What is calcium Citrate and Vitamin D3 Tablets used for?
In the pharmaceutical industry, the combination of Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a premium mineral-vitamin supplement used to manage bone density and calcium homeostasis. As a pharmacist, I consider Calcium Citrate the “superior” form of oral calcium compared to the more common Calcium Carbonate, primarily due to its better absorption profile and lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Primary Clinical Uses
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Osteoporosis Management: A mainstay therapy to increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and elderly men to prevent fractures.
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Calcium Deficiency (Hypocalcaemia): Used to treat or prevent low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets.
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Osteomalacia & Rickets: Essential for the mineralization of the bone matrix in adults (osteomalacia) and children (rickets).
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Pregnancy & Lactation: Often prescribed to meet the increased physiological demand for calcium, ensuring fetal skeletal development without depleting maternal bone stores.
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Hypoparathyroidism: Used as a chronic supplement to maintain calcium balance when parathyroid hormone levels are insufficient.
The “Citrate” Advantage: Mechanism of Action
Superior Absorption: Unlike Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Citrate does not require stomach acid for dissolution. This makes it the ideal choice for patients with achlorhydria (low stomach acid), those on PPIs (like Omeprazole), or the elderly.
Vitamin D3 Synergy: Cholecalciferol (D3) acts as a hormone precursor that increases the efficiency of intestinal calcium absorption by upregulating calcium transport proteins. Without D3, only about 10-15% of dietary calcium is absorbed.
Lower Stone Risk: Calcium Citrate may actually reduce the risk of kidney stones compared to other forms, as citrate is a known inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystallization in the urine.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export
From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, this combination is a high-value nutraceutical/pharmaceutical crossover:
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Tablet Size & Palatability: Calcium Citrate is a bulky molecule. To ensure patient compliance, we focus on film-coated, “easy-swallow” shapes or chewable formats with advanced taste-masking.
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Vitamin D3 Stability: Vitamin D3 is highly sensitive to light and oxygen. As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we use stabilized “beadlet” technology for the D3 component and Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure potency throughout the shelf life.
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Market Positioning: This is a preferred product for B2B distributors catering to high-end pharmacy chains and orthopedic clinics. It carries a higher margin than basic Calcium Carbonate.
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Export Logistics: Operating out of Mumbai, we provide CTD Dossiers and stability data tailored for international registration in regions like the CIS, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.