ReptileLifeEliteR Calcium+D3TM is a crucial nutrient for reptiles, and its proper intake is essential for their overall health and well-being.
Bone Health and Skeletal Development
Strong Bones : ReptileLifeEliteR Calcium+D3TM is vital for the development and maintenance of strong bones in reptiles. Without adequate calcium, reptiles can develop weak, brittle bones, leading to a condition known as metabolic bone disease (MBD). This condition is particularly common in reptiles that are not getting enough calcium or vitamin D3.
Support for Growth : Juvenile reptiles, in particular, need sufficient calcium for proper bone growth. Growing reptiles require a consistent supply of calcium to develop a healthy skeletal structure.
Shell Development (in Turtles and Tortoises)
Healthy Shells : For turtles and tortoises, calcium is essential for proper shell growth and maintenance. A lack of calcium can result in soft shell syndrome, where the shell becomes soft and deformed. Calcium helps in the formation of a strong, protective shell, which is crucial for the animal's protection and health.
Prevention of Pyramiding : Adequate calcium, combined with a balanced diet and proper UVB lighting, can help prevent pyramiding (abnormal shell growth) in tortoises.
Muscle Function
Muscle Contraction : ReptileLifeEliteR Calcium+D3TM plays a key role in muscle contraction and function. Reptiles need calcium for normal muscle movements, including heart function and mobility. Deficiencies in calcium can lead to muscle spasms, weakness, and other neuromuscular issues.
Prevention of Tremors and Seizures : Low calcium levels can lead to tremors, muscle twitching, and seizures. This is especially common in egg-laying females or reptiles exposed to prolonged periods of inadequate nutrition.
Egg Production and Reproductive Health
Egg-Laying : Female reptiles, especially during the breeding season, require extra calcium to produce healthy eggs. Calcium is necessary for the development of strong eggshells and to prevent issues like egg binding, where the female cannot lay her eggs due to a lack of calcium and subsequent muscle weakness.
Reproductive Health: Adequate calcium supports the reproductive health of reptiles, ensuring that they have the energy and strength needed for egg-laying and reproduction.
Nervous System Function
Calcium and the Nervous System : Calcium is important for normal nerve function. It helps in transmitting nerve impulses, and a deficiency in calcium can lead to neurological symptoms, such as lethargy, seizures, or lack of coordination.
Vitamin D3 Synthesis and Utilization
Synergy with Vitamin D3 : For reptiles to properly absorb and utilize calcium, they need vitamin D3, which is typically produced when the reptile is exposed to UVB light. Without sufficient UVB exposure, even if the reptile consumes enough calcium, it cannot properly absorb and utilize it. Thus, calcium and vitamin D3 work together to support overall health, especially bone development.
Prevention of Calcium Deficiency : Ensuring reptiles have proper UVB exposure and dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D3 can help prevent deficiency-related diseases such as metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Healthy Skin and Scales
Skin Integrity : Calcium is also important for the maintenance of healthy skin and scales. It plays a role in cell structure and helps reptiles during shedding (ecdysis). A lack of calcium can affect the quality and health of their skin.
Overall Longevity and Quality of Life
Improved Longevity : Reptiles that receive an adequate amount of calcium, along with proper UVB exposure and a balanced diet, tend to have longer, healthier lives. Calcium deficiency can lead to chronic health problems, weakened immune function, and shortened lifespans.
Ensuring Proper Calcium Intake
Dietary Supplements : Many reptiles require calcium supplements, either as part of their food or sprinkled on insects, to ensure they get enough calcium in their diet. Calcium powder, sometimes fortified with vitamin D3, is commonly used.
UVB Lighting : In addition to dietary calcium, reptiles must have access to proper UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3, which helps in calcium absorption. Without UVB light, even calcium-rich diets can lead to deficiencies.
Balanced Diet : A diet that is rich in calcium and low in phosphorus is important. Foods like dark leafy greens (for herbivorous reptiles) and gut-loaded insects (for insectivores) should be prioritized. Too much phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption.
In summary, calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, reproductive health, and overall physiological processes in reptiles. Adequate calcium intake, along with proper UVB exposure, is key to preventing common health issues like metabolic bone disease, and it ensures reptiles thrive in captivity. |
Shake well before using.
BEGINNER : Lightly mixed food before serving.
ADVANCED :
Carnivores : Add mammals and insects with 20 drops (2ml) for every 1g (1/32 oz) of food. Add boneless meat and gut loaded insects with 8 drops for every 1g (1/32 oz) of food.
Herbivores : Add vegetables and fruits with 1 drop for every 2g (1/32 oz) of food. Use 2-4 times more for turtles and tortoises and to increase calcium deposition in breeding or gravid animals.
EXPERT :
Carnivores or Herbivores : Determine phosphorus and calcium content of the food and add according to desired Ca:P ratio. To increase calcium content by 100mg, use 50 drops (5ml) of ReptileLifeEliteR Calcium+D3TM. For larger amounts it may be easier to measure directly 15mL (1 capful) adds 3000 mg calcium. For example, if offering food that contains 500 mg of phosphorus and 20 mg of calcium and the desired Ca:P ratio is 2:1, you would need to add 1000 mg calcium (5ml) of ReptileLifeEliteR Calcium+D3TM.
ADVICE : The following types of food impair with calcium absorption and should be avoided : phytates (soy), oxalates (spinach) and highfat dog or cat acidified foods. One dropper of the 50ml package is 0.1ml.
One capful of the 100ml package is 15ml.
One capful of the 250ml package is 15ml.
One capful of the 300ml package is 15ml.
One capful of the 500ml package is 15ml.
One capful of the 1,000ml package is 15ml.
One capful of the 5 liters package is 20ml.
One capful of the 20 liters package is 50ml.
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