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The food additive calcium carbonate or “white chalk” is a substance that is most often labeled on food labels as the dye E170. Its main property is to give products a white color. The substance is of natural origin and for humans is not only harmless, but even useful. In this regard, calcium carbonate has found its application in the food industry, in the manufacture of medicines, anti-inflammatory and antacid agents, vitamins and dietary supplements. The only condition is not to overdose the substance, because in this case it can cause unpleasant symptoms.
Origin and chemical properties of the dye “white chalk”
The very name of the substance speaks for itself: it consists of ordinary white chalk, which contains an inorganic coloring pigment. In wildlife, the dye is found in the form of certain minerals: calcite, vaterite or aragonite, in rocks, for example, in marble, limestone, travertine. Some invertebrates (mollusks, sponges) are composed of various forms of calcium carbonate.
According to its chemical structure, the additive E170 is a salt of carbonic acid, it is highly resistant to aggressive media, does not dissolve in water and alcohol. The high temperatures of this food additive are also not terrible – the melting point of calcite reaches 825 degrees Celsius, aragonite – 1339 degrees. When heated to 900-1400 degrees Celsius, the substance splits into carbon dioxide and quicklime. If it is still necessary to obtain a solution of the additive with water, carbon dioxide is added to the mixture. As a result of this interaction, an acid salt is formed.
Calcium carbonate is mined in the process of processing natural chalk deposits, and it enters industry and production already in the form of a white friable powder with small granules, which has no taste and smell. The highest quality and safest dye is obtained during the processing of marble: the resulting substance is highly resistant to many types of processing, it is completely hypoallergenic and harmless, which is why it is used to color food.
For technical purposes, a dye obtained by calcination of calcium oxide can be used. The oxide is combined with water, after which the mixture is treated with carbon dioxide, resulting in the precipitation of the substance.
For industrial purposes, white chalk is used as:
- stabilizer, as it contributes to the formation and preservation of the texture and consistency of the product;
- baking powder and anti-caking agent: calcium carbonate is introduced into the product during the preparation process to give it the appropriate physical properties, flowability and absence of lumps;
- acidity regulator, as the additive helps to establish and maintain a certain level of acidic environment;
- a dye that gives an attractive shade to the goods.
The use of E170 additive as an ingredient in food products
The food industry practically cannot do without white chalk, because it is completely harmless to humans and is allowed for use by children. As a baking powder, dye, stabilizer, it is used to prepare:
- baby food;
- concentrated cream and milk;
- chocolate;
- hard cheeses.
The additive is also used to process grape juice.
Cosmetic industry – in which products the substance is found
White chalk is one of the components of creams, powders and tonal creams for the face, matting lotions, creams and body scrubs, blush, concealers, hair dyes, children’s cosmetics. The substance has the ability to absorb excess sebum, thereby removing oily sheen and evening out skin tone. As a thickener and stabilizer, calcium carbonate improves the consistency of cosmetics, aids in the absorption of excess water and prevents clumping. As a mild abrasive component, it cleans and adds shine, which is why it is used in the manufacture of toothpastes. Naturally, the coloring effect of white chalk is also used by cosmetics manufacturers – with its help, products are given a white color.
Medical use
The beneficial properties of this dietary supplement have led to its popularity as a component of medicines. For example, for those who suffer from peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines, gastritis with high acidity and bile reflux, the usual antacids like Almagel have become a real salvation, and one of the active ingredients in them is calcium carbonate. It is able to reduce the acidity of gastric juice, normalize electrolyte balance and neutralize heartburn.
Since calcium is a substance that is involved in the process of blood coagulation, in the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, in the formation of the body’s bone tissue, it is indicated to be taken for osteoporosis, caries, rickets, hypocalcemia, pregnancy and lactation, as part of a normalizing therapy for treatment of allergies, during intensive growth in children. White chalk is able to normalize “crazy” blood pressure, so it is recommended for people with high or low blood pressure.
Pediatricians sometimes recommend replacing talc for babies with calcium carbonate, because the latter, unlike talc, does not irritate the respiratory tract.
With magnesium deficiency and associated symptoms (muscle spasms, fatigue, sleep disturbances), white chalk is effective as part of a general normalizing therapy.
Construction and chemical industries and calcium carbonate
The substance is used as a component of putties and various sealants, in the production of glass, paper, household chemicals, paints (technical and artistic), plastics. For the manufacture of the latter, about 45-50% of all white chalk in the world is mined. As a filler and dye, it is used to produce polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins, polyester fibers.
For agriculture, calcium carbonate is a means to cleanse the soil and restore its acid-base balance.
Effects on the human body
The substance is not only harmless, but also beneficial to humans, as it has pronounced healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Its use is recommended for children, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, those who suffer from rickets, osteoporosis and other disorders of bone tissue development.
Since the supplement, when taken orally, helps reduce acidity in the stomach, and has an enveloping effect, it can be used by people with inflammatory and ulcerative diseases of the digestive tract.
In case of calcium deficiency in the body, white chalk is introduced into the diet in the form of dietary supplements and mineral complexes.
In addition to beneficial properties, calcium carbonate in some cases can also have a negative impact on health. It should not be used in the presence of hypercalcemia, as nausea, vomiting, incoordination and abdominal pain may result. With a strong overdose, lactic-alkaline disease can develop, which is accompanied by toxic poisoning, and in especially severe cases can be fatal. Atherosclerosis, thrombosis, renal dysfunction and hypersensitivity to white chalk are contraindications to its use.
The daily intake of the substance is 1,2-1,5 g per day for an adult. In such quantities, it can not cause any harm to health.
It should be remembered that long-term use of the supplement leads to its accumulation in the tissues and cells of the body, and as a result, the level of acidity in the body may increase.
The use of calcium carbonate as a therapeutic agent can be carried out only after consulting a doctor.
As a food and technical dye, stabilizer, baking powder and thickener, the E170 additive is approved for use in Ukraine, Russia, Canada, the USA and almost all countries of the European Union, Australia and the UK. The beneficial properties of calcium carbonate paved the way for it in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in the manufacture of plastics, paints, glass, and household chemicals. Natural white chalk is extracted from natural rocks, and is highly valued by manufacturers for its natural origin, as well as resistance to heat treatment, acids and ethanol.