Omya’s calcium carbonate boasts superior bioavailability for fortified foods applications

07 May 2020 --- Mineral ingredients manufacturer Omya has launched Omyaforte 100-OG, a calcium source boasting superior bioavailability. The new ingredient is suitable for fortified foods and powdered supplement formulations aimed at athletes, healthy agers and others who may have a calcium deficiency. The ingredient contains 39 percent elemental calcium – almost twice as much as calcium citrate and significantly higher than other natural calcium carbonate sources. With emerging science noting the benefits of calcium fortification for women and infants, the launch seeks to cater to this need.

“The amount of calcium in the diet is not the only thing that is important for strong bones. Also crucial is the bioavailability of this calcium – in other words, the amount that is absorbed by the intestine,” explains Stefan Lander, Vice President Consumer Goods, Group Sales & Marketing at Omya.

“For many people, particularly athletes, the elderly and those who avoid dairy products, it can be difficult to achieve an adequate calcium intake. In addition, during adolescence, the body requires more calcium to build strong bones. For these groups, calcium supplements and fortified foods can be helpful,” Lander adds.

“The ingredient is suitable for many people, particularly athletes, the elderly and those who avoid dairy products, it can be difficult to achieve an adequate calcium intake. In addition, at certain times of life, such as during adolescence, the body requires more calcium to build strong bones,” Lalit Sharma, Innovation Manager Food, Omya, tells NutritionInsight.

“Postmenopausal women and men over the age of 70 also need more calcium because they absorb calcium less efficiently and additional intake helps to slow down loss of bone mass. In many parts of the world, especially South East Asia and South Americas, the daily calcium intake is far below the recommended dosage (averaging less than 400 mg/d compared to recommended 1000 mg/d) , which is seen as a health issue and is related to bone health. For these groups, therefore, calcium supplements or fortified foods with Omyaforte™ 100-OG can be helpful,” Sharma adds.

Omyaforte 100-OG combines both high levels of elemental calcium and effective calcium uptake, only a small amount is needed to reach recommended daily intakes.Based on high-purity natural calcium carbonate, which is functionalized by a patented recrystallization process, Omyaforte 100-OG offers a new mineral composition and structure. This leads to higher solubility of calcium salt in acidic environments, such as gastric juice, for enhanced bioaccessibility, and better calcium uptake in the bloodstream. Therefore, the ingredient is perfectly suited to applications with a high content of bioavailable calcium, such as bone health mixtures, rehydration solutions and calcium capsules. In addition, Omyaforte 100-OG can be used to fortify products such as baked goods, as well as drinks, the company says.

Since Omyaforte 100-OG combines both high levels of elemental calcium and effective calcium uptake, only a small amount is needed to reach recommended daily intakes: 770 mg of the mineral ingredient is required to achieve 30 percent of the recommended 1000 mg calcium per day. This amount can be easily incorporated into powdered products, such as chocolate drinks, without affecting sensory properties or textures.

Furthermore, together with collagen specialist Gelita, Omya has developed a cocoa drink that offers an excellent calcium source for bone health. The beverage powder prototype combines Omyaforte 100-OG and Gelita’s specific collagen peptides fortibone for improved bone stability and flexibility.

Omya has had a very active 2020. In March, the company also unveiled a natural source of calcium for use in infant food applications. Omya Calcipur is made up of very fine particles and can enhance powdered baby products in a safe and healthy way, according to the company. Containing approximately 40 percent elemental calcium, the ingredient can boost the calcium content of end products, in line with the nutritional requirements of babies and toddlers. Its potential applications include finished products such as infant milk powder, drinks, cereals and biscuits targeted at smaller children. The company also notes the product may provide a means to reduce calcium supplementation for babies.

“Our Calcipur KP-line provides the high standards for infant nutrition. Combining nutritional benefits with ease of processing, the natural ingredients make it easy to develop innovative and all-round infant food solutions,” says Stefan Lander, Vice President Consumer Goods, Group Sales & Marketing at Omya. 

The new launches come as formula and baby food launches continue to grow, with Innova Market Insights data revealing a 13 percent rise in NPD (Global 2014-2018). In this space, the market researchers also note a 20 percent increase in NPD featuring calcium ingredients within the Baby & Toddlers category (Global, 2015-2019). Moreover, there was an 19 percent average annual growth in Baby & Toddlers category launches with an added calcium claim (Global, CAGR 2015-2019). 

With calcium fortification remaining a popular nutritional trend, many players are active in NPD. Last year, Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) launched a clean label ingredient solution for calcium fortification in beverages. Capolac milk mineral concentrate is gently derived from milk and naturally contains a high content of bio-available calcium and phosphorus, making it a viable alternative to traditional calcium fortification in beverages, according to the company.

By Kristiana Lalou