Calcium Silicate

Calcium silicate is a chemical compound that occurs naturally as the mineral larnite. It is also referred to by the shortened trade name Cal-Sil or Calsil. Calcium silicate is a white free-flowing powder that can be derived from naturally occurring limestone and diatomaceous earth, a siliceous sedimentary rock. It is one of a group of compounds that can be produced by reacting calcium oxide and silica in various ratios. Calcium silicate is used as an anticaking agent in food preparation, including table salt, and as an antacid. It is approved by the United Nations’ FAO and WHO bodies as a safe food additive in a large variety of products. Calcium silicate can also be used as a supplement of calcium and silicon.

Calcium is vital to the growth of our bones, to the growth and development of muscle function, to develop nerves and the accompanying transmissions, and to the function of our brains. Calcium supplements are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, chews, liquids, and powders. Calcium supplements cause few, if any, side effects. But side effects can sometimes occur, including gas, constipation, and bloating. In general, calcium carbonate is the most constipating.

Case Studies

• 1. “The Effectiveness of Calcium Silicate for Fire-resistant Structures” – This case study explored the use of calcium silicate in fire-resistant building materials. It demonstrated that the insulating property of calcium silicate significantly slowed down the spread of heat, helping to keep structures safe in the event of a fire (Source: Journal of Fire Safety Engineering, 2020).
• 2. “The Role of Calcium Silicate in Sustainable Agriculture” – In this study, calcium silicate was shown to be beneficial in agriculture, particularly in improving plant health and yield. It can condition soil, improving its physical properties and providing plants with essential nutrients, such as silica. The application of calcium silicate was shown to mitigate various plant diseases and boost overall crop productivity (Source: International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 2021).
• 3. “Calcium Silicate as an Anti-caking Agent: A Food Safety Perspective” – This study provided an analysis of calcium silicate’s role in the food industry. It confirmed that when used as an anti-caking agent in food products, calcium silicate is not only effective but also safe for consumption. The study found no significant toxic effects, supporting the substance’s designation as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compound by the FDA (Source: Journal of Food Safety, 2022).

There is no recommended dosage for calcium silicate specifically. However, the recommended daily intake of calcium for adults is 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day for adults up through age 50 and 1,200 mg per day for those over 50 years old.

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/calcium-supplement-health-benefits-190470
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_silicate
• https://www.exercise.com/supplements/calcium-silicate/
• https://foodadditives.net/anticaking-agent/calcium-silicate/
• https://connect.distributioninternational.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-using-calcium-silicate-insulation-in-your-project