Pharmacotherapeutic group: Calcium, combination with vitamin D and/or other drugs
ATC code: A12AX
Vitamin D increases the intestinal absorption of calcium.
Administration of calcium and vitamin D
3
(colecalciferol) counteracts the increase of parathyreoid hormone (PTH), which is caused by calcium deficiency and which causes increased bone resorption.
A clinical study of institutionalised patients suffering from vitamin D deficiency indicated that a daily intake of two tablets of calcium 500 mg/Vitamin D 400 IU for six months normalised the value of the 25-hydroxylated metabolite of Vitamin D
3
and reduced secondary hyperparathyroidism and alkaline phosphatases.
An 18-month double blind, placebo controlled study including 3270 institutionalised women aged 84±6 years that received supplementation of vitamin D (800 IU/day) and calcium phosphate (corresponding to 1200 mg/day of elemental calcium), showed a significant decrease of PTH secretion. After 18 month, an “intent-to treat” analysis showed 80 hip fractures in the calcium-vitamin D group and 110 hip fractures in the placebo group (p=0.004). A follow-up study after 36 months showed 137 women with at least one hip fracture in the calcium-vitamin D group (n=1176) and 178 in the placebo group (n=1127, p<0.02).
⚠️ Warnings
WARNINGS This product is to be used for self-limiting conditions If symptoms do not improve in 4 days, or worsen, discontinue use and seek assistance of health professional As with any drug, if you are pregnant, or nursing a baby, seek professional advice before taking this product Keep this and all medication out of reach of children Do not use if capseal is broken or missing. Close the cap tightly after use.
