Calcium carbonate has long been associated with calming upset stomachs, but it also acts favorably on other body systems, such as the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem proudly inventories HuberCal® products, such as HuberCal® CCG 40XX FG and HuberCal® 250 USP for our customers. HuberCal products are renowned for their industry-leading purity; their products contain lower levels of arsenic, mercury, and lead than any other manufacturer.

Types of Calcium Carbonate

HuberCal® 250 USP is an off-white to white powder of low-moisture, high purity 12-micron calcium carbonate, mined from beds of ancient oyster shells or limestone. The “USP” specifies this product meets or exceeds US Pharmacopeia requirements. 

HuberCal® CCG 44XX FG is a granulated form of 95% calcium carbonate FCC (functionalized calcium carbonate) mined from natural limestone, then compounded with a 5% binder. For CCG 44XX FG, the binder is maltodextrin IP (identity preserved) and acacia gum. The “FG” ending denotes “food grade,” an indication that this form of calcium carbonate may be used in the food and beverage industry. FCC denotes high purity, recrystallized calcium carbonate that creates a structured mineral giving this form of calcium carbonate several unique aspects:

• 60% or greater porosity

• Median particle size distribution of 2–30µm

• Surface areas of 30-180 m2/g

• Greater number of contact points along its mineral-like surface

• Greater tensile strength/compressibility

• High biocompatibility

Calcium Carbonate as a Supplement

Calcium carbonate is a nutritional ingredient often prescribed for patients with low blood calcium levels, such as those with osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, or latent tetany. Changes in hormone levels can cause low calcium blood levels, which is why pregnant and postmenopausal women are often prescribed calcium supplements. When blood calcium levels are significantly low, the body removes calcium from its stores in the bones throughout the body, leaving the skeletal structure depleted and significantly weakened. 

Food Grade Uses for Calcium Carbonate

Although calcium carbonate given in tablet form generally requires vitamin D for its uptake, the addition of calcium carbonate FCC as an ingredient during food manufacture is readily ingested and utilized properly within the body. Many packaged foods, including cereal, nutritional and cereal bars, baked foods and cookies, and soups regularly add beneficial calcium carbonate as an ingredient.

Bell Chem is a USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including HuberCal® products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.