Calcium Carbonate

Who would think that eggshells are made up of about 95% calcium carbonate? And since calcium carbonate is used mainly as an antacid, does that mean that we can eat eggshells to relieve ourselves from acid problems?

Calcium carbonate has a chemical formula CaCO3. The most prevalent medicinal uses of this compound are as an antacid and as calcium supplement. It is commonly found in nature as rocks and is the major component of seashells. Also, it generally brings about hard water.

Since calcium does not exist all on its own in nature, it can be found as calcium carbonate compound in the form of aragonite, chalk, calcite, travertine, limestone and marble. If you are unsure whether a particular rock or mineral contains calcium carbonate, you can test it with a few drops of strong acid such as hydrochloric acid. Those that contain the compound will bubble and generate carbon dioxide gas. Otherwise, there would be no significant reaction.

There are different sources of calcium carbonate. Most of the industries however, source it out through quarrying or mining. The pure form of calcium carbonate that is usually used for food and medicines can be obtained from a quarried source like marble. Another way is to prepare it by bubbling carbon dioxide into a calcium hydroxide solution, and a certain grade of calcium carbonate precipitates out.

There are various uses for calcium carbonate. It is an important component in various construction products such as cement, paints, plastics, adhesives, sealants, and as a building material all on its own. Pharmaceutical companies use this compound extensively as a cheap calcium supplement and as an antacid. It is sometimes used as a base component of tablets as well.

Calcium carbonate as a dietary supplement is usually prescribed when the calcium intake of a person falls below what is required. Calcium carbonate as an antacid can be doubly beneficial because it not only relieves the body of indigestion or heartburn, but it supplies the body with calcium as well.

If taking other medications, it is very important that you seek the advice of your doctor before you take any forms of calcium carbonate. Antacids are best taken in with a full stomach to increase their efficiency. Tell your doctor about any disease history like kidney stones, or parathyroid gland disease because the intake of calcium carbonate can do you more harm than good.

Next to dogs, antacids are a man's best friend. They provide instant relief from indigestion and heartburn. However, if you experience the symptoms very often in a day, this could mean a more serious medical problem. Hence, don't let them cover up anything more than an occasional tummy issue. They don't work to solve the problem.