Eggshells are an inexpensive and effective source of calcium.
You can prepare your own eggshell supplements at home or buy ready-made eggshell powder from health food stores.
Most people can receive adequate calcium from their diet.
Read Also:5 Potential Side Effects of Eating Too Many Eggs Per Day
However, some people may struggle to satisfy their calcium requirements due to restrictive diets, limited food intake, or food scarcity.
For these patients, inexpensive calcium sources, such as eggshells, can be quite beneficial. Additionally, utilising eggshells is an excellent method to reduce kitchen waste, even if just slightly.
Eggshell Powder as Calcium Supplement
Eggshells are mostly composed of calcium carbonate, with trace amounts of protein and other organic components.
Calcium carbonate is the most prevalent natural form of calcium, found in seashells, coral reefs, and limestone, and is extensively used in supplements since it is inexpensive and readily available.
Research on rats and piglets reveals that eggshells are a good source of calcium, with absorption rates comparable to pure calcium carbonate.
According to some research, the presence of proteins in eggshells may improve calcium absorption.
In addition to calcium, eggshells contain trace levels of minerals like strontium, fluoride, magnesium, and selenium, which may benefit bone health.
Evidence suggests that calcium from eggshell powder may be more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate, making it an efficient calcium supplement.
Potential benefits for osteoporosis
Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weak bones and an increased risk of fracture.
While ageing is a major risk factor, insufficient calcium consumption can also lead to bone loss and osteoporosis.
Supplements such as eggshell powder can help folks who do not get enough calcium from their diet.
In one study, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who took eggshell powder together with vitamin D3 and magnesium saw significant increases in bone mineral density.
Eggshell powder may also be more effective than purified calcium carbonate in lowering osteoporosis risk.
A study of Dutch postmenopausal women discovered that eggshell powder increased bone mineral density in the neck, whereas refined calcium carbonate had no significant impact.
Eggshell powder may improve bone strength in people with osteoporosis and be more effective than purified calcium carbonate tablets.
Potential Advantages of Eggshell Membrane
The eggshell membrane, which is located between the eggshell and the egg white, is primarily composed of collagen with trace amounts of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine.
Although these minerals are present in trace amounts, some study suggests that eggshell membrane supplementation may improve joint health.
Supplements manufactured from eggshell membranes may include minerals that can benefit joint health, but further research is needed to validate their efficacy.
