Reclast® is the brand name for zoledronic acid, manufactured by Novartis. Used for treating and preventing bone disorders, this medication is designed to be administered by intravenous infusion once or twice yearly, or less often, depending on the condition. Taking a calcium supplement after you receive this medication is important. Calcium orotate is one of several supplement options.
Reclast®
Reclast® is classified as a bisphosphonate medication. It works by slowing bone deterioration, increasing bone density, decreasing the amount of calcium released into the blood by the bones and reducing the chance of fractures, explains MedlinePlus. It is effective for increasing bone mass in women and men with osteoporosis, and for treating Paget's disease of the bone. Doctors also prescribe Reclast® for patients after a hip fracture. Another brand of zoledronic acid, Zometa®, is prescribed for certain cancer patients. Reclast® and Zometa® are the same medicine, but it is supplied in different intravenous formulations.
Calcium Types
Calcium is an essential mineral, necessary for the health of bones and teeth, as well as for nerve and muscle function. Many types of calcium supplements are available, including calcium orotate. Suppliers of calcium orotate claim it has better absorption in the body than other forms of calcium. Andrew Weil, MD, Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, disagrees. Dr. Weil reports that calcium citrate is more easily absorbed, particularly by older people who might have less stomach acid. Another option is calcium carbonate, the most common and least expensive form of calcium supplement.
Orotates
Orotates are the mineral salts of orotic acid, which occurs naturally in the body and also is found in dairy products and other foods, explains the Global Healing Center. In contrast, citrates are derived from citric acid, and carbonates from carbonic acid. German physician Dr. Hans Nieper introduced calcium orotate and magnesium orotate, theorizing that orotates pass through cell membranes intact without breaking down and releasing their components prematurely. The Global Healing Center notes that conventional medicine considers Dr. Nieper's ideas controversial.
Before and After Treatment
Drink plenty of fluids to be well-hydrated before receiving your dose of Reclast®, and take vitamin D and calcium afterwards, advises eMedTV. Calcium is important for Reclast® to work properly, and to prevent the side effect of low blood calcium that can occur after a Reclast® infusion. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. You will need to decide whether paying extra for calcium orotate or calcium citrate is worth the potential better absorption, while keeping in mind that the claims for calcium orotate as a better supplement are not accepted by mainstream medicine.
Supplement Dosage
Take at least 1,200 mg calcium and 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D per day for at least two weeks after receiving Reclast®, recommends eMedTV. Dr. Weil advises that all women take calcium supplements on a daily basis year-round, not only after Reclast® treatment. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that men at risk for prostate cancer should not take calcium supplements, as a high intake of calcium is linked to an risk for prostate cancer.
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