Calcium supplement 300g

Description

Calcium powder supplement 

300g per container.

Calcium is an important element, providing key roles in healthy bones, muscles and nerve functions, especially in growing animals. Low levels of calcium (called hypocalcaemia) in reptiles commonly results in Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

Hypocalcaemia in reptiles can be caused by inadequate levels of dietary calcium or vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. Hypocalaemia can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as kidney disease. Seek veterinary advice if in any doubt.

Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease in reptiles is a condition where the body uses stored calcium from the bones, causing them to become weak and prone to bone fractures.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is the active form of vitamin D and is essential for absorbing calcium from food in the intestines. Vitamin D is converted (by the liver & kidneys) to vitamin D3 when the skin is exposed to the sun’s UVB radiation. Even with high dietary calcium levels, without adequate vitamin D3 levels, reptiles are at risk of Metabolic Bone Disease.

Exposing your reptile to adequate/occasional sunlight and using a specialised UVB bulb will ensure adequate Vitamin D3 levels for preventing MBD.

Some foods contain Vitamin D.

Calcium deficiency can be a major problem with captive reptiles & amphibians.

Phosphorus is also an important mineral, however it should be in lower amounts than Calcium.

The widely accepted range for calcium to phosphorus ratio in reptilian diets is between 1.5:1 and 2:1.

Normal feeder crickets have a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 0.33:1. That’s nearly 3 times as much phosphorus as calcium.

Fed a diet of these un-supplemented crickets, most reptiles would quickly exhibit signs of calcium deficiency.

Bugs Alive Calcium supplement is extremely low in Phosphorus (ratio Ca:P = 2,273:1), meaning a light coating will dramatically improve dietary calcium intake, improving the overall diet.