What is the Role of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate in the Food Industry?

November 14, 2022 posted by Shreekarni

Although it has significance in a wide range of industries, not many people are aware of precipitated calcium carbonate and its uses.

Besides the precipitated calcium carbonate for pharmaceutical industries, it has high usage in the food industry.

The calcium amount in the foods we consume had a tremendous downfall. To cover up the body’s calcium requirements, doctors recommend calcium supplements.

But where does the calcium percentage of these supplements come from?

It is the precipitated calcium carbonate!

PPC in food? Sounds strange! Let’s understand the role of precipitated calcium carbonate in food in detail.

What is the Source of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate?

Calcium carbonate exists in the calcium carbonate ores in the earth’s crust. Calcium carbonate is more commonly known as limestone, chalk, and marble.

However, the calcium carbonate found in the rocks is impure, and thus it undergoes chemical processes to change it to precipitated calcium carbonate.

Precipitated calcium carbonate is highly alkaline and makes the perfect choice for many food applications.

Different Food Items Containing Calcium Carbonate

Precipitated calcium carbonate is majorly used as an antacid in medicines because of its highly alkaline nature. It has the potential to reduce the stomach acid that causes the burning sensation.

However, avoid consuming more than the recommended amount of antacid tablets.

Besides, calcium carbonate is a predominant and harmless food colouring agent in many fruits and vegetables. Moreover, soy milk is in high demand among vegetarians and contains precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) to maintain their calcium requirements.

You might not be aware, but precipitated calcium carbonate is a great source to prevent emulsification in milk products. Calcium carbonate is known to form yeast and therefore is the main ingredient in beer manufacturing.

Some Other Food Items Containing Precipitated Calcium Carbonate

Apart from the above-mentioned, precipitate calcium carbonate also finds its use in the following items either as a stabiliser or calcium content enhancer.

Bakery items like baking powder and dry-mix dessert mixes
Dough- to form yeast and create the fluffiness
Nutritional bars to increase the calcium amount
Cookies
Sauces and soups
Aromatised beverages
Processed meat

Is Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Harmful for Health?

It has been rightly said,” excess of everything is bad”. High amounts of precipitated calcium carbonate in food cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating and acidity.

However, the industries add a minuscule amount of food products. Pure calcium carbonate in regulated amounts reduces the chances of lower calcium content in the body and prevents many heart diseases and bone fractures.

There are many natural sources of calcium like spinach and dairy products like cow’s milk yoghurt and cheddar cheese.

But, Items fortified with calcium carbonate are the best option for many vegan people.

Why Choose Shree Karni Chemicals?

Shree Karni Chemicals provides pure precipitated calcium carbonate for the food industry. Besides this, we cater to other industries, including paper, paint, and rubber manufacturers.

We provide high-grade precipitated calcium carbonate (PPC) to all our clients. Our PPC passes the national and international standards for a quality grade.