Algecal C Plus1000 mg+327 mg (Algae calcium)+500 mg+400 IU

Algecal C Plus is a combination mineral and vitamin supplement used to prevent and treat calcium deficiency and to support bone health. Its uses can be classified by the strength of supporting evidence as follows:

Established / Guideline-Supported Uses

• Prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency in individuals with inadequate dietary calcium intake or increased calcium requirements.
• Adjunct in the prevention and management of osteoporosis, where the added vitamin D3 component supports intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralization; Algecal C Plus is used as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, prescribed anti-osteoporotic therapy (e.g., bisphosphonates) when such therapy is indicated.
• Nutritional supplementation of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation, periods of rapid growth (childhood, adolescence), and other states of increased calcium demand, as advised by a physician.

Adjunct / Supportive Uses

• Supportive therapy alongside vitamin D and calcium management in conditions such as hypoparathyroidism or corticosteroid-induced bone loss, under medical supervision.

Algecal C Plus does not replace a balanced diet, weight-bearing exercise, or prescribed treatment for diagnosed bone disease, and should be used as directed by a physician or pharmacist.

Calcium Lactate Gluconate + Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin C + Vitamin D3 is a fixed-dose combination supplement. Each formulation typically supplies:

• Calcium Lactate Gluconate - a soluble calcium salt providing elemental calcium.
• Calcium Carbonate - an additional calcium salt providing elemental calcium.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - included as an antioxidant and formulation stabilizer, with a supportive role in collagen synthesis relevant to bone and connective tissue matrix.
• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) - included to enhance intestinal absorption of calcium and support bone mineralization.

The exact quantity of each ingredient (and therefore the total elemental calcium and vitamin D3 content per tablet, effervescent tablet, or sachet) varies by brand and formulation. Always check the product label or ask a pharmacist for the exact strength of Calcium Lactate Gluconate + Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin C + Vitamin D3 being dispensed.

Algecal C Plus is an oral combination supplement that brings together two calcium salts (calcium lactate gluconate and calcium carbonate) with vitamin C and vitamin D3. It is commonly available as effervescent tablets, chewable tablets, or granules/sachets, and is used to correct or prevent calcium deficiency and to support overall bone health.

The two calcium salts together supply elemental calcium in a form that is generally well absorbed, while vitamin D3 promotes intestinal absorption of that calcium and its use in bone mineralization. Vitamin C is added mainly for its antioxidant properties and to aid tablet stability and palatability (particularly in effervescent formulations), and provides a modest supportive role in collagen formation within bone matrix.

Algecal C Plus is intended for use under medical or pharmacist guidance, particularly regarding dose and duration, since excessive intake of calcium and vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia.

Algecal C Plus belongs to the therapeutic class of calcium supplements combined with vitamin D (mineral and vitamin supplements used in the prevention and management of calcium/vitamin D deficiency and as an adjunct in bone health disorders such as osteoporosis).

Calcium Lactate Gluconate + Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin C + Vitamin D3 combines complementary mechanisms of action:

• Calcium Lactate Gluconate and Calcium Carbonate: dissociate in the gastrointestinal tract to release ionized calcium, which is absorbed (mainly in the small intestine) and used for bone and tooth mineralization, neuromuscular transmission, cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction, blood coagulation, and enzyme and hormone regulation.
• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): is hydroxylated in the liver and kidney to its active form, calcitriol, which increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, promotes renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, and works with parathyroid hormone to regulate bone mineralization and serum calcium homeostasis.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): acts as a water-soluble antioxidant and is a required cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, which contributes to the organic matrix of bone; in this combination it also helps stabilize the formulation.

Together, the components of Calcium Lactate Gluconate + Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin C + Vitamin D3 are intended to correct calcium deficiency more effectively than calcium alone, since adequate vitamin D status is required for efficient intestinal calcium absorption.

Algecal C Plus is typically taken by mouth.

• If supplied as an effervescent tablet, dissolve completely in a full glass of water and drink immediately.
• Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing; granules/sachets should be mixed with water or a soft food/drink as directed on the label.
• Taking Algecal C Plus with or shortly after meals may improve tolerability and calcium absorption.
• If more than one dose per day is prescribed, doses should be spaced evenly through the day.
• Separate dosing from tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, bisphosphonates, and levothyroxine by at least 2 hours (see Interaction).

Algecal C Plus can interact with a number of medicines because of its calcium and vitamin D content:

• Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics: calcium forms insoluble chelates with these antibiotics, reducing their absorption and effectiveness; separate administration by at least 2 hours.
• Thiazide diuretics: can reduce urinary calcium excretion and increase the risk of hypercalcemia when combined with Algecal C Plus.
• Digoxin: hypercalcemia arising from calcium/vitamin D supplementation can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity and cardiac arrhythmia; caution and monitoring are advised.
• Levothyroxine: calcium carbonate can reduce levothyroxine absorption; separate dosing by at least 2-4 hours.
• Bisphosphonates: calcium significantly reduces oral bisphosphonate absorption; these should be taken well apart from Algecal C Plus (typically at least 30-60 minutes before, per the bisphosphonate's own labeling).
• Other vitamin D-containing products or high-dose vitamin D therapy: concurrent use increases the risk of additive vitamin D toxicity and hypercalcemia.
• Corticosteroids: may reduce calcium absorption and increase calcium requirements with long-term use.
• Aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids and sodium polystyrene sulfonate: concurrent use with calcium-containing products can alter absorption of either agent; separate dosing where possible.

Inform the physician or pharmacist of all other medicines, including other vitamin/mineral supplements, being taken alongside Algecal C Plus.

Algecal C Plus is generally well tolerated when taken at recommended doses. Reported side effects include:

• Common: gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, bloating, flatulence, and mild abdominal discomfort or nausea, particularly at higher doses.
• Uncommon/dose-related: hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria with excessive or prolonged intake, which may present as loss of appetite, thirst, increased urination, weakness, or confusion.
• Rare: hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itching); milk-alkali syndrome with very high, prolonged intake of calcium carbonate together with absorbable alkali; kidney stone formation with chronic excessive calcium intake, especially in predisposed individuals.

Patients should seek medical advice if persistent gastrointestinal symptoms or symptoms suggestive of hypercalcemia occur.

Adequate calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D intake is generally considered beneficial during pregnancy and lactation, and supplementation with products such as Algecal C Plus is commonly recommended when dietary intake is insufficient. However, Algecal C Plus should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if clearly needed and as directed by a physician, since excessive calcium or vitamin D intake (from this product combined with diet, prenatal vitamins, or other supplements) can pose risks to both mother and fetus/infant, including hypercalcemia. The potential benefit should be weighed against potential risk, and the treating physician should confirm the appropriate dose based on total intake from all sources.

The following precautions apply when using Algecal C Plus:

• Renal impairment / history of renal calculi (kidney stones): use with caution, as reduced ability to excrete calcium increases the risk of hypercalcemia and stone formation; monitoring by a physician is advised.
• Sarcoidosis or other granulomatous disorders: increased sensitivity to vitamin D can predispose to hypercalcemia even at usual doses.
• Immobilized patients: at increased risk of hypercalcemia due to bone resorption; use with caution.
• Prolonged or high-dose use: periodic monitoring of serum and urinary calcium is advisable with long-term use, especially when combined with other calcium or vitamin D sources.
• Avoid concurrent excessive intake of calcium and vitamin D from other supplements, fortified foods, or medicines without medical advice.
• Contraindications (hypersensitivity, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hypervitaminosis D, and conditions predisposing to hypercalcemia) must be excluded before use - see Contraindications.

Overdose of Algecal C Plus can cause hypercalcemia and vitamin D toxicity, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, increased urination, muscle weakness, confusion, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias or kidney injury. If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center; do not attempt to manage a suspected overdose at home. Treatment is supportive and should be provided by qualified medical personnel, typically involving discontinuation of the product, hydration, and monitoring/correction of serum calcium as needed.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Renal impairment: use Algecal C Plus with caution; reduced renal calcium excretion increases the risk of hypercalcemia, and dose individualization with monitoring is advised (see Precautions and Warnings).

Hepatic impairment: vitamin D3 requires hepatic hydroxylation to become active; patients with significant hepatic impairment may have altered vitamin D activation and should use Algecal C Plus under medical supervision.

Elderly: generally suitable for use, but elderly patients are more likely to have reduced renal function or be on interacting medicines (e.g., thiazides, digoxin), so periodic monitoring is prudent.

Pediatric use: see Pediatric Uses.

Duration of treatment with Algecal C Plus depends on the indication: short-term use may be appropriate for correcting a mild dietary calcium/vitamin D shortfall, while longer-term or maintenance use may be advised for ongoing increased calcium demand (e.g., pregnancy/lactation) or as an adjunct in osteoporosis management. The physician should periodically reassess the need for continued supplementation and monitor serum calcium with prolonged use.

Calcium supplements; Vitamin D analogs/supplements; Multivitamin-mineral combination products

Calcium Lactate Gluconate + Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin C + Vitamin D3 works by supplying elemental calcium (from calcium lactate gluconate and calcium carbonate) for absorption and use in bone mineralization and essential calcium-dependent physiological processes, while vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is converted to active calcitriol, which increases intestinal calcium absorption and supports bone mineral homeostasis. Vitamin C contributes antioxidant activity and supports collagen synthesis in bone matrix, complementing the mineral and vitamin D components.

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is commonly used in children to support growth and to treat or prevent deficiency, but the safety and efficacy of this specific fixed-dose combination, Algecal C Plus, have not been separately established for infants and young children. Pediatric use should be limited to age-appropriate formulations and doses, under the supervision of a physician, with attention to total calcium and vitamin D intake from diet, fortified foods, and other supplements to avoid hypercalcemia. Algecal C Plus should not be given to infants or young children without medical advice.