Precipitated calcium carbonate, PCC, is a purified or refined calcium carbonate. It has the same chemical formula as chalk, limestone or oyster shells: CaCO3.
Specialty Minerals Inc. (SMI) uses a process to take the calcium carbonate apart, and then put it back together again. This process allows SMI to grow crystals of different shapes and particle sizes. The variety of particle shapes allows the formulators to use the precipitated calcium carbonate in applications where ground calcium carbonate will not work as well. PCC is unique, and because it is prepared without the use of chemical solvents or pesticides, is accepted as being a “natural” and “organic” ingredient, useful in the manufacture of foods and other consumer products which are to be sold as being “Organic.” Precipitated calcium carbonate is a common calcium source in fortified foods and nutritional supplements, and the active ingredient in calcium-based antacids.
Specialty Minerals has prepared a downloadable information sheet called, “What is PCC?”. In it you will learn more about PCC:
- How it is made;
- What it is made from;
- Why all the extra processing is done;
- Why is PCC natural and organic;
- What is unique about PCC;
- How is PCC different than GCC;
- And how PCC differs from oyster shells,
Click on this link to download the sheet: What is PCC?
Learn more:
- SMI minerals in food fortification uses
- SMI minerals in nutritional supplements
- SMI minerals in pharmaceuticals
- SMI minerals in personal care products
- SMI calcium carbonates for food, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals and personal care products
- Choosing the right grade of SMI calcium carbonate for consumer products.
- Useful information for formulators: Downloadable information sheets on formulating with calcium carbonate, the effect of particle size and shape in a product, high bioavailability of calcium carbonate, California Proposition 65 lead limits, and calcium carbonate lead levels.
- U.S. Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for Calcium
- Osteoporosis: Anyone Can Be At Risk – Even You! A downloadable information sheet
- Specialty Minerals minerals in consumer products: See the products you use every day—foods, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, and other personal-care items—that use SMI talcs and calcium carbonates.
- About Specialty Minerals Inc.
