Calcium combined with Vitamin D is a supplement designed to support bone health by providing two nutrients that work synergistically to build and maintain strong bones. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with approximately 99% of it stored in the bones and teeth, while Vitamin D is essential for the body's ability to absorb calcium from the digestive tract. Without adequate Vitamin D, the body can only absorb about 10-15% of dietary calcium, but with sufficient Vitamin D levels, absorption increases to 30-40%. In Nigeria, this combination supplement has become increasingly important as awareness of osteoporosis and bone health has grown, particularly among healthcare professionals in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Benin City who see a rising number of fragility fractures in elderly patients.
In the NAFDAC register
20 registered products
from 18 registration holders
What it costs online
about ₦10,165tablets
median of 6 listings
Also sampled: syrup (2 listings, ₦15,625–₦19,750)
≈₦167 per tablet (tablet/capsule)
0% since July 2026 · like-for-like
Sampled from 10 listings across HealthPlus and NettPharmacy and Supermart.ng · August 2026
Full price breakdown →Brands of Calcium + Vitamin D in Nigeria
Those 20 products from 18 registration holders include combination products and older listings; below are the most common brands.
Nature's Field (Sylken)Calcium 600mg + Vitamin D3 400IU · Tablet · B4-1465
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcivit | Vitabiotics (UK) | Calcium 500mg + Vitamin D3 400IU | Chewable tablet | |
| Caltrate | Pfizer (Wyeth) | Calcium 600mg + Vitamin D3 200IU | Tablet | |
| Calcium-D3 Sandoz | Sandoz (Novartis) | Calcium 500mg + Vitamin D3 400IU | Chewable tablet | |
| Nature's Field (Sylken) | Calcium 600mg + Vitamin D3 400IU | Tablet | B4-1465 |
Calcium + Vitamin D Price in Nigeria
As of August 2026, Calcium + Vitamin D tablets sells for about ₦167 per tablet online in Nigeria (packs ₦6,170–₦16,670) across HealthPlus and NettPharmacy and Supermart.ng — tablet/capsule ₦6,170–₦16,670, syrup/suspension ₦15,625–₦19,750. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.
Online retail (sampled)
Same medicine throughout — every listing contains Calcium + Vitamin D. The difference is brand and pack size.
Tablet/Capsule
median ₦10,165 · 6 listings
CheapestCalgovit Calcium, Vitamin C & Vitamin D3 500/200mcg Tablet x20(HealthPlus)
₦6,170PriciestNature's Field Super Calcium + D3 x100(HealthPlus)
₦16,670Syrup/Suspension
₦15,625 – ₦19,750 · 2 listings · ≈₦102 per ml
10 listings across HealthPlus + NettPharmacy + Supermart.ng · August 2026.
Unchanged since July 2026.
How to Verify Your Calcium + Vitamin D is Genuine
- 1Confirm that the product bears a valid NAFDAC registration number on its packaging — all supplements sold legally in Nigeria must have NAFDAC approval
- 2Verify the NAFDAC registration number using the official NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
- 3Purchase calcium and Vitamin D supplements only from licensed pharmacies or reputable health stores — avoid buying from unregistered vendors or unverified online sellers
- 4Check the packaging for the specific amounts of calcium and Vitamin D per tablet, as different brands have different formulations — ensure you are getting the strength your healthcare provider recommended
- 5Inspect the product for proper sealing, clear labelling, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date — do not purchase products with damaged or suspicious packaging
- 6For imported brands like Caltrate and Calcium-D3 Sandoz, verify the importer's details on the packaging and ensure the product has been properly registered for sale in Nigeria
Where to Buy
Buying Calcium + Vitamin D by the carton
Cartons are bought at Nigeria's four open drug markets. Each guide names the sellers there you can contact, and how to buy safely:
No shop we list has Calcium + Vitamin D on its confirmed product list yet — the market guides still tell you where the trade happens and how to buy there safely.
Wherever you buy, buy only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors — not roadside vendors — and verify the pack's NAFDAC registration before you pay. Buying Calcium + Vitamin D in bulk or for resale? See how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely.
Need Calcium + Vitamin D in bulk, or can't find it near you?
Tell us what you need and we'll connect you with a verified, NAFDAC-registered source.
What is Calcium + Vitamin D?
The need for calcium and Vitamin D supplementation in Nigeria is driven by several factors specific to the Nigerian population. Despite abundant sunlight (which enables the body to produce Vitamin D through skin exposure), studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common among Nigerians, particularly among women who cover most of their skin for religious or cultural reasons, office workers who spend long hours indoors, and dark-skinned individuals who require more sun exposure to produce the same amount of Vitamin D as lighter-skinned people. Additionally, many Nigerian adults have relatively low calcium intake due to limited consumption of dairy products — lactose intolerance is common among West Africans, and traditional Nigerian diets, while rich in many nutrients, may not always provide the recommended daily calcium intake of 1000-1200mg.
Calcium + Vitamin D supplements are available in Nigeria in standard tablet and chewable tablet forms. Popular brands include Calcivit (Vitabiotics), Caltrate (a Pfizer product), Calcium-D3 Sandoz, and Nature's Field Calcium + Vitamin D. While not on the WHO Essential Medicines List, calcium and Vitamin D supplementation is recommended by numerous international guidelines for the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures. The supplements are available without a prescription from pharmacies across Nigeria, including major chains like HealthPlus, MedPlus, and Alpha Pharmacy, as well as independent pharmacies and some patent medicine stores.
What is Calcium + Vitamin D used for?
In Nigeria, Calcium + Vitamin D is commonly used for:
- Prevention and management of osteoporosis — a condition where bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures, particularly in post-menopausal Nigerian women whose oestrogen levels decline significantly
- Maintaining strong bones and teeth in adults, especially those over 50 years of age when bone density naturally begins to decline
- Supporting bone development in pregnant and breastfeeding women, who have increased calcium needs to support the growing baby's skeletal development
- Preventing rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults caused by Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
- Complementary treatment for patients on long-term corticosteroid medications (such as prednisolone), which can accelerate bone loss and increase fracture risk
- Nutritional support for individuals with lactose intolerance or those who consume very little dairy, ensuring they meet their daily calcium and Vitamin D requirements
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The typical dose is one tablet once or twice daily, providing Calcium 500-600mg and Vitamin D3 200-400IU per dose. The recommended total daily calcium intake from all sources (diet plus supplements) is 1000mg for adults aged 19-50 and 1200mg for adults over 50. The recommended daily Vitamin D intake is 600-800IU for most adults and up to 1000IU for the elderly. Do not exceed 2500mg of calcium or 4000IU of Vitamin D daily without medical supervision.
Children
Children aged 1-3 years: 700mg calcium daily. Children aged 4-8 years: 1000mg calcium daily. Children aged 9-18 years: 1300mg calcium daily. Most children can get adequate calcium from a diet including dairy, fish with bones (such as sardines), and green vegetables. Supplementation should be guided by a paediatrician if the child's diet is deficient. Vitamin D: 600IU daily for children over 1 year.
Elderly
Adults over 50 should aim for 1200mg calcium and 800-1000IU Vitamin D daily from combined dietary and supplement sources. Post-menopausal women are at particularly high risk of osteoporosis and should discuss calcium and Vitamin D supplementation with their doctor. Elderly individuals with kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking calcium supplements, as impaired kidney function affects calcium and Vitamin D metabolism.
Calcium is best absorbed when taken in doses of 500-600mg or less at a time, so if you need more than 600mg daily from supplements, split it into two doses. Calcium carbonate (the most common form) should be taken with food for optimal absorption. Avoid taking calcium supplements at the same time as iron tablets, as calcium inhibits iron absorption — space them at least 2 hours apart. Adequate physical activity, including weight-bearing exercise such as walking, also plays an important role in maintaining bone health alongside supplementation.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Constipation — the most frequently reported side effect of calcium supplements
- •Bloating and gas, particularly with calcium carbonate formulations
- •Mild stomach upset or nausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Hypercalcaemia (excessively high calcium levels in the blood) from taking too much calcium, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and kidney problems
- Kidney stones — excessive calcium intake, particularly from supplements rather than food, may increase the risk of calcium-containing kidney stones in susceptible individuals
- Vitamin D toxicity from excessive supplementation (very rare at normal doses), causing nausea, vomiting, weakness, and kidney damage
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor if you experience severe or persistent constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting while taking calcium supplements. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of hypercalcaemia such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, confusion, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat. Also see a doctor if you experience severe flank or back pain with painful urination, which could indicate kidney stones.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Calcium + Vitamin D if you have:
- Do not take if you have hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels) or conditions that can cause hypercalcaemia such as hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, or certain cancers
- Avoid if you have a history of calcium-containing kidney stones unless specifically advised by your doctor
- Do not take if you have severe kidney disease (chronic kidney disease stage 4-5) without medical supervision, as calcium and Vitamin D metabolism is significantly altered in renal failure
- Do not take if you have known hypersensitivity to calcium or Vitamin D preparations
Drug interactions
- •Iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) — calcium significantly reduces iron absorption; take at least 2 hours apart, which is particularly important for pregnant women who take both
- •Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics — calcium reduces their absorption and effectiveness; space doses at least 2-3 hours apart
- •Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate — used for osteoporosis treatment) — calcium interferes with their absorption; take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium
- •Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide) — these reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys, potentially leading to elevated calcium levels when combined with supplements; monitoring may be needed
- •Levothyroxine — calcium reduces its absorption; take at least 4 hours apart
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation is generally recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding to support the developing baby's bones and teeth and to protect the mother's bone health. During the third trimester, the foetus accumulates about 200-300mg of calcium daily, primarily drawn from the mother's stores. If the mother's calcium intake is inadequate, her own bones may be depleted. Many Nigerian obstetricians recommend calcium supplementation from the second trimester onwards, particularly for women with low dairy intake. Standard doses of Calcium 500-600mg with Vitamin D 400IU once or twice daily are generally safe during pregnancy. However, do not exceed recommended doses, and consult your antenatal healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
Related Resources for Calcium + Vitamin D
Guides, articles, and tools related to Calcium + Vitamin D and other vitamins & supplements medicines in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Calcium + Vitamin D on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
- •British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Calcium + Vitamin D.
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).
Daily puzzle: Meddle — pair five brands with their medicines. New game at midnight.