Calcium Carbonate: Nutrition, Pros & Cons
Calcium Carbonate is a widely used food additive and dietary supplement. It serves as an efficient source of elemental calcium (about 40% by weight) used to fortify foods and support bone health, but it requires mindful consumption as it can interact with certain medications and inhibit the absorption of dietary minerals like iron.
Health conditions
Pros
- Acts as an approved food additive, serving as an acidity regulator, anticaking agent, and stabilizer in various food categories. [FSSAI]
- Provides a concentrated source of elemental calcium to help meet daily calcium requirements for bone development and maintenance. [ICMR-NIN]
Cons
- May cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation, bloating, and gas, particularly when consumed in high supplemental doses. [PubMed]
- High intake can interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals, such as iron and zinc. [ICMR-NIN]
Key nutrients
- Calcium — Contains approximately 40% elemental calcium by weight, making it one of the most concentrated forms of calcium used in fortification.