Dolomite

Other Name(s):

dolomitic limestone

General Description:

Dolomite is a sedimentary mineral formed from the skeletal remains of small marine animals. It has a high calcium content because the shells and skeletal structure of marine organisms consist mainly of calcium. The mineral is a calcium/magnesium carbonate.

Medically Valid Uses:

Dolomite has been mainly used as a source of calcium. Because it is a carbonate, it has also been used in antacids.

Calcium is an important mineral that makes up the mineral content of bones and teeth. Calcium is also necessary for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting, hormone synthesis and many other functions. Calcium improves the stability of cell membranes and aids in the passage of nutrients and other substances in and out of cells.

Unsubstantiated Claims:

Please note that this section reports on claims that have NOT yet been substantiated through scientific studies.

Dolomite is claimed to possibly act as a cleansing agent in dentifrices, help treat cystitis (bladder infection), reduce bone loss associated with osteoporosis, ease insomnia, decrease the risk for osteoporosis, help regulate heartbeat and help prevent osteomalacia (rickets).

Dosing Format:

The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1,000 to 1,200 mg depending on age and gender. The recommended daily amount for adults under 50 is 1,000 mg. The recommended daily amount for adults over 50 is 1,200 mg. The recommended daily amount for children ages 6 to 8 is 800 mg, and for children 9 to 18 years of age, 1,300 mg.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding may need calcium supplements, but should consult a physician before taking any dietary supplements.

Side Effects, Toxicity and Interactions:

Concerns over dolomite's high lead content have raised some questions about the use of dolomite as a supplement. Its lead content is 1.4 micrograms/gram. Although not as high as bone meal's (1.7mcg/g), dolomite's lead content is significantly higher than refined calcium carbonate (laboratory processed).

There are no known significant food or drug interactions associated with dolomite.

Additional Information:

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References:

1. [No Authors Listed]. Getting the Lead Out? Researcher says some calcium supplements contain more lead than children, pregnant women should ingest. Ridgely Ochs, Newsday. 1993;08-31,61.

2. Runyan TJ. Nutrition for Today. 1976;7:97.

3. NRC-National Academy of Sciences. Recommended Dietary Allowance. 1980.

4. Bricklin M. The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. Revised edition. Penguin USA; November 1990.

5. Whiting SJ. Safety of some calcium supplements questioned. Nutr Rev. 1994 Mar;52(3):95-7.

6. Bourgoin BP, Evans DR, Cornett JR, Lingard SM, Quattrone AJ. Lead content in 70 brands of dietary calcium supplements. Am J Public Health. 1993 Aug;83(8):1155-60.

7. Boulos FM, von Smolinski A. Alert to users of calcium supplements as antihypertensive agents due to trace metal contaminants. Am J Hypertens. 1988 Jul;1(3 Pt 3):137S-142S.