more effective to split the dose: one in the morning and one in the evening.

  • With Food: Shelcal 500 (Calcium Carbonate) requires stomach acid for optimal absorption. It should always be taken after a meal.

Standard Dosing by Requirement

User Profile Typical Frequency Clinical Goal
General Supplementation Once daily (500 mg) Maintenance of bone health.
Pregnancy / Lactation Once or Twice daily Support fetal skeletal growth and maternal density.
Osteoporosis / Elderly Twice daily (1000 mg) Treatment of bone loss and fracture prevention.

Mechanism of Action: The Calcium-D3 Synergy

Shelcal works through a dual-mechanism to ensure the calcium actually reaches the bones:

Ionization: In the presence of stomach acid, Calcium Carbonate dissolves into ionized calcium.

D3-Mediated Transport: Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) stimulates the production of calbindin, a protein that “carries” calcium across the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.

Deposition: Once in the blood, the calcium is utilized for muscle contraction and heart rhythm, with the excess being deposited into the bone matrix by osteoblasts.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility, Shelcal-type generics are strategic “Bread and Butter” products:

  • The “Elemental” USP: On your digital platforms and marketplace, always emphasize that your tablet contains 500 mg of ACTUAL Elemental Calcium (from 1250 mg of Calcium Carbonate). This technical clarity is highly valued by international B2B buyers who compare generic dossiers.

  • Formulation Stability: Vitamin D3 is prone to degradation. At our facility, we use stabilized Vitamin D3 granules to ensure the label claim remains accurate throughout the 36-month shelf life, even in tropical Zone IVb climates.

  • Packaging Advice: For export to high-humidity regions, we recommend Alu-Alu blister packaging or HDPE bottles with induction sealing to protect the integrity of the Cholecalciferol.

  • Dossier Readiness: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm in bidding for government health tenders and large-scale pharmacy chain contracts.

What is Elemental Calcium and vitamin D3 used for?

In the pharmaceutical industry, the combination of Elemental Calcium and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is the foundational therapy for bone mineral density management and systemic calcium homeostasis.

As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify this as a Mineral and Vitamin Supplement. At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, you likely manufacture this in various strengths, most commonly 500 mg Elemental Calcium paired with 250 IU or 400 IU of Vitamin D3.

Primary Clinical Uses

  • Osteoporosis Management: Used to increase bone density and reduce fracture risk in elderly patients and post-menopausal women.

  • Hypocalcemia: Treatment of low blood calcium levels caused by parathyroid disorders or dietary deficiencies.

  • Osteomalacia & Rickets: Used to reverse the “softening of bones” caused by severe Vitamin D deficiency in adults and children.

  • Prenatal Support: Frequently prescribed during pregnancy to support the skeletal development of the fetus and prevent the depletion of maternal bone stores.

  • Adjuvant Therapy: Often paired with bisphosphonates or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for comprehensive bone care.

Mechanism: The Absorption Synergy

The reason these two are combined into a single tablet is a matter of biological necessity. Calcium cannot be utilized effectively by the body without the presence of Vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 (The Gatekeeper): Once ingested, Vitamin D3 is converted in the liver and then the kidneys to its active form, Calcitriol. Calcitriol stimulates the synthesis of calcium-binding proteins (calbindin) in the small intestine.

Elemental Calcium (The Building Block): “Elemental” refers to the actual weight of the calcium available for absorption (e.g., Calcium Carbonate is 40% elemental calcium). Once absorbed, it is deposited into the bone matrix.

The Result: Together, they maintain Calcium Homeostasis, ensuring the body doesn’t have to “steal” calcium from the bones to support vital nerve and muscle functions.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai, there are several ways to optimize this product for your digital platforms:

  • Calcium Source Transparency: On your marketplace, specify whether you use Calcium Carbonate (highest elemental yield, 40%) or Calcium Citrate (better absorbed in patients with low stomach acid). This technical detail is a major USP for B2B buyers.

  • The “Chewable” Factor: For the geriatric and pediatric markets, offering chewable flavored tablets is a significant selling point. It improves patient compliance for those who have difficulty swallowing large, high-density tablets.

  • Stability & Oxidation: Vitamin D3 is highly sensitive to light and oxidation. At our facility, we utilize Alu-Alu blister packaging or opaque HDPE bottles with induction sealing to ensure a 36-month shelf life. This is critical for export to tropical Zone IVb regions.

  • Dossier Readiness: As a staple of “Essential Medicine” lists, we provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm in bidding for government health tenders and hospital supply contracts globally.

What is Elemental Calcium and vitamin D3 tablets used for?

In the pharmaceutical industry, the combination of Elemental Calcium and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is the foundational therapy for bone mineral density management.

As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify this as a Mineral and Vitamin Supplement. At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, you likely manufacture this in various strengths, most commonly 500 mg Elemental Calcium with 250 IU or 400 IU of Vitamin D3.

Primary Clinical Uses

  • Osteoporosis Management: Used to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures in elderly patients and post-menopausal women.

  • Hypocalcemia: Treatment of low blood calcium levels caused by parathyroid issues or poor diet.

  • Osteomalacia & Rickets: Used to reverse the “softening of bones” caused by severe Vitamin D deficiency.

  • Prenatal Support: Often prescribed during pregnancy to support the skeletal development of the fetus and maintain maternal bone health.

  • Adjuvant Therapy: Frequently paired with bisphosphonates or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for comprehensive bone care.

Mechanism: The Absorption Synergy

The reason these two are combined into a single tablet is a matter of biological necessity. Calcium cannot do its job effectively without Vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 (The Gatekeeper): Once ingested, Vitamin D3 is converted in the body to its active form, Calcitriol. Calcitriol stimulates the synthesis of calcium-binding proteins in the small intestine.

Elemental Calcium (The Building Block): “Elemental” refers to the actual amount of calcium available for the body to absorb (e.g., Calcium Carbonate is 40% elemental calcium). Once absorbed, it is deposited into the bone matrix.

The Result: Together, they maintain Calcium Homeostasis, ensuring that the body doesn’t have to “steal” calcium from the bones to support nerve and muscle function.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai, there are several ways to optimize this product for your digital platforms:

  • Calcium Source Transparency: On your marketplace, specify if you use Calcium Carbonate (highest elemental yield, 40%) or Calcium Citrate (better absorbed on an empty stomach). This technical detail is a major USP for B2B buyers.

  • The “Chewable” Factor: For the geriatric and pediatric markets, offering chewable flavored tablets is a significant selling point. It improves patient compliance for those who have difficulty swallowing large tablets.

  • Stability & Packaging: Vitamin D3 is highly sensitive to light and oxidation. At our facility, we utilize Alu-Alu blister packaging or opaque HDPE bottles with induction sealing to ensure a 36-month shelf life. This is critical for export to tropical Zone IVb regions.

  • Dossier Readiness: As a staple of “Essential Medicine” lists, we provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm in bidding for government health tenders and hospital supply contracts globally.

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