Omya develops calcium source for nutrition and calcium-rich baby foods

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

Containing approximately 40% calcium, the ingredient boosts the calcium content of the end product. Pic: Getty Images/Aliseenko
Containing approximately 40% calcium, the ingredient boosts the calcium content of the end product. Pic: Getty Images/Aliseenko

Related tags Ingredients Calcium Infant formula

Omya, a global producer of mineral ingredients, has developed a natural source of calcium for use in baby food applications.

With very fine particles, it enhances powdered infant products in what the company says is a safe and healthy way. It says the ingredient is ideally suited to finished products such as baby milk powder, ready to use infant drinks, cereals and biscuits targeted at smaller children.

Omya Calcipur meets USP, FCC and E170 purity requirements and provides stability. Containing approximately 40% calcium, the ingredient boosts the calcium content of the end product, with appropriate support for the nutritional requirements of babies and toddlers.

Omya has developed Calcipur 115-KP and 95-KP, two grades of natural calcium carbonate particles that provide enhancement of infant formula.

Low impurity means very low levels of aluminum, manganese and cadmium, Omya said.

Omya Calcipur KP contains less than 0.5ppm lead, with aluminum and cadmium content well below the specified reference values. Omya Calcipur KP is also Halal and Kosher.

Natural ground calcium carbonate used for the Calcipur KP-line provides a high Ca2+​ content combined with bioavailability. Omya Calcipur contains approximately 40% elemental calcium, so up to five times less Calcipur is required to obtain the same calcium dose in a product.

The very fine particle size helps to prevent sedimentation and negative impact on mouthfeel, resulting in higher consumer acceptance. Also, besides being an effective anti-caking aid for powders, it can also reduce dusting and help correct pH-values. The natural particles also score with exceptional whiteness for a pure, wholesome and high-quality appearance, the company said.

Stefan Lander, vice president consumer goods, group sales & marketing at Omya, said, “Our Calcipur KP-line provides the highest 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.”  

Related topics Ingredients