E170; Calcium Carbonate

(in 4,693 products)

1. Anti-caking Agent - Prevents lumps from forming in food due to excess water. They usually function as a water repellent or by absorbing excess moisture.

2. Colorant - Pigments or dyes that are added in order to change or enhance the color.

3. Emollient - Softens and soothes the skin. Helps with skin conditioning.

4. Pearlescents / Pearlizer - Provides luster and shimmering effects

Gastric-peptic disease occurs as a result of an imbalance between protective factors, such as mucus, bicarbonate , and prostaglandin secretion, and aggressive factors, such as hydrochloric acid , pepsin, and Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ). Antacids work by restoring acid-base balance, attenuating the pepsin activity and increasing bicarbonate and prostaglandin secretion. The acid-neutralizing capacity of calcium carbonate is 58 mEq/15 ml. When used as a nutritional supplement, calcium carbonate acts by directly increasing calcium stores within the body. Calcium Carbonate is the carbonic salt of calcium (CaCO3). Calcium carbonate is used therapeutically as a phosphate buffer in hemodialysis, as an antacid in gastric hyperacidity for temporary relief of indigestion and heartburn, and as a calcium supplement for preventing and treating osteoporosis.

Calcium carbonate is used in the production of calcium oxide as well as toothpaste and has seen a resurgence as a food preservative and color retainer, when used in or with products such as organic apples. As a food additive it is designated E170 and also used as an acidity regulator, anticaking agent, stabiliser or colour. It is used in some soy milk and almond milk products as a source of dietary calcium. Calcium carbonate is also used as a firming agent in many canned or bottled vegetable products.

It is approved to use as food and cosmetics coloring in EU. In US, it is no longer authorized to use a color additive in food but is allowed to use in drugs.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/10112

1. South Korea - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety - Prohibited/Restricted Chemicals

- Ref: 544

2. EU CosIng Annex IV, COLORANTS ALLOWED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2017]

- Ref: IV/124

3. US FDA Color Additives Status List [2015]

4. EU Approved Food Additive [2018]

- E170

5. Japan’s List of Designated Food Additives under Article 10 of the Food Sanitation Act

- Calcium Carbonate

6. Canada List of Permitted Food Additives

- List 8 - Calcium Carbonate

7. Association of Southeast Asian Nations Annex IV - Part 1, Allowed Colorants

- CI 77220

8. US FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Food Substances (21 CFR 184) [2017]

- § 184.1191 - Calcium carbonate