I know turtles/tortoises need UVB to create vitamin D3. There are several D3 supplements out on the market now. Can these supplements replace the need for a UVB bulb? or are there other benefits a UVB bulb can provide that a supplement can't. I've heard so many pros and cons. Any comments?
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UVB Alternatives?
DickWallace
Jan 10, 2005 12:56 AM
Replies (1)
mrand
Jan 10, 2005 08:17 PM
"I know turtles/tortoises need UVB to create vitamin D3. There are several D3 supplements out on the market now. Can these supplements replace the need for a UVB bulb? or are there other benefits a UVB bulb can provide that a supplement can't. I've heard so many pros and cons. Any comments?"
the one thing that most of us know for sure is that tortoises need calcium in their diet and they need vit D3. if either of these are missing form the animal's physiology, then it's only a matter of time before you see the signs of metabolic bone disease.
i personally think that natural sunlight with a varied diet rich in calcium is the best way to go. barring natural sunlight, i would choose UVb lamps. however, these have their pitfalls.
i would choose D3 dietary supplementation last -- especially over an extended period of time (years). it's a hard vitamin to dose, especially if you have growing torts or egg-laying females. it can be done, but i think people need to pay attention to the concentrations they are using and the frequency of administration.
it's certainly cheaper to go the supplementation route compared to the UVb lamp route. lamps are expensive and need to be changed out usually before they burn out.
matt
