Shelcal XT
Shelcal XT is a tablet made by Torrent that contains Calcium carbonate 500 mg calcium + Vitamin D3 2000 IU + Vitamin B12 1500 mcg (mecobalamin) + Folic acid 1 mg (L-methylfolate) + Vitamin B6 20 mg (pyridoxal phosphate). It combines Calcium carbonate: calcium supplement, Vitamin D3: vitamin, Vitamin B12: vitamin, Folic acid: vitamin and Vitamin B6: vitamin.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calcium carbonate | 500 mg calcium |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 2000 IU |
| Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin) | 1500 mcg (mecobalamin) |
| Folic acid | 1 mg (L-methylfolate) |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 20 mg (pyridoxal phosphate) |
Calcium carbonate
What it is used for
Provides calcium for bones and teeth; also acts as an antacid.
How it works
The most common calcium supplement (40 percent calcium), also an antacid. Supports bones and teeth with vitamin D.
How to take it
Take with meals for best absorption; no more than 500 to 600 mg of calcium at a time. Count calcium from milk, curd and paneer too.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Wind
- Bloating
Get medical help straight away if
- Kidney stone pain
- Confusion, thirst or vomiting (too much calcium)
Be careful
Can cause constipation; keep 2 to 4 hours apart from thyroid tablets and iron.
Other medicines and interactions
Reduces absorption of iron, levothyroxine, ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, tetracyclines and bisphosphonates; separate by 2 to 4 hours.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Calcium needs rise in pregnancy and breastfeeding; supplements are commonly prescribed.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
What it is used for
Helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy; treats vitamin D deficiency.
How it works
Cholecalciferol, the form of vitamin D made in skin from sunlight. It helps absorb calcium for bones and muscles. Deficiency is very common in India despite the sun.
How to take it
Daily doses (600 to 2,000 IU) or weekly 60,000 IU for a few weeks to correct deficiency, then monthly as advised; take with the fattiest meal. Do not continue 60,000 IU weekly for long without a blood test.
Common side effects
Usually none at normal doses
Get medical help straight away if
Thirst, passing lots of urine, nausea, confusion or kidney stones (too much vitamin D raises calcium)
Be careful
High weekly doses are for deficiency only; too much over time can be harmful.
Other medicines and interactions
Thiazide diuretics with high doses raise calcium. Orlistat, liquid paraffin and some anti-epileptics reduce vitamin D.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding at normal doses; high-dose regimens only on medical advice.
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin)
What it is used for
Treats B12 deficiency, which can cause tiredness, anaemia and tingling in hands and feet.
How it works
Needed for nerves and red blood cells. Deficiency is common in vegetarians, older people and those on metformin or long-term acid reducers. Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin both work.
How to take it
Tablets once a day, or injections for severe deficiency or poor absorption. Nerve symptoms can take months to improve.
Common side effects
- Usually none
- Acne or rash rarely with injections
Get medical help straight away if
Allergic reaction to an injection
Be careful
Generally safe.
Other medicines and interactions
Metformin, PPIs and H2 blockers lower B12 absorption over time.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding; vegetarian mothers often need it.
Folic acid
What it is used for
Prevents and treats anaemia and protects the baby's spine in early pregnancy.
How it works
A B vitamin (B9) needed to make new cells and red blood cells. Taken before and in early pregnancy it prevents spinal birth defects.
How to take it
400 mcg a day from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy (5 mg if advised for higher risk). For anaemia, as prescribed.
Common side effects
Usually none
Get medical help straight away if
Allergic reaction (rare)
Be careful
Generally safe.
Other medicines and interactions
High doses can hide B12 deficiency. Methotrexate, phenytoin and some antibiotics interfere with folate.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Strongly recommended before and during early pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
What it is used for
Supports nerves and blood; given with TB medicines and for some nausea in pregnancy.
How it works
Pyridoxine, needed for nerves and making neurotransmitters; given with isoniazid and sometimes for pregnancy nausea.
How to take it
Usually 10 to 50 mg a day; do not exceed 100 mg a day long term.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
Get medical help straight away if
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (nerve damage with high doses over months)
Be careful
Long-term high doses can damage nerves (tingling, numbness).
Other medicines and interactions
High doses reduce the effect of levodopa (without carbidopa) and phenytoin.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Low doses are used for pregnancy nausea on medical advice; safe while breastfeeding at usual doses.
Most vitamin and herbal supplements in India are regulated as foods (FSSAI) and are not tested the way medicines are. More is not always better: check the dose on the pack, and tell your doctor about supplements you take.
Common questions
What is Shelcal XT?
Shelcal XT is a tablet by Torrent containing Calcium carbonate 500 mg calcium + Vitamin D3 2000 IU + Vitamin B12 1500 mcg (mecobalamin) + Folic acid 1 mg (L-methylfolate) + Vitamin B6 20 mg (pyridoxal phosphate).
What is Shelcal XT used for?
Provides calcium for bones and teeth; also acts as an antacid. Helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy; treats vitamin D deficiency. Treats B12 deficiency, which can cause tiredness, anaemia and tingling in hands and feet. Prevents and treats anaemia and protects the baby's spine in early pregnancy. Supports nerves and blood; given with TB medicines and for some nausea in pregnancy.
How should I take Shelcal XT?
Take with meals for best absorption; no more than 500 to 600 mg of calcium at a time. Count calcium from milk, curd and paneer too. Daily doses (600 to 2,000 IU) or weekly 60,000 IU for a few weeks to correct deficiency, then monthly as advised; take with the fattiest meal. Do not continue 60,000 IU weekly for long without a blood test. Tablets once a day, or injections for severe deficiency or poor absorption. Nerve symptoms can take months to improve. 400 mcg a day from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy (5 mg if advised for higher risk). For anaemia, as prescribed. Usually 10 to 50 mg a day; do not exceed 100 mg a day long term. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Shelcal XT?
Common side effects include: Constipation, wind, bloating, Usually none at normal doses, Usually none, acne or rash rarely with injections, Usually none, Nausea, headache. Get medical help straight away for: Kidney stone pain, confusion, thirst or vomiting (too much calcium), Thirst, passing lots of urine, nausea, confusion or kidney stones (too much vitamin D raises calcium), Allergic reaction to an injection, Allergic reaction (rare), Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (nerve damage with high doses over months).
Does Shelcal XT need a prescription?
It is sold as a supplement and does not need a prescription.
Can I take Shelcal XT in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Calcium needs rise in pregnancy and breastfeeding; supplements are commonly prescribed. Recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding at normal doses; high-dose regimens only on medical advice. Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding; vegetarian mothers often need it. Strongly recommended before and during early pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding. Low doses are used for pregnancy nausea on medical advice; safe while breastfeeding at usual doses.
What are the substitutes for Shelcal XT?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Calcium carbonate: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements · NHS · MedlinePlus
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): NHS · MedlinePlus
- Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin): NHS · MedlinePlus
- Folic acid: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): NIH Office of Dietary Supplements · NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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