Drug Class: Bone Health & Skeletal Support Supplement | Form: Softgel Capsule | Status: OTC Supplement — DRAP Registered | Pack: 30 Softgels | Manufacturer: ABS Nutritions, Pakistan
What is ABS Arical-Z?
Arical-Z is a daily bone health supplement by ABS Nutritions combining Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin D3, Magnesium Oxide, and Zinc Oxide in a convenient softgel format. The four-ingredient formula addresses the complete nutritional foundation of skeletal health — calcium for bone mineralisation, Vitamin D3 for calcium absorption, Magnesium for bone enzyme activity, and Zinc for osteoblast function and antioxidant protection. It is designed for adults seeking to strengthen bones, teeth, and muscles and prevent calcium deficiency-related conditions.
What is Arical-Z Used For?
- Strengthening bone density and preventing osteoporosis (ہڈیوں کا بھربھرا پن)
- Treatment and prevention of calcium deficiency (کیلشیم کی کمی)
- Supporting healthy teeth development and maintenance (دانتوں کی مضبوطی)
- Supporting muscle function and reducing muscle cramps (عضلاتی طاقت اور اینٹھن)
- Supporting bone recovery after fractures or surgery (ہڈی ٹوٹنے کے بعد صحتیابی)
- Reducing fracture risk in elderly and postmenopausal patients
- Supporting calcium needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding (حمل اور دودھ پلانے کے دوران)
- Supporting healthy nerve transmission and muscle contraction
How Does Arical-Z Work?
Calcium Carbonate at 900mg provides a high elemental calcium dose — the primary structural mineral of bone and teeth. Vitamin D3 at 400 IU is an essential cofactor for intestinal calcium absorption — without adequate Vitamin D3, most ingested calcium passes through the gut unabsorbed regardless of dose. Magnesium Oxide at 100mg supports the enzymatic conversion of Vitamin D3 into its active hormonal form — calcitriol — and is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions essential for bone mineralisation. Zinc Oxide at 20mg supports osteoblast activity — the bone-forming cells responsible for building and remodelling bone matrix — and provides antioxidant protection for skeletal tissue. The softgel format improves fat-soluble Vitamin D3 absorption compared to standard tablet formulations.
Dosage and Administration
| Indication | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bone health & calcium deficiency | 1 softgel | Once daily with food |
| Osteoporosis management | 1 softgel | Once or twice daily as prescribed |
| Pregnancy & breastfeeding support | 1 softgel | Once daily as directed by doctor |
⚠️ Take with food containing fat — Vitamin D3 is fat-soluble and requires dietary fat for absorption. Swallow softgel whole. Do not exceed recommended dose without medical advice. Do not combine with other calcium or Vitamin D supplements without checking combined daily totals with your doctor. Calcium Carbonate 900mg is a high dose per softgel — medical supervision is recommended if taking twice daily.
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength per Softgel |
|---|---|
| Calcium Carbonate (BP) | 900 mg |
| Cholecalciferol / Vitamin D3 (BP) | 400 IU |
| Magnesium Oxide (BP) | 100 mg |
| Zinc Oxide (BP) | 20 mg |
Who Should NOT Take Arical-Z?
- Patients with hypercalcaemia — already high blood calcium levels (خون میں کیلشیم کی زیادتی)
- Patients with kidney stones — high-dose calcium and Vitamin D significantly increase risk (گردے کی پتھری)
- Patients with hypervitaminosis D — already excess Vitamin D levels
- Patients with sarcoidosis or granulomatous diseases — increased sensitivity to Vitamin D and calcium
- Patients with severe kidney disease — without nephrologist supervision
- Patients on Warfarin — Zinc at 20mg may affect anticoagulation; consult doctor
- Children — 900mg Calcium Carbonate per softgel is an adult dose; paediatric dosing requires medical guidance
- Do not combine with other calcium, Zinc, or Vitamin D supplements without checking combined daily totals
Side Effects
Common:
- Mild constipation — Calcium Carbonate is the most constipating calcium form; increase fluid and fibre intake
- Mild nausea or stomach discomfort — take with food
- Bloating or gas — from Calcium Carbonate; take with a full meal
- Mild metallic taste — from Zinc Oxide content
Serious (Stop and consult your doctor if):
- Signs of hypercalcaemia — excessive thirst, frequent urination, confusion, muscle weakness (یہ طبی توجہ کی ضرورت ہے)
- Kidney pain or changes in urination with prolonged use
- Severe allergic reaction — rash, swelling, difficulty breathing (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Significant worsening of constipation unresponsive to dietary measures
Drug Interactions
| Medicine / Substance | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Levothyroxine (thyroid medicine) | Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc reduce absorption — take thyroid medicine at least 4 hours apart |
| Tetracycline / Fluoroquinolone antibiotics | Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc reduce antibiotic absorption — take 2–3 hours apart |
| Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate) | Calcium reduces bisphosphonate absorption — take at least 2 hours apart |
| Thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide) | Increase calcium reabsorption — combined with high-dose calcium raises hypercalcaemia risk |
| Digoxin (heart medicine) | Hypercalcaemia increases Digoxin toxicity risk — monitor calcium levels |
| Iron supplements | Calcium and Zinc inhibit iron absorption — take at separate times of day |
| Copper supplements | High-dose Zinc at 20mg reduces copper absorption — monitor if on copper supplementation |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why does Arical-Z use Calcium Carbonate rather than Calcium Citrate?
Calcium Carbonate provides a higher percentage of elemental calcium per gram — making it more space-efficient in a softgel. It is best absorbed when taken with food, which also minimises the constipation and bloating it can cause. Calcium Citrate absorbs better on an empty stomach but provides less elemental calcium per dose.
Q: Why does Arical-Z contain Zinc at 20mg alongside Calcium?
Zinc supports osteoblast — bone-forming cell — activity and protects bone tissue from oxidative damage. It is a clinically recognised component of comprehensive bone health formulas. However, at 20mg — which is at the upper range of standard supplement doses — do not add a separate Zinc supplement without checking combined daily totals.
Q: Can Arical-Z be taken during pregnancy for calcium support?
Yes, calcium and Vitamin D requirements increase significantly during pregnancy. The 900mg Calcium Carbonate per softgel provides a substantial calcium dose suitable for pregnancy support. Always take the dose recommended by your gynaecologist and have calcium levels monitored regularly.
Q: Is Arical-Z suitable for long-term daily use?
It is generally well tolerated for long-term use at one softgel daily. Periodic monitoring of blood calcium and Vitamin D levels is advisable with any long-term calcium and D3 supplementation — particularly in patients with kidney concerns or those taking other calcium-containing products.
Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting any bone health supplement, particularly if you have kidney disease, a history of kidney stones, hypercalcaemia, or are taking prescription medicines.