Calcium Citrate Facilitates Fortification

Today’s health-conscious consumers realize the importance of calcium in the diet and are looking for simple ways to boost their intake. Processors can easily increase the availability of fortified products with ADM’s Cal-Mor™ calcium citrate, a highly bioavailable, functional and directly compressible calcium source for the food, beverage and supplement industries.

Besides its proven ability to build strong bones and teeth, calcium might prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Washington, D.C., approximately 44 million Americans are at risk for osteoporosis. To promote well-being, many nutritionists advocate increasing the current RDA for calcium of 1,000 mg per day to 1,500 mg per day.

Calcium citrate, the calcium salt of citric acid, is an effective fortification agent that can also enhance the sensory quality of many products. “Cal-Mor is pure calcium citrate tetrahydrate, a highly soluble compound that is readily absorbed by the body,” states J. J. Mathieu, technical services manager. “Its high bioavailabilty is not affected by low stomach acidity, plus it can be taken with or without meals. As the only direct North American manufacturer of calcium citrate, we can ensure ingredient quality and availability.”

Cal-Mor is readily solubilized in acid solutions and, unlike most salts, is more soluble at low rather than high temperatures. “These properties are compatible with many beverages, enabling calcium citrate to deliver 10% of the daily value for calcium in a 250-ml serving,” notes Mathieu. “Orange juices are often fortified with up to 35% of the daily requirement.” Solubility values include 1,000 mg calcium per 250 ml at pH 3.0 versus less than 200 mg calcium per 250 ml at pH 6.0.

To accommodate various application requirements, Cal-Mor is available in three forms: fine granular, fine powder and micronized powder. Possessing good compressibility, handling and low-dusting properties, the fine granular product is recommended for tablets, as well as vitamin and mineral blends and most dry mixes. In both beverages and foods, the fine and micronized powders provide a smooth mouth-feel as opposed to the grainy texture contributed by some other calcium ingredients. The fine powder blends well in clear or cloudy beverages, fruit fillings, and other fruit- or vegetable-containing products, while the micronized ingredient might find application in items like soymilk and baby food for a creamier texture.

In fruit and vegetable products, calcium citrate binds with pectin for improved texture. For example, its use in jams and fruit fillings enhances gelling, stability and mouth-feel, while canned vegetables and fruits retain the firmness often lost during retorting, and the fruit in yogurt maintains an appealing texture. Other applications include snacks, desserts, supplements and functional foods.

ADM
4666 Faries Parkway
Decatur, IL 62526
Phone: 217/424-5200
Fax: 217/451-4119
Website: www.admworld.com