Does excessive calcium intake cause MBD?
Overfeeding reptiles with calcium alone does not cause Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). MBD is a disease primarily caused by calcium deficiency, vitamin D3 deficiency, or an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus.
While an incorrect ratio of calcium to phosphorus can cause problems, G-REP BONE was developed to prevent such issues by maintaining the proper ratio when mixed with recommended amounts of insect dusting and superfoods.
Tip: Major causes of MBD
1. Calcium Deficiency: Reptiles must consume sufficient calcium to maintain healthy bone and muscle function. A lack of calcium can weaken and deform bones.
2. Vitamin D3 Deficiency: Vitamin D3 helps with calcium absorption. Reptiles primarily synthesize Vitamin D3 in their skin through ultraviolet B (UVB) light. A lack of UVB leads to Vitamin D3 deficiency, which can cause problems with calcium absorption and lead to MBD. Therefore, Vitamin D3 must be supplied to pet nocturnal reptiles during feeding.
3. Calcium and Phosphorus Imbalance: The proper ratio of calcium to phosphorus is very important. Generally, a ratio of 2:1 (calcium:phosphorus) is ideal. If this ratio is disrupted, problems with bone health may arise. In the event of an excess of phosphorus, the body may siphon calcium from the bones to restore the calcium:phosphorus balance, which can lead to MBD.
4. Insufficient Nutrition: Poor diet or unbalanced nutrition is one of the major causes of MBD. This becomes a problem, especially when consuming excessive amounts of foods high in phosphorus or when calcium supplementation is insufficient.