Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I have a friend who has a green iguana. She is doing a great job with it, except that she is not using any UV lighting. When I told her that she needed it, she told me that she had gotten these vitamin D drops that supply vitamin D and thus aid in calcium absorption. I have never heard of these drops, but I somehow doubt that they are serving the function of UV lighting. Does anyone know anything about these? Any knowledge/personal experience would be greatly appreciated!

Kyle

The "cheater" drops are not as effective as promised.

Vitamin D is synthezised through UV rays. Supplementing it with drops will not cut it.

Calcium supplement with Vitamin D3 are ok once or twice a week, but the iguana NEEDS UV lighting.

Also, too much D can be toxic, hence why it is better to have the animals synthezize it naturally.

Tell her to drop the drops, and to keep the animal as she should. There are NO shortcuts with exotics, especially iguanas.

-IJ

They are worse than useless. Unfortunately, iguanas are NOT like humans. They CANNOT use vitamin D taken orally. Humans can, and this is why milk is fortified with vitamin D, so we can use the calcium in the milk. Iguanas MUST make vitamin D in their skins, preferably by 1 or more hours in direct, unfiltered sunlight. If you can't do that, then 12 hours under a UVB bulb is a MUST. The vitamin D drops just make you spend money, and trick you into thinking your ig doesn't need UVB. All the calcium rich greens, and calcium suppliments won't help that poor ig, that isn't getting the UVB he needs. We try and take Iggi out every day (weather permitting), for fresh air, exercise and SUNSHINE!

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Lamar, Debbie, Nathaniel and Iggi :>~

Thanks guys, that's pretty much the answer I expected. I will get her off the drops and under the light!

Cheers!
Kyle