SargeUSMC
Hatchling Member
I've read this excerpt from the beautiful dragons nutrition page:
Many calcium supplements and multi vitamins contain vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is essential to calcium metabolism, and is made in the Beardie's skin by contact with sufficient UVB wavelengths. Plants contain another type of vitamin D, called D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D2 is not nearly as efficient (in fact it is really worthless) at metabolizing calcium, hence the need for D3. Research suggests that Beardies may not utilize much or any of the D3 they ingest (as given in a vitamin supplement), only that made by the UVB-skin interaction. Therefore, buying a calcium supplement that contains D3 is not necessary for the calcium metabolism. Products such as Solar Drops and Moon Drops are a waste for Beardies as it misleads people who think that they are making up for the lack of sun or other proper UVB access, and harms the Beardie who ultimately suffers from metabolic bone disease from inadequate calcium being metabolized.
Looks to me like they're saying that calcium wigh D3 is not needed. But I've also read herein abouts that D3 IS needed unless lighting is MVB.
Searching comes up with ao many results......so it's easier to just ask the question......if we're using Reptisun 10, are we getting UVB in the proper wavelength to allow for sufficient natural production of D3, or do we need to suppliment D3?
Semper Fi
Many calcium supplements and multi vitamins contain vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is essential to calcium metabolism, and is made in the Beardie's skin by contact with sufficient UVB wavelengths. Plants contain another type of vitamin D, called D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D2 is not nearly as efficient (in fact it is really worthless) at metabolizing calcium, hence the need for D3. Research suggests that Beardies may not utilize much or any of the D3 they ingest (as given in a vitamin supplement), only that made by the UVB-skin interaction. Therefore, buying a calcium supplement that contains D3 is not necessary for the calcium metabolism. Products such as Solar Drops and Moon Drops are a waste for Beardies as it misleads people who think that they are making up for the lack of sun or other proper UVB access, and harms the Beardie who ultimately suffers from metabolic bone disease from inadequate calcium being metabolized.
Looks to me like they're saying that calcium wigh D3 is not needed. But I've also read herein abouts that D3 IS needed unless lighting is MVB.
Searching comes up with ao many results......so it's easier to just ask the question......if we're using Reptisun 10, are we getting UVB in the proper wavelength to allow for sufficient natural production of D3, or do we need to suppliment D3?
Semper Fi
