Issue_1_2016

ingredients 23
Calcium Carbonate: A versatile functional
food ingredient
As well as being a valuable source of calcium, this functional ingredient can also be used to improve
manufacturing processes such as extrusion and improve the flowability of powders.
most abundant mineral in the
human body. It’s also crucial for
the proper function of nerves and
muscles. As our bodies cannot
produce calcium on their own, it’s
important to consume calcium in
the diet or through
supplementation. For target
groups such as adolescents and
women over the age of 50 who
need a higher intake, the
consumption of functional foods
presents a feasible approach to
ensuring a proper supply.
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is an
outstanding and multifaceted
mineral. It is the major constituent
of entire mountain ranges, it is
widespread throughout nature and
occurs in various forms. 1 Although
CaCO3 can also be produced
synthetically, Omya takes a
different approach and has
established itself as a leading
global supplier of naturally derived
calcium carbonate. The
Switzerland-based company owns
mineral deposits all over the world,
ensuring continuous availability.
And, by using the latest
technology, Omya can process the
raw material for a wide range of
purposes and applications.
Essentially, the company’s
portfolio comprises two major
categories: high-purity natural
Up to five times less
Calcipur ® is required
than the other available
technical solutions on
the market in order to
attain the same calcium
dose in the finished
food stuff.
calcium carbonates (NCCs) and
functional calcium carbonates
(FCCs). The latter are high purity
NCCs that have overcome a
surface recrystallisation using a
patented technology platform of
Omya to ensure carefully defined
properties.
NCC for functional foods
As the principal component of
bones and teeth, calcium is the
Omya’s natural calcium
carbonates can be used to fortify
baby foods, beverages, cereals
and baked goods. In particular, the
growth of vegan alternatives to
cow milk is a current driver. Many
consumers now eschew cow milk
products because of ethical or
allergic/intolerance reasons but
don’t want to miss out on the
nutritional benefits.
As a fortification agent, Omya’s
Calcipur ® offers considerable
benefits with a high calcium
content of approximately 40% and
is therefore the calcium source
with the highest concentration of
all existing salts. Up to five times
less Calcipur ® is required than the
other available technical solutions
on the market in order to attain
the same calcium dose in the
finished foodstuff. Hence,
manufacturers can minimise the
cost of supplementation. One
disadvantage that is often
associated with naturally derived
calcium carbonate is a high
www.foodmagazine.eu.com issue one | 2016