Do eggs contain calcium

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Calcium Content in Eggs: An Overview

Calcium in Eggshells

Eggshells are a significant source of calcium, primarily in the form of calcium carbonate, which constitutes more than 90% of the eggshell's weight 36. This high calcium content in eggshells has led to their use as a calcium supplement in various industries, including food fortification 36. Techniques such as electric discharge-assisted mechanical milling and high-energy milling are employed to extract calcium from eggshells efficiently 36.

Calcium in Egg Yolk and Egg White

While the primary function of calcium in eggs is to form the eggshell, small quantities of calcium are also present in the egg yolk and egg white 14. Studies have shown that the calcium content in the yolk and egg white is significantly lower compared to the shell, but it still plays a crucial role in the overall nutritional profile of the egg 14.

Impact of Dietary Calcium on Egg Production and Quality

The calcium content in a hen's diet directly affects egg production and quality. Hens fed a diet with adequate calcium levels (around 3-4%) produce eggs with stronger shells and better overall quality 25789. Conversely, a calcium-deficient diet leads to a significant drop in egg production and poorer shell quality 247. For instance, hens on a low-calcium diet (0.05%) showed a drastic reduction in egg laying and produced eggs with lower shell calcium content 24.

Calcium and Hen Health

Calcium is not only vital for egg production but also for the health of the laying hens. Adequate calcium intake helps maintain bone health and prevents conditions like osteoporosis and cage layer fatigue, which are common in laying hens due to the high calcium turnover required for eggshell formation . Studies have shown that increasing dietary calcium levels can improve bone mineral content and density, thereby supporting the overall health of the hens 5910.

Conclusion

In summary, eggs do contain calcium, primarily in the eggshell, which is composed mostly of calcium carbonate. Smaller amounts of calcium are also found in the egg yolk and egg white. The calcium content in eggs is significantly influenced by the hen's diet, with adequate dietary calcium being crucial for optimal egg production, shell quality, and hen health.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

The Secretion of Radioactive Calcium (Ca45) in the Hen’s Egg

Radioactive calcium (Ca45) secretion in laying hens' eggs is a key factor in determining their calcium needs and promoting egg production.

1949·

41citations

·J. Driggers et al.

A comparison of the effects of two low‐calcium diets on egg production in the domestic fowl

A 0.05% calcium diet effectively stopped egg laying in domestic fowl, while a 0-50% calcium diet maintained egg production, with no clinical signs of bone demineralisation.

1975·

53citations

·A. Gilbert et al.

Eggshell calcium: A cheap alternative to expensive supplements

Eggshells are a rich source of calcium, which can be extracted and used for food fortification and calcium-rich food sources, reducing eggshell waste and promoting sustainable food production.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2019·

111citations

·M. Waheed et al.

Internal Quality, Composition and Defects of Eggs from Hens Fed a Calcium Deficient Diet

Feeding hens a calcium deficient diet leads to a severe drop in egg production, increased yolk mottling, and higher blood spot incidence.

1973·

6citations

·S. T. McCready et al.

Interactive effects of calcium and top‐dressed 25‐hydroxy vitamin D3 on egg production, egg shell quality, and bones attributes in aged Lohmann LSL‐lite layers1

Top-dressed 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 increases egg weight in aged hens without negatively impacting eggshell quality or bone attributes, while higher calcium intake deteriorates eggshell quality and increases renal ash accumulation without benefiting skeletal integrity.

Rigorous Journal

2019·

46citations

·Akbari R Moghaddam Kakhki et al.

An Egg Shell: A Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits

Eggshells contain 5.5 grams of calcium carbonate, traces of other minerals, and vitamin D, and can potentially be used to make a good calcium supplement.

Literature Review

2023·

0citations

·Pranjal Sachan

Dietary supplementation with protected calcium effects production and egg quality of Hy-line brown laying hens

Replacing limestone with 1% protected calcium can increase eggshell quality and decrease egg breakage in laying hens.

RCT

2020·

1citation

·H. Shi et al.

Effect of dietary calcium and vitamin D3 levels on egg production and egg shell quality of hy-line brown-egg type laying hens.

Dietary calcium levels of 4% and vitamin D3 levels of 3000 or 2500 IU/kg significantly improve egg production and egg mass in laying hens.

RCT

2010·

12citations

·A. El-Maksoud

Improving Egg Production and Hen Health with Calcium

Genetics, exercise, and nutritional manipulation can help laying hens maintain calcium homeostasis, preventing cage layer fatigue and osteoporosis.

2017·

2citations

·P. Hester

Effects of Dietary Calcium Levels on Productive Performance, Eggshell Quality and Overall Calcium Status in Aged Laying Hens

Higher dietary calcium levels improve eggshell strength and thickness in aged laying hens, suggesting a need for higher calcium levels than current Korean feeding standards for poultry.

Rigorous Journal

2016·

58citations

·S. An et al.

Try another search

what are zincs

average calories per day

how do scientists predict future trends in climate

history and astronomy

crew of the iss

ulcer medication names