A randomised, single-blind, crossover comparison of the acceptability of the calcium and vitamin D3 supplements Calcichew D3 Forte and Ad Cal D3 in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND

Supplements of calcium and vitamin D are given to elderly patients in order to reduce the likelihood of osteoporotic fractures. The acceptability of the preparation is an important component of the compliance of such patients with their treatment.

AIM

To compare the acceptability of Calcichew D3 Forte (CDF) and Ad Cal D3 (ACD).

METHOD

This was a randomised, crossover, comparative study of two formulations of calcium and vitamin D. Patients took CDF for seven days followed by ACD for seven days, or vice versa, according to the randomisation schedule. At the end of each treatment period, patients used visual analogue scales (VAS) to indicate the grittiness, chalkiness, taste, ease of chewing, ease of swallowing and stickiness of each preparation.

RESULTS

One hundred and two elderly patients taking calcium supplements were recruited. Of these, 94 were suitable for inclusion in the efficacy analysis. The VAS scores were significantly lower for CDF than for ACD for grittiness (p = 0.0051), chalkiness (p = 0.0005), ease of chewing (p = 0.0001), ease of swallowing (p = 0.0001) and stickiness (p = 0.0001). These findings indicate that patients found CDF more acceptable than ACD. There was no difference between the groups for the taste score (p = 0.64). Overall, 79.8% of patients stated a preference for CDF, 10.6% preferred ACD and 9.6% had no preference.

CONCLUSION

Patients preferred CDF and found it more acceptable than ACD.