In the pharmaceutical industry, the combination of Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a foundational mineral-vitamin supplement. As a pharmacist, I view this pairing as a critical synergistic formulation: Calcium provides the necessary structural raw material for bone, while Vitamin D3 acts as the “biological key” that allows the body to actually absorb and utilize that calcium.
Primary Clinical Uses
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Osteoporosis Management: A primary therapy to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures in elderly patients and post-menopausal women.
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Treatment of Osteomalacia & Rickets: Used to correct bone softening caused by severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
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Hypocalcemia: Indicated for the management of low blood calcium levels in patients with hypoparathyroidism or those on specific medications that deplete calcium.
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Pregnancy & Lactation: Frequently prescribed to support the increased skeletal demands of the developing fetus and to maintain maternal bone health.
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Acid Indigestion: Because it contains Calcium Carbonate, these tablets also function as an effective antacid to relieve heartburn.
Mechanism of Action
This combination is designed to optimize calcium homeostasis:
Calcium Carbonate: It contains a high concentration of elemental calcium (approx. 40%). In the acidic environment of the stomach, it dissolves to release calcium ions.
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): Once converted in the liver and kidneys to its active form, it binds to receptors in the small intestine to stimulate the synthesis of calbindin, a protein that transports calcium across the intestinal mucosa into the bloodstream.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export
From a manufacturing standpoint, this is a high-volume product where physical quality and “mouthfeel” are essential for B2B success:
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Elemental Calcium Loading: We often formulate these as 500 mg elemental calcium (from 1250 mg Calcium Carbonate) plus 250 IU or 500 IU of D3. Ensuring tablet stability with such a high powder volume requires advanced binding agents.
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Chewable vs. Film-Coated: For the export market, we manufacture both. Chewable tablets are popular for OTC (Over-the-Counter) retail and require sophisticated taste-masking and flavoring (orange or peppermint) to cover the chalky texture of calcium.
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Stability & Cholecalciferol Integrity: Vitamin D3 is sensitive to light and oxidation. As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we utilize stabilized, “beadlet” forms of D3 and moisture-resistant Alu-Alu or HDPE bottle packaging to ensure potency during transit to tropical climates.
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Global Export Profile: This is a staple for B2B marketplaces and international health tenders. Our Mumbai facility provides full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support registration in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.