Is Alcalak Calcium?
No, "Alcalak" is not a recognized calcium supplement formulation in medical literature or clinical guidelines. The term does not appear in any major guideline documents, FDA drug labels, or clinical practice recommendations reviewed.
What You May Be Referring To
If you are asking about calcium supplements in general, or possibly confusing the name with a specific product, here are the established calcium supplement formulations recognized by medical guidelines:
Standard Calcium Supplement Forms
Calcium carbonate is the most widely recommended and cost-effective calcium supplement, providing 40% elemental calcium by weight 1, 2, 3. This includes brand names such as:
- Tums (calcium carbonate) - recognized as a legitimate calcium supplement by the New England Journal of Medicine and American Journal of Kidney Diseases 2
- Generic calcium carbonate tablets 3
Calcium citrate is the alternative formulation, providing 21% elemental calcium, with common brand names including Citracal™ 4, 3.
If "Alcalak" Refers to Alfacalcidol
Alfacalcidol is NOT a calcium supplement - it is an activated vitamin D analogue (1α-hydroxyvitamin D3) used to treat vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism 1. Key distinctions:
- Alfacalcidol must be clearly distinguished from calcium supplements 1
- It is given in addition to oral phosphate supplements in conditions like X-linked hypophosphatemia, not as a calcium source 1
- Alfacalcidol should be given once per day due to its longer half-life compared to calcitriol 1
- The equivalent dosage of alfacalcidol is 1.5-2.0 times that of calcitriol 1
Important Clinical Caveat
Calcium supplements are NOT recommended in X-linked hypophosphatemia because bone mass and mineral content are usually not decreased, and there is potential risk of hypercalciuria 1. Nutritional calcium intake should be kept within the normal range for age 1.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a calcium supplement, use calcium carbonate (like Tums) taken with meals 2, 3, or calcium citrate (like Citracal) if you take acid-reducing medications 4, 3. "Alcalak" is not a recognized calcium supplement product.