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
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Osteoporosis Management: Used to increase bone density and reduce fracture risk in elderly patients and post-menopausal women.
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Hypocalcemia: Treatment of low blood calcium levels caused by parathyroid disorders or dietary deficiencies.
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Osteomalacia & Rickets: Used to reverse the “softening of bones” caused by severe Vitamin D deficiency in adults and children.
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Prenatal Support: Frequently prescribed during pregnancy to support the skeletal development of the fetus and prevent the depletion of maternal bone stores.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.