common questions
What are the minerals and vitamins in ellactiva and why do I need them?
ellactiva contains Calvital 400, a unique bone-health mineral and vitamin complex that's easily absorbed by your body and has been specially formulated by nutritionists using the essential goodness of natural milk. The complex is rich in calcium, and when combined with calcium carbonate and vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium effectively.
ellactiva provides your recommended daily calcium needs in just two chews for women aged 20-45, or three chews if you're breastfeeding or going through the menopause.
Is ellactiva superior to regular calcium supplements?
ellactiva isn't a chalky, bulky tablet that needs to disintegrate in your stomach to be effectively absorbed. It's a delicious chew that makes it easy and convenient to get the right amount of calcium and other key bone-building nutrients.
Also, ellactiva is the only supplement in the UK containing calcium from milk, which is widely recognised as the best source of bone-building nutrients. Because these minerals are bound in milk to peptides and proteins, they're naturally easy for your body to absorb.
How many ellactiva calcium chews should I take each day and when should I take them?
Two chews provide 800mg of calcium, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for women aged 20-45 years old. Three chews provide 1200mg of calcium, the RDA for breastfeeding mothers or women that are going through or have gone through the menopause. If your diet has some calcium-rich foods but you want to make sure you're getting the recommended amount, take one chew per day.
As your body can only effectively absorb up to 500mg of calcium at a time, it's best to spread the chews throughout the day, preferably with or following a meal.
Are there any adverse effects to taking too many ellactiva chews?
The Food Standards Agency advises you take no more than 1500mg of calcium supplements a day. High doses of calcium can lead to stomach pain and diarrhoea and more than 2000 to 2500mg per day over an extended period of time can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, which may interfere with the absorption of other minerals, such as iron.
You only need two (800mg calcium) or three (1200mg calcium) ellactiva chews a day. ellactiva is a mineral and vitamin supplement and as with all food supplements it's recommended you keep them well out of the reach of children.
I love ellactiva and I take it regularly, should I worry about my waistline?
The good news is that each ellactiva chew contains only 16 calories. Two chews provide the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for women and are only 32 calories, and three chews provide the RDA for breastfeeding mothers or women over 45 and are only 48 calories - that's less than an apple! Compared to any other source of dietary calcium, ellactiva is the lowest-calorie way to get your recommended daily intake.
Are there any medications or supplements that could be affected by my use of ellactiva?
Calcium can interfere with your absorption of iron, so if you're taking iron, have your ellactiva chews at a different time of day.
If you're taking any other medication or have any doubts about taking ellactiva, just talk to your pharmacist.
I am already taking multivitamins, should I still take ellactiva?
Many multivitamins contain only small amounts of calcium or none at all, but check the label for the amount. Most women need 800-1200mg daily depending on age and there aren't any added benefits in taking more than 1500mg per day. Calcium can interfere with your absorption of iron, so if you're taking iron, have your ellactiva chews at a different time of day.
I am lactose intolerant, can I use ellactiva?
As ellactiva contains minerals derived from milk, it isn't lactose free. Each chew contains a very small amount, less than 25mg. If you can't digest milk but have no problem with yogurt, you'll be able to take ellactiva.
Where can I find ellactiva?
You'll find ellactiva at Boots stores across the country, as well as online at Boots.com.
What causes osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a complex disease and not all of its causes are known. Certain risk factors, however, are linked to the development of the disease or contribute to the likelihood of your developing it.
Risk factors that you can change are:
- a diet low in calcium
- a sedentary lifestyle without weight bearing exercise
- smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol
For more information see Osteoporosis.
Can ellactiva calcium chews help prevent osteoporosis?
Unfortunately, there aren't any guarantees that preventive measures, including taking enough calcium, will stop you from developing osteoporosis. While poor calcium intake is one of the risk factors, it certainly isn't the only one. Good nutrition with the right calcium intake, however, has been shown to be beneficial for bone health in all age groups, and beginning the menopause with strong healthy bones reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
I have already gone through the menopause, will ellactiva help me rebuild my bone strength?
With the onset of the menopause, bone mass begins to be broken down faster than it's being rebuilt. As a result, a woman can lose up to 20% of her bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause, making her more susceptible to osteoporosis. While you can't reverse this net loss of bone mass, getting enough calcium is an important step avoiding the acceleration of this process.
If I already have osteoporosis can ellactiva help me?
ellactiva is a mineral and vitamin supplement and not a treatment for osteoporosis. Calcium supplements of 500mg to 1000mg a day and low doses of vitamin D of 800iu a day however, have been proven reduce the risk of hip fractures in elderly women living in nursing homes, and calcium and vitamin D supplements are often part of the treatment regime for osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about how calcium supplements could help.
Can I give ellactiva to my child?
ellactiva calcium chews can be taken by children but in general we recommend that children obtain their calcium requirement from a balanced and varied diet, and principally from consuming dairy products.
Children do require calcium and other minerals for healthy bone formation and skeletal growth and their required intake increases from the age of 1 to 10 years. Reference Nutrient Intakes of 350, 450 and 550 mg/day are recommended for children 1-3, 4-6 and 7-10 years respectively. For adolescents (11-18 years) the Reference Nutrient Intake is 800 mg/day for females and 1000 mg/day for males, due to an increased requirement for calcium at a time of increased skeletal growth.
If you think your child requires supplemental calcium, ellactiva calcium chews are suitable but we advise that you first consult with your pharmacist.
I am a coeliac and have been advised to increase my calcium uptake. Are ellactiva calcium chews gluten free?
ellactiva calcium chews contain glucose syrup coming mainly from maize but some from wheat as well. The nitrogen content (an indirect measure of gluten content) of this is below 0.05%, which is what the legislation defines as a gluten free product. In light of this, ellactiva calcium chews are suitable for a gluten free diet.
Can I take ellactiva calcium chews if I am a vegetarian or vegan?
ellactiva calcium chews contain condensed skimmed milk and butter. If you are vegetarian and consume dairy products, ellactiva calcium chews are suitable for your diet. If you are a vegan, however, and refrain from dairy products, ellactiva calcium chews are not compatible with your diet.
