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 #2093166


TwilightRealm
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 Calcium Dust with D3 Questions

I’d been told before that powdering the food source with calcium dust with D3 occasionally was good for bearded dragons (and the rest of the time to use calcium dust with no D3), but I was reading the Nutrition Chart (beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html), and read this:

Quote:

Many calcium supplements and multi vitamins contain vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is essential to calcium metabolism, and is made in the Beardie’s skin by contact with sufficient UVB wavelengths. Plants contain another type of vitamin D, called D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D2 is not nearly as efficient (in fact it is really worthless) at metabolizing calcium, hence the need for D3. Research suggests that Beardies may not utilize much or any of the D3 they ingest (as given in a vitamin supplement), only that made by the UVB-skin interaction. Therefore, buying a calcium supplement that contains D3 is not necessary for the calcium metabolism. Products such as Solar Drops and Moon Drops are a waste for Beardies as it misleads people who think that they are making up for the lack of sun or other proper UVB access, and harms the Beardie who ultimately suffers from metabolic bone disease from inadequate calcium being metabolized.

Any opinions on this?



11/07/09  09:26pm

 #2093258


Winterborn
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  Message To: TwilightRealm   In reference to Message Id: 2093166


 Calcium Dust with D3 Questions

I’ve always believed beardies do not need vit D3. I’m aware too much can cause some major problems so I’ve only ever used pure calcium to dust my beardies food because it doesn’t contain D3.



11/08/09  04:18am

 #2093268


Newfgal
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  Message To: Winterborn   In reference to Message Id: 2093258


 Calcium Dust with D3 Questions

The only time D3 should not be offered is if you are using a MVB, mercury vapor bulb, these lights help them produce enough D3 due to the high levels of UVB they emitt. The UVB light will help the synthesis of vitamin D3 which will help your beardie to absorb the calcium that you have been providing in the diet. Without D3 the dietary calcium will just pass through without being absorbed very well. A combination of UVB lighting and providing some Vit. D3 in the diet is the safest way of ensuring that your bearded gets enough D3 but is not overdosed with it. Vitamin D3 can reach toxic levels if overused. this is why it should only be offered once a week.

Nancy :)



11/08/09  06:22am

 #2093294


Rebobinar
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  Message To: Newfgal   In reference to Message Id: 2093268


 Calcium Dust with D3 Questions

Where do you guys find the pure calcium? I can only find it labeled for geckoes only, is it any different?



11/08/09  09:43am

 #2093301


Newfgal
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  Message To: Rebobinar   In reference to Message Id: 2093294


 Calcium Dust with D3 Questions

I get mine from here....pure calcium This is the best imo....

Nancy



11/08/09  10:11am

 #2093467


TwilightRealm
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  Message To: Newfgal   In reference to Message Id: 2093301


 Calcium Dust with D3 Questions

Quote:

I get mine from here....pure calcium This is the best imo....

Nancy



Wish I knew that before I bought mine yesterday, but as far as I know, they’re the same (right?), just differently priced. I went with Jurassi-Cal Calcium (mentions having no D3 on the back).

Nancy, bit off topic, but how often should I give my beardie the multi-vitamins one now that he is a juvenile (but under a year old)?



11/08/09  07:02pm

 #2093489


Newfgal
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  Message To: TwilightRealm   In reference to Message Id: 2093467


 Calcium Dust with D3 Questions

The Jurassi-Cal Calcium is fine as long as there is no D3. If you use the Herpivite by rep cal for multivitimans, you can offer it twice a week for life as it contains no D3 also...link

If you use a different Multivitiman and it does contain D3 offer it once a week for life, no matter what the age, (unless you use a MVB of course) :)

Nancy



11/08/09  07:45pm


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