Microplastics and Misinformation: What Science Really Says
November 12, 2025
Brand Name :
Citracal + D, Caltrate 600+D Soft Chews
Synonyms :
Class :
Vitamin and mineral combinations
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Caplet
315mg/250IU- calcium/vitamin D
500mg/200IU – calcium/vitamin D
500mg/600IU – calcium/vitamin D
Capsule
600mg/100IU – calcium/vitamin D
600mg/400IU – calcium/vitamin D
600mg/500IU – calcium/vitamin D
600mg/1000IU – calcium/vitamin D
Tablet
250mg/125IU – calcium/vitamin D
200mg/250IU – calcium/vitamin D
250mg/200IU – calcium/vitamin D
315mg/215IU – calcium/vitamin D
500mg/200IU – calcium/vitamin D
600mg/200IU – calcium/vitamin D
600mg/400IU – calcium/vitamin D
Tablet-chewable
250mg/400IU – calcium/vitamin D
500mg/100IU – calcium/vitamin D
500mg/200IU – calcium/vitamin D
500mg/600IU – calcium/vitamin D
600mg/400IU – calcium/vitamin D
600mg/800IU – calcium/vitamin D
Ca: 1000-1300 mg daily
Vit D:200-800 IU daily
Ca: 1000-1300 mg daily
Vit D:200-800 IU daily
may decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones
may decrease the serum concentration of Quinolones
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the rate of excretion when combined
may diminish the rate of excretion when combined
may diminish the rate of excretion when combined
may diminish the rate of excretion when combined
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with vitamin D analogs
may have an increased adverse effect when combined with vitamin D analogs
it may decrease the serum concentration of Minerals
it may decrease the serum concentration of Minerals
it may decrease the serum concentration of Minerals
it may decrease the serum concentration of Minerals
it may decrease the serum concentration of Minerals
may increase the antiplatelet effect of agents with antiplatelet properties
may increase the antiplatelet effect of agents with antiplatelet properties
may increase the antiplatelet effect of agents with antiplatelet properties
may increase the antiplatelet effect of agents with antiplatelet properties
may increase the antiplatelet effect of agents with antiplatelet properties
may increase the arrhythmogenic effect of cardiac glycosides
may increase the arrhythmogenic effect of cardiac glycosides
may increase the arrhythmogenic effect of cardiac glycosides
may decrease the levels of serum concentration of amphetamines
may decrease the levels of serum concentration of amphetamines
may decrease the levels of serum concentration of amphetamines
may decrease the levels of serum concentration of amphetamines
may decrease the levels of serum concentration of amphetamines
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may increase the risk of adverse effect
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
may diminish the therapeutic efficacy of each other when combined
it May enhance the antiplatelet effect of Agents with antiplatelet Properties
it May enhance the antiplatelet effect of Agents with antiplatelet Properties
it May enhance the antiplatelet effect of Agents with antiplatelet Properties
it May enhance the antiplatelet effect of Agents with antiplatelet Properties
it May enhance the antiplatelet effect of Agents with antiplatelet Properties
may decrease the serum concentration of minerals
may decrease the serum concentration of minerals
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
ispaghula husk may lower or decrease the rate of GI absorption of minerals (ca, zn, or fe)
Action:
The primary function of calcium is to support bone development, preservation, and strength. It is one of the main components involved in bone mineralization, helping to maintain bone density.
The primary function of vitamin D is to enhance the intestinal absorption of phosphorus and calcium. By improving calcium absorption, vitamin D promotes bone health and ensures optimal mineralization.
Spectrum:
Bone Health and Osteoporosis:
Calcium’s contribution to bone health is crucial in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as osteoporosis, in which bones weaken and become fragile. Sufficient intake of calcium is significant in keeping bones dense, especially among postmenopausal women, elderly people, and individuals with some medical conditions that interfere with calcium metabolism.
Bone Disorders:
Vitamin D’s capacity to control calcium and phosphate is essential for the health of bones. It helps prevent diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D also plays a role in preventing osteoporosis.
Frequency Not Defined
Calcium
Constipation
Hypercalcemia
Flatulence
Hypophosphatemia
Nausea
Vomiting
Xerostomia
Vit- D
Metallic taste
Hypercalcemia
Headache
Hypercalcemia
Sarcoidosis or Tuberculosis
Kidney Stones
Severe Renal Impairment
Cautions
Hypoparathyroidism
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain Medications
Pregnancy warnings:
Pregnancy Category: N/A
Breastfeeding warnings:
crosses into breast milk- known
Pregnancy Categories:
Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first trimester or the later trimester
Category B: No evidence shown of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women
Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a result in humans must take care of potential risks in pregnant women
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
In combination, calcium and vitamin D synergistically support bone density and prevent diseases like osteoporosis and rickets. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption from the intestines and controls calcium levels in the blood to stimulate bone formation, mineralization, and muscle function. Their combined action is essential for the upkeep of bone strength, cardiovascular function, and metabolic balance.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
Calcium has a bioavailability of 25-35%. Vitamin D, being fat-soluble, requires bile for absorption and is absorbed in the small intestine.
Distribution
Calcium is about 40-45% protein bound.
Metabolism
Vitamin D undergoes metabolism in two steps: it is first hydroxylated in the liver to form calciferol (25-hydroxyvitamin D), and then further hydroxylated in the kidneys to its active form, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D).
Excretion and Elimination
Regarding elimination, calcium is excreted primarily through the feces, with 80% of it being unabsorbed, and 20% being excreted through urine. Vitamin D is mainly excreted through feces.
Take calcium supplements with meals (especially calcium carbonate) to enhance absorption.
Calcium can be taken with or without food.
Be cautious about taking calcium with high doses of iron supplements or certain medications, as calcium can interfere with their absorption.
Vitamin D, being fat-soluble, is best absorbed when taken with fatty foods like olive oil, avocado, or nuts. While vitamin D can be taken with or without food, consuming it with a meal that includes fat helps improve its absorption.
Generic Name: calcium and vitamin D
Why do we use calcium and vitamin D?
Calcium and vitamin D are a combination of a vitamin and mineral that assist in dietary supplementation and the prevention of osteoporosis.
Calcium is vital for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, while vitamin D enhances the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Together, they play a crucial role in preventing bone disorders such as osteoporosis and rickets.
Vitamin D helps maintain a balance of calcium in the blood, ensuring that the bones receive an adequate amount of calcium, which reduces the risk of bone loss or fractures.
Rickets (a childhood disease caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency) and osteomalacia (softening of bones in adults) can both be prevented or treated with the use of these nutrients in combination.