Introduction
Calcium carbonate, with the chemical formula CaCO3, is a resonance-stabilised inorganic salt. It is widely used as a food additive, a dietary supplement, an antacid, and a phosphate binder. This compound is commonly found in organic substances and abundantly present in the earth's crust. Calcium plays a vital role in restoring bone health throughout one's life. While a balanced diet is the ideal source of calcium, calcium supplements can be considered if your diet lacks sufficient calcium.
What is Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium carbonate is a compound that consists of three primary elements: carbon, oxygen, and calcium. This chemical compound is widely distributed and can be found in rocks across the globe, mainly limestone. Additionally, it is a crucial constituent in the composition of various natural structures such as marine organism shells, snails, coal balls, pearls, and even eggshells.
There are various types of calcium compounds utilised in calcium supplements. These compounds consist of different quantities of calcium, known as elemental calcium. Calcium supplements commonly available in the market may be identified as:
- Calcium carbonate (containing 40% elemental calcium)
- Calcium citrate (containing 21% elemental calcium)
- Calcium gluconate (containing 9% elemental calcium)
- Calcium lactate (containing 13% elemental calcium)
What is Calcium Carbonate used for?
- Calcium carbonate is a valuable agent for the treatment of various conditions and disorders that result in low levels of serum calcium, such as,
- Osteoporosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- It serves as an antacid, promoting gastrointestinal motility and initiating peristalsis.
- In the small intestines, calcium carbonate acts as a phosphate binder and drug chelator.
- In cases of hyperphosphatemia or overdose, it forms an insoluble compound with calcium, preventing the absorption of dietary phosphate or excess drugs and facilitating their excretion in faeces.
- When used as a calcium supplement, calcium carbonate chelates with oxalate in the small intestine, preventing its absorption and the formation of renal calculi.
- Calcium carbonate also plays a role in the blood, treating or preventing negative calcium balance commonly observed in conditions with low serum calcium levels.
7 Foods High in Calcium Carbonate
Some of the calcium carbonate-rich foods are,
- Nutritional bars
- Baked foods
- Dry-mix (dessert mixes)
- Cookies and crackers
- Breakfast cereal
- Fortified beverages
- Soups and sauces
It is necessary to scrutinise the list of ingredients to determine whether a product contains calcium carbonate. It should be noted that not all calcium-fortified foods utilise calcium carbonate. For instance, Tropicana fortified orange juice incorporates tricalcium citrate as its calcium source. Additional ingredients used for calcium fortification include gluconate, lactate, and phosphate. Another form of calcium, known as calcium citrate malate, can be found in various juice brands.
If your calcium intake is insufficient or you have a medical condition that causes low calcium levels, calcium carbonate supplements can be a beneficial method to boost your calcium levels.
Conclusion
Calcium carbonate is a type of calcium used to treat many conditions. Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health throughout one's life. While a balanced diet is the ideal source of calcium, calcium carbonate supplements are recommended for the extreme deficiency of it. Before opting for calcium supplements, it is essential to clearly understand your calcium requirements, the advantages and disadvantages of calcium supplements, and the appropriate type of supplement to choose.
