GROSSCAL

GROSSCAL is a precision-designed calcium-vitamin D3-zinc combination providing the three micronutrients that work synergistically for bone mineralisation, calcium homeostasis, and skeletal development.

Calcium Carbonate 1250mg (providing Elemental Calcium 500mg): Calcium carbonate is the most concentrated calcium salt — each 1250mg tablet delivers 500mg of elemental calcium (40% calcium content, higher than citrate's 21% or lactate's 13%). Calcium is the primary structural mineral of bone (constituting ~70% of bone dry weight as hydroxyapatite crystals), essential for neuromuscular function (action potential propagation), cardiac electrophysiology (cardiac muscle contraction), blood coagulation (Factor IV activation), and enzyme cofactor activity. Calcium carbonate requires gastric acid for dissolution and absorption — take with meals when acid secretion is highest. Elemental calcium is absorbed primarily in the duodenum and proximal jejunum through active vitamin D-dependent transport (transcellular route) and passive paracellular transport at high luminal concentrations.

Vitamin D3 250 IU per tablet stimulates the synthesis of calbindin (calcium-binding protein) and TRPV6 (epithelial calcium channel) in intestinal enterocytes, increasing transcellular calcium absorption from 10–15% to 30–40%. This is the essential co-factor for efficient calcium utilisation — without adequate vitamin D, even high dietary calcium is poorly absorbed.

Zinc (as supplemental zinc sulphate or gluconate): Zinc is required as a cofactor for alkaline phosphatase — the enzyme that dephosphorylates inorganic pyrophosphate in the bone matrix, allowing hydroxyapatite crystal precipitation and bone mineralisation. Zinc also regulates osteoblast gene expression through zinc-finger transcription factors, directly stimulating bone formation.

GROSSCAL is indicated for calcium and bone health supplementation across all life stages where calcium requirements exceed dietary intake.

Osteoporosis and Osteopenia: The foundational supplementation for all patients on anti-osteoporotic pharmacotherapy (bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide) — these drugs require adequate calcium and vitamin D to function effectively and safely. Without calcium supplementation, bisphosphonate therapy can cause hypocalcaemia.

Post-Menopausal Women: Accelerated bone loss following oestrogen withdrawal drives osteoporosis in post-menopausal women — calcium + D3 + zinc supplementation is the universal first-line recommendation from all major osteoporosis guidelines.

Pregnancy and Lactation: Foetal skeletal development in the third trimester requires 250–300mg/day calcium transfer across the placenta; lactation mobilises maternal calcium for milk production at 200–300mg/day — supplementation prevents maternal bone density loss.

Children and Adolescents: Peak bone mass accumulation occurs between ages 10–18 — adequate calcium during this window determines lifetime fracture risk. Children with dietary calcium deficiency (vegans, lactose-intolerant) benefit from supplementation.

Rickets Treatment and Prevention: Alongside vitamin D therapy for calcium-deficiency rickets and nutritional osteomalacia.

Elderly: Age-related calcium malabsorption (reduced gastric acid, reduced renal vitamin D activation) makes calcium supplementation critical for fracture prevention in elderly populations.

Dosage and administration should be as prescribed by a qualified doctor or medical professional. Do not self-medicate. Always follow your physician's instructions regarding dose, frequency and duration of treatment.