DEVELOPMENT OF EGGSHELL POWDER AND ASSESSMENT OF IT’S CALCIUM CONTENT AS NATURAL SOURCE

Abstract

Background: Calcium is an essential mineral found in many foods, supplements. Calcium deficiency is a worldwide problem. Eggshells are considered as waste and cause environmental problem. They contain about 94-97% of calcium carbonate which is highly bioavailable if they sterilized properly. It is a cheap alternative source as compared to synthetic calcium supplement. Methodology: To make eggshell powder chicken eggshell were collected from different restaurants and bakeries and then taken to the laboratory. The eggshell sample was washed with tap water at 30-35 °C and then prepared for experimental use within 24 hours and the membrane was removed from shell. Then the sterilization process has started at 121 °C for 15 min followed by heating in water at 95 °C for 60 min and then dried in hot air dryer at 70 °C for 3 hours. This method helps remove moisture. The dried material was ground by using grinder and then transformed into fine powder. Oven drying method is used to measure the moisture content of eggshell powder. Due to high level of calcium in eggshell, it is used in many industries like food and pharmaceutical. Aim: Our aim was to develop the calcium content from eggshell and assess their potential as a natural calcium source. Result: Physicochemical analysis showed that the total ash content was 2.45±0.53% Low ash indicate low minimal inorganic impurities with sand soil and Extraneous materials moisture content was 3.33±0.41%. Low moisture reduces the risk of microbial growth. loss on drying was 2.76±0.59% it confirms that calcium has low volatile content. Conclusion: Mineral analysis revealed a calcium concentration of 25 mg/g in the sample. Eggshell particle is a harmless, organic, medical-grade calcium cause. It is optimal for strengthening edibles such as flour / juice or as an independent augmentation to avoid rickets / osteoporosis. At 25 mg/g, you would require 40-48g particle to strike the mature RDA of 1000-1200 mg. Excellent utilized as a nutritional increase, not the exclusive calcium origin.