Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Prescribed To Take Calcium Pills And Cipcal. Suggest Medicines For Vegetarians?
Question: We are vegeterians and doctor has advised my grandmom to take calcium pills, cipcal (calcium carbonate 1.25g and cholecalciferol ip 250 iu) but it is from an organic source (oyster shell), can you suggest me the medicine which is ok for vegeterians, or are there none.
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting the query.
As mentioned, your grandmother is prescribed Cipcal, which is made from oyster shell. There is no harm in taking this medicine unless contraindicated by your treating doctor, as the process of extracting the required compounds from the shell makes it a refined product which is fortified as well. There are some vegetarian calcium tablets available in market; you are advised to consult with your doctor to select the best medicine for her.
You may include the calcium XXXXXXX foods like cabbage, tofu ( especially the calcium fortified varities), broccoli and other dark green leafy vegetables. Milk is also a very good calcium source, it may be taken in any form like pure milk, cheese or curd. Ensure that a high fluid intake is maintained.
Hope this would help.
Thanks for posting the query.
As mentioned, your grandmother is prescribed Cipcal, which is made from oyster shell. There is no harm in taking this medicine unless contraindicated by your treating doctor, as the process of extracting the required compounds from the shell makes it a refined product which is fortified as well. There are some vegetarian calcium tablets available in market; you are advised to consult with your doctor to select the best medicine for her.
You may include the calcium XXXXXXX foods like cabbage, tofu ( especially the calcium fortified varities), broccoli and other dark green leafy vegetables. Milk is also a very good calcium source, it may be taken in any form like pure milk, cheese or curd. Ensure that a high fluid intake is maintained.
Hope this would help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vasanth
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
