Swiss mineral ingredients manufacturer and speciality distributor Omya has just launched Omyaforte™ 100-OG, a highly bioavailable source of calcium. 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.

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Based on high-purity natural calcium carbonate, which is functionalised by a patented recrystallisation 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 bio-accessibility, and better calcium uptake in the bloodstream. As a result, the ingredient is 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.

 

Higher content of bioavailable calcium

 

Compared to calcium citrate and natural calcium carbonate, Omyaforte™ 100-OG offers a significantly higher content of bioavailable calcium. It contains 39 per cent elemental calcium – almost twice as much as calcium citrate. 

 

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: 770mg of the mineral ingredient is required to achieve 30 per cent of the recommended 1,000mg calcium per day. This amount can be easily incorporated into powdered products, such as chocolate drinks, without affecting sensory properties or textures.

 

Beneficial for athletes, the elderly and non-dairy consumers

 

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.

 

“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,” informed Stefan Lander, VP of Consumer Goods (Group Sales & Marketing) at Omya, whose presence extends to more than 175 locations in over 50 countries with 8,000 employees.

 

“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,” he continued. “For these groups, calcium supplements and fortified foods can be helpful.”

 

www.omya.com