Mineral ingredients manufacturer and specialty distributor Omya has 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.

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.

Compared to calcium citrate and natural calcium carbonate, Omyaforte™ 100-OG offers a significantly higher content of bioavailable calcium. It contains 39% 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: 770 mg of the mineral ingredient is required to achieve 30% 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.

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.

Stefan Lander, Vice President Consumer Goods, Group Sales & Marketing at Omya: “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. 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.”