Contents
Calcium carbonate is an inorganic chemical compound – a salt of carbonic acid and calcium. Available in the form of supplements, it is a valuable source of calcium. Its use, however, is much wider.
Calcium carbonate – occurrence
Calcium carbonate is the basic component of many minerals and is the most common sedimentary rock. It is used in construction (road construction, cement and concrete production), in metallurgy (iron smelting and steel production), v light industry (production of paper, glass and porcelain). It is used for wastewater treatment and water softening.
Calcium carbonate is also used in the production of cosmetics and hygiene products, e.g. powders, dusting powders, toothpaste. It is also used as an additive to many food products, e.g. flour, baking powder, concentrates.
The need for calcium
An adult human body contains about 1 kg of calcium, 99% of which is made up of bones and teeth. This element is also necessary for the work of muscles and the nervous system, regulates the work of the heart and circulatory system, supports blood clotting and supports the healing of wounds and cuts.
The body needs 1 gram of calcium per day (this amount is in 4 glasses of milk). We deliver it along with foods such as milk and its products. Certain vegetables, such as chard leaves and parsley, contain a lot of calcium. You must also eat sea fish (herring has a lot of this ingredient). However, many people need supplementation because either the diet lacks calcium-based foods or the body does not absorb calcium.
Calcium carbonate – application
Calcium carbonate is an ingredient in many dietary supplements. It should be supplemented in the following cases:
- treatment of bone diseases, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis,
- treatment of rickets,
- treatment of bone fractures,
- cramps and tremors in the leg muscles
- problems related to gastric hyperacidity,
- digestive problems (constipation, diarrhea),
- poisoning with heavy salts,
- supporting the treatment of inflammation,
- supporting the treatment of allergic diseases.
It is also recommended for people with malabsorption who follow restrictive or one-ingredient diets. Children and adolescents in the period of intensive growth as well as pregnant and lactating women have a particularly high demand for calcium
There are 1000 mg of calcium in 400 mg of calcium carbonate.
Calcium carbonate – contraindications
The administration of calcium is not recommended in the case of:
- hypercalcemia,
- hypervitaminosis vit. D,
- bone tumors,
- kidney failure.
Hypersensitivity to any component of the supplement is also a contraindication.
Calcium carbonate – drug interactions
Since calcium carbonate reduces the absorption of some medications, the possibility of taking calcium should be consulted with a doctor during the treatment.