So I just opened this brand of calcium supplement (which was sealed), but I don't think I'm going to use it due to a concern of color and smell, even though it doesn't expire for another two years. I've never used this brand before, but having used other Calcium+D3 reptile supplements, I've never noticed what I noticed with this particular brand/container.
First off, the powder isn't white like other brands, it's grey in color. I also noticed a very strong smell that I can only compare to the smell of spray paint. I'm not sure if this is normal or not, but I decided that it's better to be safe than sorry.
Any communal thoughts on this brand? I also bought this brand's multi-vitamin (purchased at the same time), which smells and looks like other multi-vitamin brands that I've used.
I used Rep-Cal for many years, it's always been a grey color...but I haven't noticed any odor from it.
A cheap source if calcium is fruit flavored generic Tumms..it's basically calcium carbonate with some binding agents in it. I powder it in my coffee grinder....
Rep-Cal is a reputable brand. I haven't used their calcium but none of my calcium supplements have any smell that I'm noticing. The Rep-Cal herptivite that I have has a sort of fish food smell but it's a few years old now. I'd say if it doesn't smell right to you, toss it. The supplements are pretty cheap to replace. I've stuck with Repashy brand supplements for the past few years and like them.
It'd be suspicious of how they managed to remove the phosphorus from the raw material (likely achieved by solvent extraction) so the smell will be residue solvent (probably some kerosene and benzyldimethylamine has been left .... BAD). I suggest you return the bottle to the seller for a refund.
I haven't used RepCal Calcium or Vits, used AristoPet Repti-cal for years until they changed their process and I noticed larger razer sharp shards of shell in the mix, I still us AristoPet Repti-vite.