Common questions about Os-Cal
Q: How much Vitamin D do I need?
Q: How much calcium do I need?
Q: Why are you focusing on the hips?
Q: What do you mean by the claim "Only Os-Cal is proven to help reduce the risk of hip fracture by 29%"?
Q: What is the source of the oyster shell powder used in Os-Cal?
Q: What is the Vitamin D compound in the Os-Cal products?
Q: When is the best time to take Os-Cal?
Q: How much Os-Cal should I be taking?
Q: Does Os-Cal contain gluten?
Q: Is Os-Cal constipating?
Q: Why does your label state that Os-Cal 500/500 + D have "no sugar" when they contain corn syrup solids?
Q: Do Os-Cal calcium supplements contain lead?
Q: Why is there no magnesium in all Os-Cal variants except Os-Cal Ultra? I heard that it is necessary for calcium absorption.
Q: How does Os-Cal Ultra differ from the other Os-Cal formulations?
Q: Why does the Os-Cal Ultra label single out only "young adult white and Asian women"?
Q: Since it is difficult for me to swallow tablets, may I chew Os-Cal tablets?
Q: What do the various Os-Cal tablets actually look like?
Q: If someone is allergic to shellfish (oysters in particular), could Os-Cal be used?
Q: What is the dissolution of Os-Cal?
Q: Can men take Os-Cal?
Q: What are Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable?
Q: Why did you make Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable?
Q: How can Os-Cal Chewable +D say it is "sugar free" when sucrose is clearly listed as one of the inactive ingredients?
Q: What is the tolerable upper amount of daily Vitamin D intake? If I take two or three Os-Cal tablets with Vitamin D, will that be too much?
Q: What is the Wellness Matters magazine mentioned in the OS-CAL® insert?
Q: Am I getting calcium from my multivitamins?
Q: How do I choose a supplement?
Q: When should I take a calcium supplement?
Q: How much Vitamin D do I need?
A: Recommended levels of Vitamin D intake increase with a person's age. And while many of us think that our current intake levels are sufficient, over 70% of women ages 51-70 and almost 90% of women over the age of 70 are not getting enough Vitamin D.
According to the NIH, individuals at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency are:
- Adults (50 years and over)
- African Americans and others with darker skin
- Those with limited sun exposure
- Those consistently wearing sunscreen SPF 8 or greater
Click here to see the recommended levels of both Vitamin D and calcium intake for your specific age range.
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Q: How much calcium do I need?
A: Recommended levels of calcium are highest for individuals in their teen years as this is a critical period for building bone. Aside from those critical teen years, calcium intake generally increases with a person's age. And while many of us think that our current intake levels are adequate, more than 75% of all Americans are not getting enough calcium in their diet. In fact, 90% of women over 50 and 99% of women over 70 are not getting enough calcium from their diet.
Click here to see the recommended levels of both calcium and Vitamin D intake for your specific age range.
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Q: Why are you focusing on the hips?
A: Love them or hate them, a woman's hips are a vital part of her daily life. It was only natural to focus our attention on the body part that women were already focused on. Plus, hip fracture is a serious matter that can have significant negative health consequences. And only Os-Cal is proven to help reduce the risk of hip fracture by 29%.
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Q: What do you mean by the claim "Only Os-Cal is proven to help reduce the risk of hip fracture by 29%"?
A: This statement comes from a report on a landmark clinical study which was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health over a 7-year period. The study participants included over 36,000 healthy, postmenopausal women. The results of this landmark clinical study were released in 2006 and showed that those women that took Os-Cal as directed saw a significant 29% reduction in hip fracture.
A key learning from this important clinical study is that in order to maximize the bone health benefits of Os-Cal, including reduction in the risk of hip fracture, you need to take it as directed.
Click here to read more about the study, the results and how to make the results work for you.
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Q: What is the source of the oyster shell powder used in Os-Cal?
A: The oyster shells contained in Os-Cal are obtained by dredging only ancient oyster beds in offshore U.S. waters. The shells are carefully ground to a powder, which is the source of calcium carbonate. The oyster shell powder is combined with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients to present the calcium carbonate in a form that is readily ingested, disintegrated and metabolized by the human body.
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Q: What is the Vitamin D compound in the Os-Cal products?
A: The Vitamin D compound in Os-Cal is cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3).
Dietary supplements typically contain one of two types of Vitamin D: Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is the Vitamin D your skin makes when it is exposed to sunlight and is the form your body uses most easily. In fact, Vitamin D3 is up to 3 times more effective than Vitamin D2. All Os-Cal products only contain Vitamin D3. So you get the right calcium and the right form of Vitamin D from Os-Cal.
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Q: When is the best time to take Os-Cal?
A: For the best absorption of calcium, there is a need to space your calcium tablets throughout the day. Studies have shown that calcium absorption from calcium carbonate, the calcium source in Os-Cal, is best when taken with meals.
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Q: How much Os-Cal should I be taking?
A: The generalized guidelines on the amount of calcium you should be getting suggest a daily intake of 1000-1500 mg of calcium per day. It is always best to consult with your doctor on what your specific calcium requirements may be.
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Q: Does Os-Cal contain gluten?
A: All Os-Cal variants, Os-Cal Ultra, Os-Cal 500 + D, Os-Cal 500 + Extra D caplets and Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable, are gluten-free.
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Q: Is Os-Cal constipating?
A: Os-Cal contains calcium carbonate. And, while every woman's body is different, the same study that showed that only Os-Cal is proven to help reduce the risk of hip fracture by 29% also showed that there was no significant overall difference in gastrointestinal symptoms (such as gas, bloating and constipation) among users who had taken calcium carbonate and those who had taken a placebo.
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Q: Why does your label state that Os-Cal brands contain "no sugar" when they contain corn syrup solids?
A: Os-Cal contains an dietarily insignificant amount of sugar. According to the food labeling regulation, sugars that need to be included in the supplement fact box are described in the following manner: "Sugars shall be defined as the sum of all free mono and disaccharides (such as glucose, fructose, lactose and sucrose). Sugar content shall be expressed to the nearest gram. If a serving (number of tablets per dose) is less than 0.5 grams, the amount of sugar can be expressed as zero." Thus, Os-Cal 500 +D contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per dose. Listing of sugar alcohols (i.e., Xylitol) in the supplement facts box is voluntary.
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Q: Do Os-Cal calcium supplements contain lead?
A: Lead occurs naturally everywhere in our environment. All animal and plant tissues contain small amounts of lead, as does the soil from which plants and plant-derived foods are grown. Consequently, nearly everything that we ingest – including water, cereals, fruits, vegetables and dairy products – contains lead in some small amount. Many calcium supplements with the active ingredient calcium carbonate (the most concentrated form of calcium), including Os-Cal, are derived from sources where trace amounts of lead occur naturally. All of the raw materials that go into the Os-Cal product are assayed prior to manufacture to ensure that the trace levels of lead meet the permissible level established by the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), the body responsible for determining standards for strength and purity of drugs and supplements in the United States. The USP has set the lead tolerance level for calcium carbonate at 3 ppm (parts per million). By employing scrupulous quality-control procedures, every batch of Os-Cal falls well below the 3 ppm level.
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Q: Why is there no magnesium in all Os-Cal variants except Os-Cal Ultra? I heard that it is necessary for calcium absorption.
A: Magnesium is required nutrient and is stored in bone. Magnesium is found in a variety of foods. Dietary sources include cereal, nuts, beans, avocados and spinach. Adequate levels of magnesium are usually consumed as part of a normal diet. Therefore, magnesium supplementation may not be necessary. If there is a question about your individual need for magnesium, it is best to consult with your physician.
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Q: How does Os-Cal Ultra differ from the other Os-Cal formulations?
A: Os-Cal Ultra helps maintain strong bones with 600 mg of Os-Cal calcium, Vitamin D, magnesium and six other essential bone health nutrients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Manganese, Zinc, Copper and Boron.
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Q: Why does the Os-Cal Ultra label single out only "young adult white and Asian women"?
A: Regretfully, due to federally governed regulations regarding required label content and format, and due to actual space limitations on the label, we are not able to provide all of the reasons for needing daily calcium on the OS-CAL® Ultra label. Presently, a standard in the supplements industry is to include information that educates calcium users about osteoporosis.The basis for the osteoporosis information is the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations on health claims for calcium and osteoporosis. From this source, "heredity and being female are two key identifying factors for individuals at risk for developing osteoporosis. Hereditary factors include race; notably, Caucasians and Asians are characterized by low peak bone mass at maturity. Caucasian women, particularly those of Northern European ancestry, experience the highest incidence of osteoporosis-related bone fracture. American women of African heritage are characterized by the highest peak bone mass and lowest incidence of osteoporotic fracture..." Since it has been determined that Caucasian and Asian women are more at risk from osteoporosis, the educational information on the Os-Cal label offers one way of reducing this risk for the most prone sectors of our society. Nonetheless, it is not our intention to offend any of our customers, and we are sorry if the label information has offended you. Since consumer reaction to any facet of our business is very important to us, we sincerely appreciate hearing from our customers.
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Q: Since it is difficult for me to swallow tablets, may I chew Os-Cal tablets?
A: Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable tablets are a good choice for those individuals who have difficulty swallowing tablets. The other types of Os-Cal are not designed to be chewed and should be swallowed "as is" with liquid.
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Q: What do the various types of Os-Cal actually look like?
A: Os-Cal 500 + D caplets are pale green, oblong caplets about 3/4" long. Os-Cal 500 + Extra D caplets are white, oblong caplets about 3/4" long. Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable are white, round flat tablets about 3/4" in diameter. Os-Cal Ultra caplets are periwinkle, oblong caplets about 3/4" in length.
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Q: If someone is allergic to shellfish (oysters in particular), could Os-Cal be used?
A: Generally, when a person is allergic to shellfish, they are allergic to a protein in the fish. The oyster shells contained in Os-Cal are obtained by dredging only ancient oyster beds in offshore U.S. waters. These fossilized shells haven't had living oysters inside of them for thousands of years, and they are carefully ground to a powder, which is the source of calcium carbonate. The oyster shell powder is combined with pharmaceutical grade ingredients and subjected to rigorous testing for safety and tolerability. This helps make sure that the calcium carbonate is in a form that is readily ingested, disintegrated and metabolized by the human body. Since the source of calcium carbonate for Os-Cal 500 + D and Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Caplets are taken from ancient oyster shell reefs and the shells are washed and oven-dried before being milled to supply the calcium, it is very unlikely that any of the protein allergens would be present.
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Q: What is the dissolution of Os-Cal?
A: The USP (United States Pharmacopaeia) has established a dissolution standard for calcium carbonate (which is used in Os-Cal) of at least 75% dissolved in 30 minutes. The mean percent dissolution for Os-Cal 500 tablets in one experiment was 87.6% in 30 minutes and 95.7% in 60 minutes. Although our products met the standards, many calcium supplements did not. In fact, dissolution and disintegration tests are performed on every batch of Os-Cal to make sure it meets USP standards.
Many people have contacted us after conducting their own "experiments" with Os-Cal by dropping the tablets in a vinegar solution. Our laboratory advises that acetic acid (which is typically found in vinegar) would not be expected to readily dissolve Os-Cal tablets. It is difficult to replicate the contents and conditions of the stomach to provide a realistic comparison.
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Q: Can men take Os-Cal?
A: Yes, men can certainly take Os-Cal. Approximately 25 million American women suffer from osteoporosis and its potential pain and disfigurement, and another one-third to one-half of postmenopausal women are at risk. Although 80% of those who have osteoporosis are women, men are at risk, too. In fact, five million American men now suffer from osteoporosis.
We all need calcium, and it's difficult to get what you need solely from your diet. It is generally recommended that adult men and women need about 1,000-1,500 mg of calcium each day, which would require drinking a little over three 8-ounce glasses of milk. Please ask your doctor about your individual requirements.
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Q: What are Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable?
A: Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable are light lemon chiffon-flavored tablets that provide 500mg of calcium and 400IU of Vitamin D3 per tablet in a chewable form. These chewable tablets are sugar-free. There are no calories, no carbs, no sodium or fat. Just like all Os-Cal products they are gluten free. Each tablet contains 400 IU of Vitamin D with the extra Vitamin D you may need for optimal calcium absorption. The bottles have pull-ring tabs twist-off caps.
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Q: Why did you make Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable?
A: This product will benefit those who have trouble swallowing pills and the 70% of women over 50 that do not get enough Vitamin D. Those at increased risk of Vitamin D deficiency are:
- Those with limited sun exposure
- People who wear sunscreen
- African Americans and others with darker skin
- People over 50
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Q: How can Os-Cal 500 + Extra D Chewable claim to be "sugar free" when sucrose is clearly listed as one of the inactive ingredients?
A: The product contains a dietarily insignificant amount of sucrose. The actual amount of sugar in the Os-Cal® 500 + Extra D Chewable tablets is 0.46 g per tablet (sucrose .002 g, isomalt .052 g and sorbitol .409 g), which is under the .5g threshold established by the FDA that permits a "no sugar" claim.
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Q: What is the tolerable upper amount of daily Vitamin D intake? If I take two or three Os-Cal tablets with Vitamin D, will that be too much?
A: It is generally recognized that the tolerable upper intake of Vitamin D from dietary sources and supplements combined is around 2000 IU. Therefore, taking two or three of these tablets per day will provide between 800 and 1200 IU per day, well below the safe upper intake limits recommended by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
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Q: What is the Wellness Matters magazine mentioned in the OS-CAL® insert?
A: By filling out the insert in the Os-Cal box or calling the toll-free number, 1-888-OSCAL4ME (1-888-672-2546), you will receive our magazine, Wellness Matters. Each issue is packed with healthy living topics, tips, money-saving coupons, special offers and so much more. And the subscription is absolutely free courtesy of Os-Cal.
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Q: Am I getting calcium from my multivitamins?
A: Maybe, but probably not enough. Read the label. The majority of multivitamins only contain only 20% of your daily need. Multivitamins may provide additional nutrients and vitamins that your body needs, but if your diet is low in calcium, you may need to take a separate calcium supplement.
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Q: How do I choose a supplement?
A: The key is to choose a supplement that you will actually take every day. Taking a supplement at mealtime is a convenient way to remember your daily calcium. The most concentrated type of calcium salt is calcium carbonate, which is the calcium in Os-Cal and it is most effective if taken with a meal.Vitamin D is found mainly in fortified dairy products, cod liver oil and fatty fish, and is manufactured by the body in response to sunlight. Generally, about 15 minutes of direct sunlight per day gives you the Vitamin D you need. However, the elderly, the homebound, and those with darker skin color, in particular, often do not get enough Vitamin D. Also, during the winter season, the sunlight in the northern parts of the United States is not intense enough to build up Vitamin D in your body. If you think you are not getting enough Vitamin D, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. You may also consider taking Os-Cal 500 + Extra D caplets or chewables.
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Q: When should I take a calcium supplement?
A: If you aren't getting enough calcium from your diet, you need to take a calcium supplement every day. Here are some tips to help you remember:
- Take your calcium supplement with meals. For example, calcium carbonate is most effective with meals, and studies have shown that it is better absorbed with food.
- Take your calcium supplement in divided doses throughout the day. The body can absorb only so much calcium at one time, so try taking a supplement with two or three of your meals each day, depending on your calcium needs.
- Try keeping your calcium supplement in several places (bathroom, kitchen, purse) so that, if you do forget, you can have it handy.
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