Aristocal D 500mg/200IU Tablet — Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin D3 by Beximco

Aristocal D 500mg/200IU Tablet — Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin D3 | Beximco Pharmaceuticals

Overview

Aristocal D 500mg/200IU Tablet is a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement manufactured by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Each tablet provides Calcium Carbonate 500 mg (equivalent to 200 mg elemental calcium) and Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) 200 IU. This combination is particularly important for patients with type 2 diabetes because diabetes medications — especially long-term Metformin use — can reduce Vitamin B12 and affect calcium-vitamin D metabolism. Additionally, Vitamin D deficiency is extremely prevalent in Bangladesh and has been linked to impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Aristocal D addresses both calcium deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency in a single convenient tablet.

Indications

• Calcium and Vitamin D3 Deficiency — the most common supplement need in Bangladesh
• Osteoporosis Prevention & Treatment — especially in postmenopausal women and elderly
• Rickets & Osteomalacia — bone softening due to calcium/D3 deficiency
• Diabetic Patients on Long-Term Metformin — Vitamin D supplementation supports insulin sensitivity
• Pregnancy & Lactation — increased calcium and D3 requirements
• Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis Prevention — steroid users need calcium + D3 supplementation
• Hypoparathyroidism — as adjunct to maintain serum calcium

Key Benefits

• Provides 200 mg elemental calcium per tablet — easily absorbed with food
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) enhances intestinal calcium absorption by up to 30–40%
• Vitamin D deficiency common in Bangladesh — Aristocal D corrects both deficiencies together
• Research links Vitamin D sufficiency to improved insulin secretion and reduced T2DM risk
• Safe for long-term use in recommended doses
• OTC — no prescription required; available for direct purchase at DiabetesStore.com.bd

Pharmacology

Calcium Carbonate (500 mg → 200 mg elemental Ca²⁺): Calcium is essential for bone mineralisation, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood coagulation. Calcium carbonate is best absorbed when taken with food (requires gastric acid for dissolution). It provides 40% elemental calcium by weight — the highest among calcium salts.

Cholecalciferol / Vitamin D3 (200 IU): Vitamin D3 is converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D), and then in the kidneys to the active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol). Calcitriol stimulates intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption, promotes renal calcium reabsorption, and maintains bone calcium mineralisation. Critically, calcitriol receptors are present on pancreatic beta-cells — vitamin D sufficiency is associated with improved beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) is present in over 70% of Bangladeshis due to dietary inadequacy and limited sun exposure in urban populations.

Dosage & Administration

Important: Take with meals. Space calcium supplements at least 2 hours apart from iron supplements, thyroid medicines (levothyroxine), and certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) as calcium reduces their absorption.

Special Populations

• Diabetic Patients on Metformin: Long-term Metformin may reduce calcium absorption in some individuals. Regular Aristocal D supplementation is beneficial and safe.
• Elderly: Adults over 60 may need higher doses (1000–1200 mg elemental Ca + 800–1000 IU D3/day) — use Aristocal D alongside other D3 supplements as needed.
• Postmenopausal Women: Key target group for osteoporosis prevention — typically need 1000 mg elemental Ca + 800 IU D3/day; Aristocal D provides part of this requirement.
• Pregnant/Lactating Women: Safe and recommended; Vitamin D3 is crucial for fetal bone development.
• Renal Impairment: Avoid calcium carbonate supplements in patients with hypercalcaemia or hypercalciuria. Consult physician for advanced CKD — active Vitamin D (calcitriol, e.g., Colitrol) may be preferred over D3.

Contraindications

• Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium) or hypercalciuria (high urinary calcium)
• Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30) without physician guidance
• Hypervitaminosis D
• Kidney stones (calcium oxalate/phosphate type) — use with physician guidance
• Hypersensitivity to any ingredient

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

Common: Constipation, bloating, flatulence, nausea (especially on empty stomach).

Uncommon: Hypercalcaemia (with very high doses or renal impairment) — symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, confusion, nausea.

Rare: Kidney stones (with very high long-term calcium intake — stay well hydrated).

Storage

• Below 30°C, protected from moisture and sunlight. Keep in original pack. Out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why do diabetic patients need calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements?
Patients with type 2 diabetes have several reasons to take Aristocal D: (1) Vitamin D deficiency impairs insulin secretion and worsens insulin resistance; (2) Long-term Metformin use reduces Vitamin B12 and may affect calcium metabolism; (3) Diabetes increases risk of osteoporosis and fractures; (4) Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in Bangladesh (>70% of urban population). Aristocal D is an affordable, effective way to address these needs.

Q2: When is the best time to take Aristocal D?
Take Aristocal D with meals — calcium carbonate requires stomach acid for optimal absorption. If taking two tablets daily, split them between morning and evening meals. Avoid taking calcium supplements within 2 hours of thyroid medicine, iron supplements, or certain antibiotics.

Q3: Is Aristocal D the same as Vitamin D injections/sachets my doctor prescribed?
No — Aristocal D contains Vitamin D3 200 IU per tablet, which is a supplementation dose. High-dose Vitamin D therapy (e.g., 50,000 IU sachets or IM injections) prescribed for Vitamin D deficiency is a higher therapeutic dose. Aristocal D is for prevention and maintenance, not for treating established severe Vitamin D deficiency.

Q4: Can Aristocal D cause kidney stones?
At recommended doses (1–2 tablets/day), the risk is very low. To minimise risk, stay well hydrated (8–10 glasses of water daily), do not exceed recommended doses, and consult your physician if you have a history of kidney stones. The vitamin D3 in Aristocal D does not contribute to stone formation.

Q5: Does Aristocal D require a prescription?
No — Aristocal D is an OTC (over-the-counter) supplement available without a prescription at DiabetesStore.com.bd.

Medical Disclaimer: Educational purposes only. Always consult a registered physician or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you have kidney disease, are on multiple medications, or are pregnant.