Calcium-Active Citrate. Price, instruction, reviews

Calcium Active Citrate is a food supplement that is capable of in a short time make up for calcium deficiency, eliminating the symptoms of hypocalcemia. Before purchasing a product, it is necessary to find out not only its price, but also how the product works, how it differs from other calcium-containing drugs and when it is advisable to use it.

Release form

Calcium Active Citrate (its price is available for a wide range of consumers) - products of a Russian company "Diod", specializing in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements and medicinal cosmetics. The drug is produced in the form of oblong white tablets with darker inclusions, placed in a blister and in a cardboard box.

The package says:

• name of the drug;
• number of tablets (36 pcs.);
• weight of the 1st tablet (1.4g);
• active substances (calcium - 250 Mg, vitamin D3 - 100 IU);
• main areas of application.

The preparation is accompanied by detailed instructions regarding:

• indications;
• contraindications;
• optimal doses;
• reception schemes;
• possible side effects.

Chemical composition

The composition of Calcium Active Citrate contains a balanced complex of minerals and plant extracts that provide a high degree of bioavailability of dietary supplements and a minimum amount contraindications.

It also contains auxiliary substances necessary to give the tablets mechanical strength, disintegration, in particular:

Component	Description
Calcium Citrate (Calcium Citrate)	Active substance, an organic salt obtained from the chemical reaction of calcium hydroxide or carbonate and citric acid with the chemical formula Ca3(C6H5O7)2. It is a colorless fine crystalline powder of sourish taste, poorly soluble in water.
Colecalciferol (vitamin D3)	The active substance, a white crystalline powder, soluble in alcohol and vegetable oils, acquires biological activity when interacting with liver enzymes.
Dried amaranth (shiritsa)	Auxiliary substance, powder or granules of light brown color with a specific spicy taste and smell.
Calcium stearate (E470)	A white excipient obtained by the chemical reaction of calcium salt and stearic acid. It is used to combine all components of the drug, prevent caking, give tablets a stable shape and the desired density.

Pharmacological properties

Calcium-Active Citrate, the price of which is low, is used in all cases when it is necessary to normalize the calcium level. The therapeutic effect is achieved due to the following properties of its components:

Component	Impact
Calcium citrate	The main source of calcium, which compares favorably with its counterparts in a high degree of absorption and a small number of contraindications, not contributing, unlike them, to the development of urolithiasis. Its positive qualities also include the ability to: dissolve kidney stones; accelerate the absorption of vitamin C; ensure normal blood clotting.
Vitamin D3	It is known as a regulator of metabolic processes in the body, stimulating the absorption of calcium, increasing the permeability of the intestinal epithelium for it. Besides: it is responsible for the elimination of calcium and phosphorus from the body; without it, the normal work of the parathyroid glands is impossible; D3 is actively involved in the synthesis of ATP - a substance that is a source of energy for all biochemical reactions that ensure the vital activity of the body.
Dried amaranth	It is not only an additional source of plant calcium (100 g of the finished product contains 160 mg of this trace element), but also other minerals necessary for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis (magnesium, zinc), as well as for their better assimilation. Amaranth is rich in: phosphorus; manganese; copper; iron; vitamins B2 and B6; vegetable proteins. It is known as a herbal remedy that has the following effects: fortifying; hemostatic; tonic. All these qualities are fully preserved in dried amaranth.

Pharmacodynamics

Getting into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall, calcium citrate replenishes the deficiency of calcium ions, which has arisen due to the following reasons:

Cause	Description
Functional	high physical activity; a period of accelerated growth; loss with menstrual blood in women; leaching from the bone in old age.
Pathological	injuries associated with bone fractures; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to disorders of absorption processes; decreased reabsorption (reabsorption) of calcium in the kidneys.
External	lack of nutrition; absence in the diet of foods - sources of calcium; unsatisfactory ecological situation; water pollution.

In turn, vitamin D3 regulates this process, and amaranth provides additional calcium from plant origin and at the same time creates optimal conditions for its assimilation, saturating the body with other useful substances necessary for normal metabolism substances.

Calcium and vitamin D are mutually potentiating components of the preparation. In addition, only with such a combination is their absorption possible (absorption through the intestinal wall into the blood).

Pharmacokinetics

After taking the pill and getting it into the stomach, calcium citrate (about 70% of the total amount) breaks down under the action of digestive acids with the formation of calcium ions, which under the influence of vitamin D3 are easily absorbed through the intestinal walls and penetrate into all tissues with the blood organism.

About 99% of calcium is deposited in rigid structures, the remaining 1% gets into intra- and extracellular fluids, and citrate (included in the Krebs cycle) becomes a source of energy for cells.

Calcium citrate, which remains unchanged, is eliminated from the body, mainly with feces (80%) and urine, a small amount is excreted by the sweat glands.

Vitamin D3 (approximately 80%) is absorbed in the small intestine and, entering the liver and kidneys with the bloodstream, forms active metabolites that regulate calcium metabolism.

A small amount of vitamin D3, which has retained its original form, is stored in adipose and muscle tissues. Excretion of metabolites is carried out by the intestines and kidneys.

Indications for use

Calcium Active Citrate (the average price of the product is 250-300 rubles) is indicated for hypocalcemia, which can be manifested by the following symptoms:

• thinning of the bone (osteoporosis);
• weakness of tooth enamel;
• bleeding gums;
• fragility and delamination of nails;
• dry skin;
• frequent cramps in the limbs;
• the appearance of large bruises after minor injuries and bruises (a consequence of a decrease in blood clotting);
• insomnia;
• deterioration of the heart;
• feeling of numbness;
• general depletion of the body.

It should be borne in mind that all these symptoms can occur for other reasons, not related to calcium deficiency. Before using the drug, you need to consult a doctor.

The use of the drug is advisable in cases when enough calcium is supplied to the body, but the process of its assimilation is disrupted due to:

• various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that impede the absorption of calcium ions from the intestine into the blood;
• there is no or decreased secretion of parathyroid hormone (hypoparateriosis), which regulates the amount of calcium;
• there are other endocrine diseases: thyrotoxicosis, pheochomocytoma;
• for a long time, drugs were taken that impede the absorption of calcium;
• there are various circulatory disorders;
• diseases of the kidneys, pancreas;
• vitamin D deficiency;
• disorders of calcium metabolism due to frequent stress, physical inactivity, excessive smoking and alcohol addiction

With the listed diseases and conditions, Calcium Active Citrate is able to normalize the level of calcium, but with in the absence of adequate measures aimed at eliminating the factor that caused hypocalcemia, the effect will be short-term.

The basis for prescribing the drug as a general tonic can be:

• skin diseases: dermatitis, acne, eczema;
• acute and chronic allergic reactions, manifested by redness, itching, the appearance of a rash on the body.

In addition, in order to prevent hypocalcemia, it is advisable to take Calcium Active Citrate:

• adolescents during the period of accelerated growth;
• athletes and persons engaged in hard physical labor;
• elderly people.

For the latter category (60+), calcium citrate is the best option, because, unlike others calcium-containing preparations, it is able to be absorbed even in the presence of gastrointestinal diseases and does not lead to the formation of stones in the kidneys.

Contraindications

Contraindications include:

• hypercalcemia
• allergy to the components of the drug, individual intolerance;
• age up to 12 years;
• pregnancy and lactation.

The last item is included in the list of contraindications due to the lack of data on the effect of the drug on the development of the fetus. At the same time, no such restrictions are imposed on its closest analogue, Calcium Citrate.

With caution, only on the recommendation of a doctor, the drug is taken when:

• kidney disease;
• achlorhydria (lack of salt acid in gastric juice);
• pathologies of the heart;
• pancreas;
• lungs.

At what age can the drug be used?

The drug can be prescribed for children over 12 years of age. There are no data on the possibility of its use at an earlier age.

Instructions for use, dosage

If the doctor does not suggest a different scheme and dosage, the drug is recommended to be taken daily for a month, 1-2 tablets 1 time per day with meals. At the end of the course, you must take a break for at least 10 days, and then continue treatment.

Side effects

In rare cases, with intolerance to any component of the drug, an allergic reaction is possible, which may manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• redness of the skin, rash, itching, swelling, scaly areas;
• temperature increase;
• shortness of breath, a feeling of heaviness in the chest area;
• feeling of a lump in the throat;
• difficulty swallowing and speaking, hoarseness;
• swelling localized in the mouth (lips, tongue), or throat.

If these and other signs of trouble appear, the drug should be stopped immediately and a doctor should be consulted.

It should also be borne in mind that there are a number of diseases and conditions in which the intake of any drugs containing calcium, including calcium citrate, can cause an undesirable reaction.

This is:

• tendency to form blood clots;
• severe kherosclerosis;
• hypercalciuria;
• oncology;
• active tuberculosis;
• gout;
• hypotension.

With these diseases, Calcium Active Citrate can be used only after consulting a specialist and under constant medical supervision.

Overdose

In case of an overdose, symptoms may appear that indicate hypercalcemia - an increased calcium content in the blood plasma.

These can be disorders:

• from the gastrointestinal tract: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, a sharp decrease in body weight;
• from the nervous system: sudden changes in behavior, depression, headaches, drowsiness, constant feeling of fatigue, muscle pain;
• from the genitourinary system: problems with urination.

When the first (weak) signs of an overdose appear, the drug is temporarily stopped until they disappear completely. With severe symptoms, a doctor's consultation is necessary; in severe conditions, urgent medical attention will be required.

special instructions

Before you start taking Calcium Active Citrate, you need to consult a doctor.

For his recommendations to be as complete as possible, he should be notified of the presence of:

• chronic diseases of internal organs;
• suspected symptoms of hypocalcemia;
• the time when they first appeared;
• allergies to the components of the drug, to any drugs and food;
• about currently taken medications.

To achieve the maximum effectiveness of treatment when taking the drug, you can follow a few simple recommendations:

• pills are taken with food strictly according to the scheme indicated by the doctor;
• it is advisable to combine the intake of the drug with an evening meal, since the highest level of calcium intake occurs at night. This will prevent the process of its washing out of the bone and, as a result, the development of osteoporosis;
• 2 hours before taking Calcium Active Citrate and within 2 hours after it, you should refrain from consuming intoxicants drinks, since ethyl alcohol has the ability to slow down the absorption of drug components through the walls intestines;
• tea and coffee have a similar effect: for this reason, it is undesirable to drink a tablet with these drinks, replacing them with clean water at room temperature;
• it is important to choose the right diet, composing it from products that contribute to the rapid and complete absorption of calcium: oil, eggs, milk, fish, fatty fish, vegetables;
• with a deficiency of protein food, subject to a strict vegetarian diet, when a large amount of sorrel, rhubarb, spinach is included in the diet, the assimilation process slows down.

If the appointment time was missed, then:

• you can take a pill as soon as such an opportunity arises, if there are more than 12 hours left until the time of the next dose;
• otherwise - skip the appointment and then follow the proposed schedule;
• simultaneous administration of a double dose is unacceptable.

Drug interactions

Calcium Active Citrate (the price for a pack of 36 tablets is on average 250-260 rubles) is able to smooth out the negative the effect on the body, possible with the use of glucocorticoids, hormonal contraceptives, levothyroxine.

At the same time, it is undesirable to combine it with the reception:

• other calcium-containing drugs;
• antacids, which contain aluminum;
• iron-containing medicines (in this case, a 2-hour break is required)
• bisphonates;
• antibiotics based on tetracycline;
• levothyroxine;
• quinols;
• estramustine.

Analogs

Calcium-containing preparations (medicines and dietary supplements) are produced on the basis of organic and inorganic calcium salts. They may be in the form of tablets, powders, drops, gummies (for children), or may or may not contain additional ingredients.

The most popular ones are:

A drug	Description
Calcium citrate.	The closest analogue of Calcium Active Citrate, which does not contain, unlike it, vitamin D3 and amaranth. Among the advantages of the drug: high bioavailability; minimum of contraindications; the ability to provide a therapeutic effect even if the patient has diseases characterized by low acidity of the stomach. Calcium citrate is available in the form of tablets or powder, can be used by pregnant women, lactating women, and is widely used in children's practice (for children from 6 months). The following food additives have been developed on the basis of calcium citrate: calcium citrate with vitamin D3; calcium citrate with magnesium; calcium citrate with magnesium and zinc; calcium citrate with magnesium and vitamin D3; calcium citrate with currant extract And also medicines: calcemin, intended for the treatment of osteoporosis, containing calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, vitamin D3, manganese, copper, zinc; ostomed - for the same purpose. In addition to calcium citrate, the preparation contains vitamins D3, B6 and drone milk, which contributes to the proper formation of bone tissue.
Calcium carbonate.	A preparation based on an inorganic calcium salt obtained by its interaction with carbonic acid. Lacking the benefits of calcium citrate and having a lower degree of absorption, it is the most popular form of "pharmacy" calcium, due to the low price of preparations based on it. It is used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, in pediatric practice - for the prevention of rickets and dental problems, as well as an antacid agent with increased acidity of the stomach, to neutralize excess hydrochloric acid. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that with low stomach acidity, calcium carbonate is ineffective. Calcium carbonate preparations include: Calcium D3 Nycomed: Available as a chewable tablet with a variety of flavors and is used as a thickener bones, which improves the condition of nails, teeth, hair, normalizes heart function due to calcium intake, and also eliminates vitamin deficiency D3; Super Chelated Multi Mineral - multimineral complex in the form of capsules, including, in addition to carbonate calcium, about 10 microelements necessary for the body, providing a general strengthening and healing action; Alphadol Ca - gelatin capsules created on the basis of calcium carbonate obtained from oyster shells and alfacalcidol (an analogue of vitamin D, which is widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis). The drug is intended to improve calcium-phosphorus metabolism, combat hypocalcemia and eliminate vitamin D4 deficiency Vitrum Osteomag - tablets containing vitamin D3 and calcium carbonate (from oyster shells), as well as a complex of trace elements (magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, boron). The main purpose of the drug is to replenish calcium deficiency, normalize calcium-phosphorus metabolism; Doppelherz active Calcium + D3 with the addition of vitamins K and C will compensate for the lack of calcium, increase bone density, strengthens teeth, relieve cramps, improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal apparatus.
Calcium phosphate	This drug, created on the basis of an inorganic calcium salt (the result of a reaction with phosphoric acid) among calcium-containing drugs, is considered the record holder for the rate of absorption. Among its benefits is the inability to cause constipation and flatulence.
Calcium gluconate.	Or the calcium salt of gluconic acid - a remedy commonly used for hypocalcemia, as well as in cases where the need for calcium especially high (pregnancy, periods of accelerated growth in children), or there is a factor that provokes increased excretion of this mineral from organism. The disadvantages of the tool include: low bioavailability; a large number of contraindications; the possibility of side effects in the form of constipation, diarrhea, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Calcium hydroxyapatite	A drug developed on the basis of animal bone tissue with the addition of phosphorus and collagen, thanks to which it takes a shape that is as similar as possible to human bone tissue and is easily absorbed by it. Used to restore bone and strengthen tooth enamel.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

The drug is sold without a prescription, its shelf life is 3 years from the date of manufacture, subject to the following storage rules:

• temperature - room, up to 25^OWITH;
• humidity is normal;
• minimum light.

The product loses its therapeutic qualities under the influence of high temperatures, dampness, exposure to direct sunlight. In this case, as well as after the expiration date, it must be disposed of.

Price

The price of Calcium-Active Citrate will be higher than that of its analogues, since the technology of its production is complex. The average cost of 1 pack of 36 tablets in the capital's pharmacies is about 250 rubles.

Before making a choice in favor of cheaper, but less effective drugs, the advantages of Calcium should be considered. Active Citrate, thanks to which you can easily get rid of numerous problems that are a direct consequence of the deficiency calcium.

Video about Calcium Citrate

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