In the modern world, calcium deficiency is one of the most common problems, found in both young and elderly people. Despite this, few people know what causes it and, generally, how important the mineral Calcium is for the body.
Bone and teeth strength, muscle function, stable heart rhythm, and proper functioning of the nervous system depend on it. Therefore, calcium deficiency causes various complications that cannot be ignored.
Fortunately, there is a solution, and that is the dietary supplement – Calcium-D3 Nicomed Forte. It is available in Georgia at the GPS pharmacy chain and is dispensed without a prescription.
In this blog, we will discuss its effectiveness, administration rules, possible contraindications, the general purpose of calcium, and other interesting issues.
Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the human body, performing various functions. $99\%$ of it is stored in bones and teeth, and the remaining $1\%$ participates in numerous vital processes. Consequently, it is not just a "building material."
Calcium is the main structural element of bone tissue and ensures: bone strength, density, fracture prevention, and strong tooth enamel. Its deficiency, over time, increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Muscles cannot work without calcium, as it is needed for: initiating muscle contraction; relaxation; and the prevention of muscle spasms, pain, and cramps. That is why calcium deficiency causes spasms, pain, and fatigue.
The heart is a muscle, and therefore its contraction depends on calcium. Furthermore, it participates in regulating the heart rhythm and prevents the development of arrhythmia.
In addition, it is worth noting that nerve cells need calcium to communicate with each other. Through it, nerve signals are transmitted correctly, the work of the brain and nervous system becomes stable, and concentration on any issue becomes easier.
Importantly, calcium also has its role in blood clotting. In its deficiency, wounds heal slowly and stopping bleeding is difficult.
The necessity of calcium for your body is also confirmed by the fact that it participates in many biochemical reactions. Including: the release of hormones, the activation of digestive enzymes, and the production of cellular energy.
It may be hard to believe, but if there is not enough calcium in the body, the body takes it from the bones. Over time, this causes bone fragility, pain, osteoporosis, and a high risk of fractures. In addition, muscles weaken, the nervous system becomes irritated, and dental problems appear.
First of all, it should be noted that calcium deficiency develops practically unnoticed. Consequently, it causes serious complications not immediately, but over time.
The deficiency of this mineral is caused by both an unbalanced diet and conditions that prevent the body from properly absorbing calcium.
The most common cause of calcium deficiency is refusing to eat foods that contain it. That is why people who do not like dairy products, are on a plant-based diet, have lactose intolerance, or do not eat healthily, do not get enough calcium.
Without Vitamin D3, calcium is not absorbed. This means that you may consume large amounts of calcium-rich foods, but if there is not enough D3, the result will be minimal.
An important issue is age-related changes, because after 40–50 years, calcium absorption decreases. In addition, menopause intensifies the rate of calcium loss from the bones. As a result, maintaining healthy bone mass becomes difficult. That is why the combination of calcium and D3 gains special importance at this age.
Calcium absorption is hindered by chronic diseases such as: intestinal diseases; reduced kidney function, and disruption of thyroid hormone levels.
Lifestyle and habits – this is another reason that causes deficiency. Since some daily habits rapidly reduce the level of calcium in the body. These include: excessive intake of alcohol, caffeine, and salt. Also, severe stress and insufficient physical activity.
As we have already noted, calcium deficiency develops mostly unnoticed. Despite this, the body gives you certain hints along the way. Accordingly, there are symptoms through which you will realize that there is a high chance that your calcium level is low.
Muscle spasms and cramps are one of the most common and earliest signs. Spasms usually appear in the legs, calves, and hands. Fatigue, weakness, and lack of energy are also common – this is natural, as calcium participates in energy production. Brittle nails and dry skin can be considered another hint. Furthermore, calcium is the main structural element of teeth. Therefore, in case of deficiency, their enamel thins, sensitivity increases, and a tendency toward cavities appears.
In the long term, calcium deficiency causes pain in the bones, back, and joints. Also, the risk of developing osteoporosis and frequent fractures increases.
Importantly, very sharp deficiency may be accompanied by arrhythmia, heart rhythm disorders, and low blood pressure. You must also consider neurological symptoms. You may feel irritation, anxiety, and numbness in the limbs.
To determine what you are actually dealing with, you need to consult a doctor and clarify the diagnosis.
In order for there to be enough calcium in your body, balanced nutrition, normal concentration of Vitamin D3, and in some cases, taking quality dietary supplements are necessary.
Regular consumption of calcium-rich foods, which are natural sources of this mineral, is important. These include: milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, almonds, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, sardines, herring, pea products, sesame seeds, and others.
It should also be said that the calcium obtained from food is not always sufficient, especially if you do not consume dairy products.
It can be said that Vitamin D3 acts as a "carrier," through which calcium reaches the bones. Natural sources of D3 are: sunlight – it is desirable to spend 10–20 minutes in the sun daily; various food products.
Physical activity is important, as it increases bone density. The best activities are: walking, running, strength training, and yoga or Pilates.
Despite everything, sometimes the most necessary and essential thing is still taking calcium in the form of a dietary supplement. In this case, the most effective remedy is precisely Calcium-D3 Nicomed Forte. Since it combines two components – calcium and Vitamin D3.
Of course, the effectiveness of the preparation is determined by the constituent substances. One tablet of Calcium-D3 Nicomed Forte combines the following components: Calcium Carbonate – $1250 \text{ mg}$, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) – $11 \text{ mcg}$ ($400 \text{ IU}$), Cholecalciferol concentrate form – $4.40 \text{ mg}$.
The excipients are: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicium Dioxide, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, and Folic Acid, which ensure the stability of the tablet.
The preparation is used for: the treatment and prophylaxis of calcium and Vitamin D deficiency; as well as in the complex therapy of osteoporosis treatment, in patients at risk of calcium and Vitamin D deficiency.
The product is particularly popular for the following few reasons: it has high doses of calcium and D3, has good bioavailability, is safe, and can be used long-term, and international quality standards are maintained during production.
Its intake leads to improved bone strength, reduced risk of osteoporosis, stronger teeth, reduced muscle spasms, and restored energy levels.
When taking Calcium-D3 Nicomed Forte, a series of recommendations must be followed. This precisely determines its effectiveness.
The daily dose for adults and the elderly is 1 tablet twice a day. It is noteworthy that the tablet can be chewed or sucked. Take the preparation during meals, this is important for better absorption.
It is especially important not to increase the dose arbitrarily and to follow all the doctor's instructions meticulously.
Like all preparations, Calcium D3 Forte also has possible contraindications that you should consider, these are: hypersensitivity to the active or auxiliary components of the preparation; severe renal failure (glomerular filtration rate $<30 \text{ ml/min/1.73 m}^2$); hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria; urolithiasis (nephrolithiasis); Vitamin D hypervitaminosis.
It should be noted that its use is not recommended in children under 18 years of age.
Caution is needed during pregnancy and lactation. During pregnancy, the preparation can be used only in case of calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. It is important that the daily dose should not exceed $2500 \text{ mg}$ of calcium and $4000 \text{ IU}$ of Vitamin D. It is necessary to avoid excessive dosing. Also, Vitamin D in therapeutic doses is not teratogenic.
Use is possible during lactation, as Vitamin D3 and calcium pass into breast milk. If additional Vitamin D is prescribed for the child, this should be taken into account.
Also, it should be noted that the preparation should be stored in a tightly closed bottle, in a dry place, at a temperature not exceeding $30^\circ\text{C}$, out of reach of children.
