What Is Calcium Carbonate Good For?

Calcium carbonate is a fairly broad chemical compound, this because it can be found abundantly in nature, such as: in rocks, skeletons, shells, among other things. However, calcium carbonate is really useful, as it can be used as a dietary supplement, because it serves to increase calcium levels in the body, fight heartburn and upset stomach.

It is important to note that this supplement can also be used to treat other things, however, a specialist should be consulted to know its other uses. On the other hand, from an industrial point of view, it can also be used to make rubbers, paints, clothing, soaps and improve food from animals.

Benefits and uses of calcium carbonate

It can be said that this chemical is fundamental, because it has a wide variety of uses, both medicinal and industrial, however, its most outstanding benefits are the following:

Increase the calcium level in people

When the amount of calcium consumed is not enough, calcium carbonate is recommended, since it provides an adequate amount to the body, as long as it is ingested correctly.

It should be taken into account that if the body does not have an adequate amount of calcium, it will be prone to osteoporosis, which is a disease that weakens the bones and makes them more vulnerable to fractures (not to mention that the lack of calcium can cause other conditions and ailments).

Therefore, maintaining a calcium level is of the utmost importance and calcium carbonate is an excellent choice for this.

Helps the heart, muscles and nervous system

Calcium is not only good for your bones, it also helps your heart, muscles, and nervous system function properly. In addition, it helps prevent premature aging of them.

Relieves stomach problems and heartburn

Medications containing calcium carbonate are also used to relieve heartburn, which is caused by poor diet or stomach problems. This is because calcium carbonate works as an antacid and helps reduce the level of heartburn.

Better food from animals

In the food industry, calcium carbonate is usually used to feed animals, because if they have an adequate level of calcium, its derivatives will be of high quality. For example, in chickens, calcium carbonate makes the egg shell more resistant and it has more nutrients than normal; the same happens with cows and their milk.

How to use calcium carbonate?

The drug version of this chemical usually comes in regular, soft, chewable tablets, and there are even liquid solutions. It should be mentioned that the calcium carbonate in medicine is chemically treated to make the body react better to its properties, however, in the same way, excessive consumption should be avoided, since it can generate serious side effects. On the other hand, it is recommended to take into account the following indications when ingesting calcium carbonate:

• The recommended dose is 3 doses per day (although this may vary depending on the milligrams of the drug and what you want to treat).

• It should be ingested after eating, but not during the meal.
• During its consumption, you should drink plenty of water, to increase its effectiveness.
• It is not recommended to consume calcium carbonate for two weeks in a row (unless the specialist indicates otherwise, which can happen, depending on what you want to treat).

Also, while taking this drug, the following should be avoided:

• Drink alcohol hours before or after the recommended dose.

• This medicine should not be mixed with antacids for at least two weeks after you have stopped consuming calcium carbonate.

• If you are complying with other treatments, you should consult a specialist, since there are certain medications that interfere with the effectiveness of calcium carbonate.

Relevant aspects of calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is very useful in an infinite number of things, therefore, many people use it for different purposes and if you are planning to use this chemical, it is essential to take into account the following information:

Calcium carbonate in medicine

It is important to know that calcium carbonate can be found in the following medications:

• Time-Mints.
• Calel-D.
• Caltrate 600.
• Chooz.
• Os-Cal 500.
• Tums.
• Titralac.
• Rolaids Calcium Rich.

Therefore, if you want to take calcium carbonate in medicine, you must purchase one of the aforementioned brands (although there are others, which only have calcium carbonate). In addition, it is important to bear in mind that depending on the presentation that is purchased, the main compound (calcium carbonate) may be combined with other compounds, therefore, if you are only looking for calcium carbonate, it is essential to verify the composition of the medication you plan to purchase.

Warnings and / or recommendations with calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate can become very strong, which is why it is essential to take into account the following warnings to avoid unwanted effects. The warnings are as follows:

• It should not be ingested with milk or other dairy products. It is even recommended to wait two hours to ingest any dairy product.

• Wait at least one hour before eating after taking calcium carbonate, as this can affect the effectiveness of gastric juices.

Side effects caused by calcium carbonate

An improper consumption of this chemical can generate a wide variety of side effects, this because it can produce an increase in calcium and this can trigger a series of consequences. Among the side effects that can be obtained when consuming calcium carbonate in excess, are the following:

• If its consumption is excessive, it can generate anxiety.

• It can also cause problems sleeping, that is; insomnia.

• It can cause shortness of breath, again, if its consumption is excessive.

• Sometimes it can generate flatulence and vomiting (this is the most common, therefore, if these side effects occur, there should be no alarm and the only thing that should be done is to be more careful when eating food, before and after take calcium carbonate).

• It can increase acidity, in case its consumption is excessive.

If you notice any of the aforementioned effects, what you should do is stop taking the medicine and wait for 48 hours. If after that time, the effects are maintained or have increased, you should see a doctor as soon as possible or contact a specialist (high calcium levels can cause many conditions and even cancer).

Contraindications of calcium carbonate

Although calcium carbonate can provide a wide variety of benefits, it is important to keep in mind that its use is sometimes counterproductive. Among the cases in which calcium carbonate is not recommended at all, are the following:

• If you are taking antibiotics, it is best to avoid the consumption of calcium carbonate, since the combination of these drugs can generate side effects.

• Children who are not older than 12 years should not consume this drug, unless ordered by a pediatrician (it is even recommended to be careful when consuming it by adolescents under 16 years of age).

• People who are dieting should avoid the consumption of this drug.

• If you have a high calcium level, you should never take this medicine.

• People who suffer from heart problems should avoid its consumption, unless a specialist says otherwise.

• If use is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. It should be mentioned that there are no studies in this regard, but, due to its composition, it is better to avoid it.

Conclusion: Is the use of calcium carbonate recommended?

Using this chemical is highly recommended, however, if you want to ingest its version in medicine, it is important to do it in moderation and preferably under the supervision of a specialist, because as mentioned above, a bad intake of it can cause irreversible effects. Finally, if it is used in the industry, care must be taken, since a bad manipulation of it can generate consequences.