Omya, the Swiss mineral producer, said it will launch its new Calcipur DC range at this year’s CPhI Worldwide. The new range comprises seven different grades of high-purity, directly compressible and free-flowing natural calcium carbonates. ,
Thanks to improved processing properties, the ingredient is ideally suited for the production of calcium-containing dietary supplements, such as tablets, capsules and stick packs. Calcipur DC can be used as an active ingredient in nutraceuticals and as a diluent in pharmaceuticals.
By turning calcium carbonate into a granulate, Omya has developed an ingredient range that offers improved flow and compactability properties. Calcipur DC consists of high-purity calcium carbonate granulated with 5-10% w/w of binder. The binders used in Calcipur DC are gluten-free maltodextrin, non-GMO corn starch or a mixture of acacia gum and gluten-free maltodextrin.
All starting materials for Calcipur DC products are food (FCC compliant) and pharma-grade (EP/USP).
The Calcipur DC range is an excellent source of elemental calcium, providing a similar level of calcium bioavailability to other calcium salts. All grades have a bioavailable calcium content of at least 36% coming from the active ingredient, calcium carbonate. Upon ingestion, the calcium carbonate is solubilised into calcium ions in the acidic environment of the stomach and then absorbed through the intestine.
All grades have a bioavailable calcium content of at least 36% coming from the active ingredient, calcium carbonate
In the EU, the recommended daily intake of calcium, irrespective of gender or age, is set at 800 mg/day.
To be claimed as a “source of calcium”, a product has to contain more than 120 mg (15% of the RDA) per dose, which translates into 316-333 mg of Calcipur DC, depending on the grade used. In order to claim to be a “high in calcium” food supplement, the end product must contain at least 240 mg of calcium, which corresponds to 632-667 mg of Calcipur DC.
In addition to the new range, the company will also present samples containing its functional mineral excipient Omyapharm. This highly porous inactive ingredient facilitates the production of tablets and granules with excellent compactability, good mechanical stability, high absorption capacity and rapid disintegration.
Stefan Lander, VP of Consumer Goods, Group Sales & Marketing at Omya, said: “As a leading producer of minerals, we put a strong focus on R&D. This includes developing innovative minerals that are tailor-made for specific requirements. With our seven new Calcipur DC grades, we are supporting our customers by optimising their products and providing multiple benefits, such as improved flow and compactability properties.”
CPhI Worldwide takes place on 5-7 November in Frankfurt, Germany.