Calcium carbonate is a natural substance that some people also take to prevent calcium deficiency. Here we explain how you can use calcium carbonate and what special features there are.

Calcium carbonate (also called lime, chemical formula CaCo3) is a salt of carbonic acid. It is a substance that is one of the most common on earth. Calcium carbonate is found, for example, in the mineral calcite and in our bones and teeth. Calcium carbonate is also found in large quantities in the shells of crabs, snails, mussels and corals. Calcium carbonate is often found mixed with other minerals: together with magnesium, for example, it is found in limestone.

Calcium carbonate is mined (from rock) and also made synthetically. The salt is insoluble in water, insensitive to light and extremely heat-resistant.

Calcium carbonate: application of the mineral

Calcium carbonate is often prescribed by doctors when a person has a calcium deficiency. Various diseases, such as osteoporosis or an underactive parathyroid gland, can indicate this. Calcium carbonate can increase the calcium level in the blood.

As capsules, powder or tablets, you should only take calcium carbonate according to the package insert – depending on the package information, it is best with food or between meals. Even if there is no maximum dose for calcium carbonate, the daily dose of 1200 milligrams of calcium recommended by the DGE should not be exceeded.

Calcium carbonate is mainly used in the construction industry in the production of cement and burnt lime. Calcium carbonate is also used in the paper industry and in agriculture to prevent soil acidification.

Effect of Calcium Carbonate

The nerves as well as all muscles and bones need calcium for their functionality. Calcium carbonate contains readily available calcium and is available as an inexpensive powder.
In the case of heartburn and indigestion, calcium carbonate can neutralize stomach acid, but it can also cause constipation. Products with calcium carbonate replace the formerly popular sodium hydrogen carbonate (soda), which, according to the DAZ, sometimes leads to severe flatulence.
In principle, calcium carbonate is considered harmless. However, depending on the amount ingested, hypersensitivity may occur.
In addition, kidney stones can form and there can be interactions or deviatingly strong or weak effects with medication, according to the package insert.

Calcium carbonate as an additive

Calcium carbonate can be added to foods during production and is then declared with the E number E170. It often has the function of a natural colorant or stabilizer. In winemaking, the substance can be used to regulate acidity. Calcium carbonate is also permitted for organic products, but not as a coloring agent. Basically, it is often found as an additive in the following foods:
chewing gum
grated / sliced ​​cheese
grape juice
deacidification of wine
baking mixes and baked goods
Isotonic drinks and sports nutrition
When treating drinking water, many municipal utilities use calcium carbonate to increase the degree of hardness of the water. Calcium carbonate is often used as a coloring agent in white wall paint and cosmetics.