EGGSHELL POWDER: A NATURAL CALCIUM SOURCE FOR STRONG BONES AND HEALTHY JOINTS

Can we make our kitchen waste productive? Do you know it could be a good source of calcium, just like traditional calcium supplements available at pharmacies? Guess what it is. Yes, it is the eggshell of chicken or hen eggs. Surprising! It could be a natural source of calcium, especially for those who can’t afford expensive calcium supplements due to low socio-economic background, or in rural areas where people are not fulfilling their daily requirements of calcium. This may be due to food restrictions (vegetarian diet) or due to low food availability or intake.

WHAT IS THE DAILY REQUIREMENT OF CALCIUM FOR ADULTS?

The daily requirements for different age groups are different. Have a look:

• From 12 years to 18 years (adolescents): 1300 mg/day

• Adults: 1000 mg/day

• Women over 50 years and men over 70 years: 1200 mg/day

• Pregnant women: 1200 mg/day

SOURCES OF CALCIUM

1. Dairy products including milk, yogurt, and cheese

2. Leafy green vegetables

3. Seafood including canned salmon with bones, sardines, and shrimp

4. Almonds, chia seeds, dried figs, sesame seeds

5. Fortified orange juice, cereals, and tofu

6. Legumes and beans

7. Soy milk (used as an alternative to milk but fortified with calcium)

8. Broccoli

IMPORTANCE OF CALCIUM

Calcium is a very important, vital, and essential micronutrient or mineral for bones and for different physiological functions of the body. It is not only required for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth but also for skeletal and smooth muscle contraction and nerve signaling (communication between the brain and the rest of the body). It helps in blood clotting, hormonal release, enzyme functions, and in lowering blood pressure (including during pregnancy).

ABOUT EGG SHELL

It is the outer, hard, and protective porous covering of a hen’s egg, which allows only the exchange of gases and prevents the egg or embryo from the entrance of pathogens. Let’s discuss some details about eggshell composition.

COMPOSITION OF EGG SHELL

One dry eggshell is mainly (around 90% to 94%) composed of calcium carbonate along with trace amounts of manganese, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, sulfur, iodine, strontium (a chemical analog of calcium), selenium, fluoride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and hydroxyapatite (used in bone and tooth therapy). The organic matrix includes glycoprotein, collagen, and other proteins which secure calcium carbonate crystals and provide structural integrity and support to the eggshell.

CELL MEMBRANE OF EGGS

The cell membrane of eggs is composed of protein primarily collagen with glycoproteins, proteoglycans, lysozyme, glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid), glucosamine, ovotransferrin, osteopontin, elastin, and keratin, along with trace amounts of other minerals, lipids, and sugars.

EGG SHELL USAGE

Eggshell is often considered a by-product waste of hen eggs. However, it can be used as a productive material in many ways. Let’s delve into it.

AS A NATURAL CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

Eggshell can be used as a natural source of calcium because of the presence of calcium carbonate. Many studies indicate that calcium absorption or bioavailability from eggshell is 64% higher compared to pure calcium carbonate supplements.

WHY CALCIUM FROM EGG SHELL IS MORE BIOAVAILABLE THAN COMMERCIAL CALCIUM CARBONATE

The reasons are as follows:

1. Bone supporting trace minerals such as selenium and strontium, and some proteins in the eggshell, make the calcium more bioavailable.

2. Magnesium, phosphorus, collagen, selenium, and strontium further aid in improving bone strength and health.

3. During the making of eggshell powder, the cell membrane is also part of it. Due to the presence of the proteins, peptides, and enzymes in the cell membrane, there is effective dissolution of calcium from the calcium carbonate of the eggshell. After binding with cell membrane proteins, a complex or chelate forms, enhancing calcium solubility, absorption, and utilization from the gastrointestinal tract.

4. Proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other organic substances along with minerals work synergistically with calcium for overall improvement of bone, skeletal, cartilage, and connective tissue health, while pure calcium carbonate supplements lack this natural ratio of effective components.

Therefore, the presence of organic substances and other trace elements in the eggshell, along with the cell membrane, may potentiate the effects of calcium.

According to ResearchGate, “Many clinical and experimental studies show positive effects of eggshell powder on bone and cartilage, and it is a suitable source of calcium for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.”

Rachitis or rickets is a disease in children due to calcium or vitamin D deficiency or genetic factors. It is characterized by soft or fragile bones with skeletal deformities. Administration of eggshell powder improves the condition of rickets, which is visible through weight gain, reduction of skeletal deformities, and better physical health.

The Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging study findings indicate that consumption of eggshell calcium in postmenopausal women improves overall BMD, while synthetic or pure calcium carbonate lacks this effect.

CELL MEMBRANE OF EGGS AND JOINT HEALTH

Many studies support that the consistent use of egg cell membrane boosts joint health by improving flexibility and function of joints over a few weeks.

According to some studies, daily use of cell membrane supplementation may improve knee functionality in osteoarthritis by reducing pain and stiffness. The Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging also supports its effectiveness against knee osteoarthritis.

HOW CELL MEMBRANE SUPPORTS JOINT HEALTH

Components of the cell membrane support joint health by:

• Reducing inflammation and pain

• Supporting and maintaining the structure of joints, cartilage, and connective tissues

• Reducing stiffness and friction while improving flexibility, lubrication, and mobility of joints

• Enhancing cartilage repair

DOSAGE OF EGG SHELL OR EGG SHELL POWDER

One gram of eggshell provides 381 mg to 401 mg of calcium. In simple words, half of an eggshell or 1 teaspoon of eggshell powder may provide enough calcium to meet the daily requirement of adults.

AS A NATURAL REMEDY FOR TOOTH CLEANING

Mix eggshell powder and sea salt in a 1:1 ratio. The presence of calcium and hydroxyapatite in the eggshell powder boosts remineralization of enamel, while the antibacterial properties of sea salt clean the oral cavity. In short, it is very helpful in whitening the teeth, removing plaque, and preventing cavities.

EGG SHELL USE IN FERTILIZER

The presence of 95% calcium carbonate makes eggshell powder a valuable, cheap, and effective source for improving soil quality and promoting healthy plant growth by reducing acidity and providing calcium and other micronutrients.

EGG SHELL FOR PETS

Incorporate eggshell powder into the feed of birds that lay eggs. It can also be used to manage mild diarrhea in pets (birds or animals like cats and dogs) by adding 2 teaspoons of eggshell powder into their feed.

FOR CLEANING

Eggshell can be used as a scrub for cleaning dish stains, grease, or burnt utensils. It can also be used to maintain clean drains by coarsely crushing the eggshell, placing it over the drain, and running hot water.

FOR REDUCING COFFEE BITTERNESS

A very small amount of fine eggshell powder can be used to reduce coffee bitterness and improve its flavor. Due to the presence of calcium, it can even be used in making ice cream.

EGG SHELL FOR BEAUTY

Make a paste of fine eggshell powder with water and freeze it as ice cubes in an ice tray. Its cooling effect reduces puffiness and inflammation of the skin and helps exfoliate. The presence of collagen, calcium, and minerals supports overall skin health. Therefore, it is effective against prickly heat (heat rash or miliaria rubra), acne, and chloasma or melasma.

HOW CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE PREPARED FROM EGG SHELL

Wash the eggshell under running water to remove egg residue or any contamination that can be a risk factor for infection. Boil it or bake it (at 350°F in an oven) for 10 minutes and let it dry completely. Grind it into a fine powder that can be filled into capsules or mixed with smoothies, water, juice, yogurt, baked items, or ice cream.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

• Properly grind it to minimize the risk of throat injury or puncture.

• Boil or sterilize it properly to reduce the risk of infection because it may be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis.

• Taking too much calcium supplement may increase the risk of kidney stones and cardiovascular diseases.

• Contamination with toxic metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, and aluminum) should be considered, although the risk is lower with eggshell.

• Eggshell powder is not suitable for people who are allergic to eggs.

CONCLUSION

Calcium from eggshell is generally considered an overlooked source of calcium. However, its richness in enzymes, minerals, and other bone-supporting nutrients makes it superior to synthetic calcium supplements. Natural eggshell powder is well absorbed compared to synthetic calcium supplements. Larger and more comprehensive studies are needed to further confirm its benefits. Pharmacists can play an important role by compounding and filling eggshell powder into capsules within the community to help overcome calcium deficiency in a cheap and effective way.

FAQs

1. Can eggshell powder really replace calcium supplements?

Eggshell powder provides highly bioavailable calcium along with trace minerals like magnesium and strontium, which may support bone health. However, it should not replace prescribed calcium or vitamin D supplements without a doctor’s advice.

2. How do I prepare eggshell powder safely at home?

Wash eggshells thoroughly, boil or bake them to kill bacteria (such as Salmonella), dry completely, and grind into a fine powder.

3. What is the safe daily intake of eggshell powder?

About ½ teaspoon (≈1 gram) provides roughly 380–400 mg of calcium. Adults generally need 1,000–1,200 mg of calcium daily from all sources combined.

4. Who should avoid eggshell powder?

People allergic to eggs, those with kidney stones, or individuals on calcium restricted diets should avoid or use only under medical supervision.

5. Can eggshell powder help with osteoporosis?

Preliminary studies show improvement in bone mineral density when eggshell calcium is used with vitamin D and a balanced diet, but larger clinical trials are needed.

DISCLAIMER

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have chronic illnesses, or take prescription medications.

CALL TO ACTION

Want to strengthen your bones naturally and reduce kitchen waste? Try preparing eggshell powder at home but do it safely and talk to your healthcare professional before regular use. Share this article to spread awareness about this budget-friendly calcium source.

REFERENCES:

1. Schaafsma A. et al. “Positive effects of a chicken eggshell powder-enriched diet on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.” Journal of Nutrition (2002).

2. Milbradt B.G. et al. “Bioavailability of calcium from chicken eggshell powder compared to calcium carbonate.” International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition (2015).

3. Ruff K.J. et al. “Natural eggshell membrane improves joint function and pain in osteoarthritis.” Clinical Interventions in Aging (2009).

4. ResearchGate Database: “Clinical and experimental studies on eggshell powder as a natural calcium source” (accessed 2024). 5. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Office of Dietary Supplements. “Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.