Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Lynch RJ, ten Cate JM. The anti-caries efficacy of calcium carbonate-based fluoride toothpastes. Int Dent J. 2005;55(3 Suppl 1):175-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1875-595x.2005.tb00055.x.

Abstract. To summarise clinical support for the anti-caries efficacy of fluoride toothpastes containing sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) and to discuss the possible means by which the abrasive particles in calcium carbonate-based SMFP toothpastes might complement and/or enhance fluoride efficacy.

McClelland SC, Cassey P, Maurer G, Hauber ME, Portugal SJ. How much calcium to shell out? Eggshell calcium carbonate content is greater in birds with thinner shells, larger clutches and longer lifespans. J R Soc Interface. 2021 Sep;18(182):20210502. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0502. 

Abstract. The avian eggshell is a bio-ceramic structure that protects the embryo. It is composed almost entirely of calcium carbonate and a small amount of organic material. An optimal amount of calcium carbonate in the eggshell is essential for the embryo's development, yet how the ratio of calcium carbonate to organic matter varies between species has not been investigated. Calcium is a limiting resource for most birds, so its investment in their eggs should be optimized for a bird's life history. We measured the relative calcium carbonate content of eggshells in 222 bird species and tested hypotheses for how this trait has evolved with the life-history strategies of these species and other traits of their respective egg physiologies. We found that (i) eggshell calcium carbonate content was positively correlated with species having thinner eggshells and smaller than expected eggs relative to incubating parental mass, (ii) species with small mean clutch sizes had lower calcium carbonate content in their eggshells, and (iii) for species with larger clutch sizes, eggshell calcium carbonate content was negatively correlated with their mean lifespan. The pattern of lower eggshell calcium carbonate in longer lived, larger clutched birds suggests that calcium provision to the eggshell has long-term costs for the individual.

Meyer C, Cameron K, Battistella M. New agent to treat elevated phosphate levels: magnesium carbonate/calcium carbonate tablets. CANNT J. 2012 Oct-Dec;22(4):33-5; quiz 36-7. 

Abstract. In summary, Binaphos CM, a magnesium carbonate/calcium carbonate combination phosphate binder, is marketed for treating elevated phosphate levels in dialysis patients. Although studies using magnesium/calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder are short term with small numbers of patients, this phosphate binder has shown some promising results and may provide clinicians with an alternative for phosphate binding. Using a combination phosphate binder may reduce pill burden and encourage patient compliance. In addition to calcium and phosphate, it is imperative to diligently monitor magnesium levels in patients started on this medication, as magnesium levels may increase with longer duration of use. Additional randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of this combination phosphate binder.

Hargis CW, Chen IA, Devenney M, Fernandez MJ, Gilliam RJ, Thatcher RP. Calcium Carbonate Cement: A Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Technique. Materials (Basel). 2021 May 21;14(11):2709. doi: 10.3390/ma14112709. 

Abstract. A novel calcium carbonate cement system that mimics the naturally occurring mineralization process of carbon dioxide to biogenic or geologic calcium carbonate deposits was developed utilizing carbon dioxide-containing flue gas and high-calcium industrial solid waste as raw materials. The calcium carbonate cement reaction is based on the polymorphic transformation from metastable vaterite to aragonite and can achieve >40 MPa compressive strength. Due to its unique properties, the calcium carbonate cement is well suited for building materials applications with controlled factory manufacturing processes that can take advantage of its rapid curing at elevated temperatures and lower density for competitive advantages. Examples of suitable applications are lightweight fiber cement board and aerated concrete. The new cement system described is an environmentally sustainable alternative cement that can be carbon negative, meaning more carbon dioxide is captured during its manufacture than is emitted.

Cao M, Ming X, He K, Li L, Shen S. Effect of Macro-, Micro- and Nano-Calcium Carbonate on Properties of Cementitious Composites-A Review. Materials (Basel). 2019 Mar 7;12(5):781. doi: 10.3390/ma12050781. 

Abstract. Calcium carbonate is wildly used in cementitious composites at different scales and can affect the properties of cementitious composites through physical effects (such as the filler effect, dilution effect and nucleation effect) and chemical effects. The effects of macro (>1 mm)-, micro (1 μm⁻1 mm)- and nano (<1 μm)-sizes of calcium carbonate on the hydration process, workability, mechanical properties and durability are reviewed. Macro-calcium carbonate mainly acts as an inert filler and can be involved in building the skeletons of hardened cementitious composites to provide part of the strength. Micro-calcium carbonate not only fills the voids between cement grains, but also accelerates the hydration process and affects the workability, mechanical properties and durability through the dilution, nucleation and even chemical effects. Nano-calcium carbonate also has both physical and chemical effects on the properties of cementitious composites, and these effects behave even more effectively than those of micro-calcium carbonate. However, agglomeration of nano-calcium carbonate reduces its enhancement effects remarkably.

Cartwright JH, Checa AG, Gale JD, Gebauer D, Sainz-Díaz CI. Calcium carbonate polyamorphism and its role in biomineralization: how many amorphous calcium carbonates are there? Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2012 Nov 26;51(48):11960-70. doi: 10.1002/anie.201203125. 

Abstract. Here we summarize what is known about polyamorphism in calcium carbonate as well as what is understood about the role of amorphous calcium carbonate in biominerals.

Stringer MD, Soloway RD, Taylor DR, Riyad K, Toogood G. Calcium carbonate gallstones in children. J Pediatr Surg. 2007 Oct;42(10):1677-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.05.022.

Abstract. In the United States, cholesterol stones account for 70% to 95% of adult gallstones and black pigment stones for most of the remainder. Calcium carbonate stones are exceptionally rare. A previous analysis of a small number of pediatric gallstones from the north of England showed a remarkably high prevalence of calcium carbonate stones. The aims of this study were to analyze a much larger series of pediatric gallstones from our region and to compare their chemical composition with a series of adult gallstones from the same geographic area.

Tawbi HA, Tran AL, Christner SM, Lin Y, Johnson M, Mowrey E, Appleman LR, Stoller R, Miller BM, Egorin MJ, Beumer JH. Calcium carbonate does not affect nilotinib pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2013 Nov;72(5):1143-7. doi: 10.1007/s00280-013-2283-x. 

Abstract. Nilotinib is a second-generation oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor with superior efficacy compared with imatinib mesylate in the treatment for chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia. Calcium carbonate is commonly used as a source of calcium supplementation or as antacid to ameliorate the gastrointestinal side effects associated with nilotinib, which could have unknown effects on nilotinib absorption. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the effect of calcium carbonate on the PK of nilotinib in healthy volunteers.