What is Adcal-D3?
Adcal-D3 is a brand of tablet that contains calcium and vitamin D3, both essential for healthy bones and teeth. Adcal-D3 is offered to people who require more calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent conditions like osteoporosis or for those not getting sufficient amounts from their diet.
What should I eat before and after taking Adcal-D3?
The manufacturers recommend avoiding certain foods that are high in oxalic acid (e.g. spinach, rhubarb), phosphate (e.g. bran) or phytic acid (e.g. whole cereals) within 2 hours of taking Adcal D3 because they may reduce the absorption of calcium.
To snack look for foods that contain calcium and Vitamin D or are known to aid their absorption – such as eggs, butter, oily fish, milk and orange juice.
Ideas for a bedtime snack that would be suitable include certain fruits, white bread with honey or plain crackers and cream cheese. Chocolate does contain oxalic acid, so if you’d like to try an alternative drink at bedtime, you may opt for chamomile tea which is reputed to have a calming effect.
Foods to avoid within 2 hours of taking Adcal D3
Further examples of foods to avoid for two hours before and after taking Adcal D3 are provided below to help you make the right choices if you get hungry during that time:
Foods high in oxalate acid include beetroot, asparagus, spinach, rhubarb, chocolate, berries, celery, almonds, peanuts and cashew nuts, and grains such as oatmeal, wheat germ and whole wheat.
Foods high in phosphate include bran, processed meat, nuts, chocolate (including bars and drinking chocolate), cola drinks, malted hot drinks, crumpets, muffins and scones.
Foods high in phytic acid include grains, nuts and beans.
What time should I take Adcal-D3?
Another solution would be to alter the time that you take Adcal D3. For example, if you normally eat breakfast at 8am, it would be better to take Adcal D3 nearer 10am or immediately upon waking at 6am. At night, have an early dinner at 6pm, then take the medication at 8pm, and have bedtime snacks (and a hot chocolate too, if you like) after 10pm. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Answered by the Health at Hand team
Sources and further reading
Boost your bone power! – AXA Health
Vitamins, minerals and supplements – NHS Factsheet
Ask our health professionals
You’re not alone. We’re here to help you take care of your health.
Our email service allows allows you to ask our team of experienced health professionals, including nurses, midwives, counsellors, pharmacists and dieticians, your health related question.
You don’t have to be a member, and you can ask for yourself or anyone in your family. We’ll get back to you via email, usually within 24 hours, with clear information and support.