Are eggs high in calcium

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Are Eggs High in Calcium?

Calcium Content in Eggs

Eggs are a well-known source of various nutrients, but their calcium content is often a point of interest. The primary function of calcium in eggs is in the formation of eggshells, which are composed predominantly of calcium carbonate, making up more than 90% of the shell's weight. However, the calcium content within the edible parts of the egg, such as the yolk and egg white, is relatively low compared to the shell.

Calcium in Eggshells

Eggshells are an exceptionally rich source of calcium. Each gram of eggshell contains approximately 381 mg of calcium, making them a potential source for calcium supplementation. This high calcium content in eggshells has led to various studies exploring their use in food fortification and as a dietary supplement to prevent conditions like stunting and to boost the immune system.

Dietary Calcium and Egg Production

The calcium requirements for laying hens are significant due to the high calcium demand for eggshell formation. Studies have shown that hens require around 2.25% calcium in their diet, which translates to about 2.0 to 2.5 grams of calcium per day. This high calcium intake is crucial for maintaining egg production and quality. Hens on low-calcium diets (0.05% Ca) virtually ceased egg laying, while those on slightly higher calcium diets (0.5% Ca) maintained some level of production.

Impact of Calcium on Egg Quality

Increasing dietary calcium levels in hens has been shown to improve eggshell quality and overall egg production. For instance, diets with higher calcium levels (up to 4%) significantly improved eggshell strength, egg mass, and laying performance . Additionally, high-calcium diets have been associated with better bone health in hens, which is crucial for their overall well-being and productivity.

Conclusion

While the edible parts of eggs (yolk and white) are not particularly high in calcium, the eggshells are an excellent source of this mineral. The high calcium content in eggshells can be utilized for dietary supplements and food fortification. For laying hens, adequate dietary calcium is essential for maintaining egg production and quality, highlighting the importance of calcium in both human and animal nutrition.