# Calcium + Vitamin D in Nigeria

Calcium + Vitamin D has 8 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 7 registration holders; 11 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/calcium-vitamin-d/
- Drug class: Mineral supplement with fat-soluble vitamin (Vitamins & Supplements)
- Also known as: Calcium supplement, Calcivit, Cal-D
- Prescription required: no
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Calcium + Vitamin D tablets sell for about ₦273 per tablet online in Nigeria (packs ₦7,990–₦43,750) at HealthPlus and Supermart.ng; syrup ₦8,125–₦19,750. The online price is up 29% since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Calcium + Vitamin D?

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.

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?

- 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

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- 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: 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 (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

Do not take if: 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.

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.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Calcivit (Vitabiotics (UK), made in UK); Caltrate (Pfizer (Wyeth), made in USA); Calcium-D3 Sandoz (Sandoz (Novartis), made in Germany); Nature's Field Calcium + Vitamin D (Nature's Field (Sylken), made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/calcium-vitamin-d/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Confirm that the product bears a valid NAFDAC registration number on its packaging — all supplements sold legally in Nigeria must have NAFDAC approval
2. Verify the NAFDAC registration number using the official NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
3. Purchase calcium and Vitamin D supplements only from licensed pharmacies or reputable health stores — avoid buying from unregistered vendors or unverified online sellers
4. Check 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
5. Inspect the product for proper sealing, clear labelling, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date — do not purchase products with damaged or suspicious packaging
6. For 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

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Can calcium supplements help with arthritis and joint pain?

Calcium supplements are primarily designed for bone health, not joint health, so they are not a direct treatment for arthritis. However, maintaining strong bones through adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake is important for overall musculoskeletal health. Osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis, particularly in older Nigerians) is a condition of the cartilage in joints and is not caused by calcium deficiency. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that also requires specific medical treatment. That said, patients with any form of arthritis should still ensure adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake to protect their bones, as some arthritis medications (particularly corticosteroids like prednisolone) can accelerate bone loss. If you are experiencing joint pain, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis rather than self-treating with calcium supplements.

### When is the best time to take calcium and Vitamin D?

Calcium carbonate (the most common form of calcium in supplements) is best absorbed when taken with food, so taking it with a meal is recommended. If you take more than 600mg of calcium daily from supplements, split it into two doses — for example, one tablet with breakfast and one with dinner — as the body absorbs calcium more efficiently in smaller amounts. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it is also best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains some fat. Importantly, do not take calcium at the same time as your iron tablets (if you are taking them), as calcium inhibits iron absorption. Space calcium and iron supplements at least 2 hours apart. If you are also taking a thyroid medication, take it at least 4 hours before your calcium supplement.

### Do I need calcium supplements even though Nigeria has plenty of sunshine for Vitamin D?

This is a very common question among Nigerians. While it is true that Nigeria receives abundant sunlight year-round and the body can produce Vitamin D through sun exposure, several factors can still lead to insufficient Vitamin D levels. Many Nigerians spend most of their working hours indoors, office workers may have minimal sun exposure during the day, and some women cover most of their skin for religious or cultural reasons. Research conducted in Nigerian populations has found Vitamin D deficiency to be more common than expected. As for calcium, many Nigerian adults do not consume enough dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt) to meet the recommended daily calcium intake of 1000-1200mg, particularly because lactose intolerance is prevalent in West Africa. Therefore, supplementation may still be beneficial even in a sunny country. Your doctor can order a Vitamin D blood test to determine your specific status.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)