Osteoporosis is an increasingly common condition in most western countries and has become one of the major causes of poor health amongst postmenopausal women in Australia.2 Characterised by low bone density, osteoporosis leaves bones fragile, brittle and increasingly prone to fracture.2 According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in a report on diet, nutrition and chronic disease, calcium intake is important in preventing osteoporosis, especially in older populations.

For men and women, bone mass typically increases by about sevenfold from birth to puberty and a further threefold during adolescence.3 Bone density then remains relatively stable for men until the age of fifty and for women until they reach the menopause. For approximately 5 – 10 years both during and after menopause, women lose bone more rapidly than men at around 2% – 3% per year.3,4 During this period women, particularly if they have other risk factors such as low body weight or early onset menopause, can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis by ensuring that they have adequate daily intake of calcium.5 It is very important to understand the implications of bone health and the effect this has on the quality of life as you get older. Calcium, Vitamin D and Bone Health We all need calcium to provide strength and structure for our teeth and bones.6 It is in fact needed for the normal development and maintenance of healthy bones.2 It is absorbed through the intestine and then is further absorbed through different mechanisms that work in the body.7 However, as we age, this rate of absorption decreases, leaving the body short of the calcium it needs to maintain good bone health.7 Other factors that affect bone health are exercise and Vitamin D.2 Vitamin D is also very important for bone health. Its major function is in helping the body to absorb calcium.8 In the winter months, studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is more common and is due to the fact that people are spending more time indoors, wearing more clothing and getting less amount of sun, an important source of vitamin D.9 Exercise, in particular the weight bearing variety is especially good for the bones. However, the nature, frequency and duration of any work-out routine should be commensurate with your age, health and level of fitness. Speak to your health care professional for advice on what type of exercise would be suitable for you. As we get older, it is important to think about and maintain our bone health so that we can continue to live a full and active life. Calcium and Vitamin D is a strong combination for strong bones if dietary intake is insufficient. References 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Q: Is Calcia sugar free?

Chewable calcium tablets contain aspartame, in small amounts. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in some foods and beverages. Calcia Vitamin D is sugar free.

Q: Does Calcia contain lactose or gluten?

No. All Calcia products are lactose and gluten free.

Q: What flavours is Calcia available?

Calcium only products are orange flavour, calcium and Vitamin D are lemon flavour and Vitamin D is available as swallowable soft gel capsules (no flavour).

Q: Does Calcia contain artificial flavours or colourings?

Yes. Calcia contains a mixture of flavours and colourings and varies from product to product: Orange 052595 A, Lemon 51124 A, Iron oxide red CI77491, Iron oxide black CI77499.

Q: Can Calcia be taken by children?

Calcia is not recommended for children, however, please contact your health care professional for advice.

Q: Can Calcia be taken during pregnancy?

Only when recommended by a doctor. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved. During pregnancy the daily intake should not exceed 1500mg Calcium and 600IU Vitamin D.
*Source: Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, NHMRC 2006

Q: Can you take Calcia when breast feeding?

Please contact your health care professional for advice.

Q: How much Calcia is too much?

Calcium supplemental doses up to 2,500 mg/day are usually well tolerated. Doses that exceed this amount may increase the risk for kidney stones and soft tissue calcification. Neither of these conditions is solely linked to calcium supplements.
Upper level for Vitamin D is 3200IU. Symptoms of toxicity include loss of appetite, excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, irritability, weakness and weight loss, however these are not commonly seen. These symptoms were often seen during decades when parents would give their children massive doses of cod liver oil to prevent rickets.*

*Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, NHMRC 2006

Q: Is Calcia sold in other countries?

Nycomed is distributing similar calcium and calcium+ vitamin D formulations in many European markets under various names. However, in Australia it is known as Calcia.

Q: What is the RDI (recommended daily intake) for Vitamin D?

Q: What is the RDI (recommended daily intake) for calcium?

Q: What are the other sources of calcium?

Calcium is found predominantly in milk and milk-based foods, with smaller amounts in bony fish, legumes and certain nuts, fortified soy beverages and breakfast cereals.

Q: What are the other sources of vitamin D?

For most Australians, the main source of vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight. Small quantities of vitamin D can also be obtained from a limited range of foods such as fatty fish, liver, eggs and fortified foods.

Q: Should I be taking Calcia?

Please check RDI table for calcium and Vitamin D. Calcium RDI for adult woman and man varies from 1000mg to 1300mg. Intakes of calcium in adults in Australia average about 850mg of which about 40% comes from non-milk sources.*

*Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, NHMRC 2006