Abstract
Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal condition of progressive bone mineral loss and microarchitectural impairment, increased fracture risk, and associated morbidity, most prevalent in postmenopausal women and older individuals. Well-designed calcium intake in adequate amounts is mandatory for the preservation of bone health, and calcium supplementation is a central preventive and therapeutic measure. The long-term consumption of synthetic calcium supplements, however, is perceived as a concern due to costs, bioavailability, and cardiovascular risks. Under these circumstances, biogenic waste like eggshells presents an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and nutrient-rich source of natural calcium in the form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). This research explores the extraction, characterization, and biological activity of calcium derived from eggshells for the avoidance and control of osteoporosis.
Sterilized and cleaned eggshells were dried, ground, and micronized to produce a fine, bioavailable powder of calcium. Characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) validated the purity, crystallinity, and particle morphology of the treated calcium. In vitro tests with osteoblast cell lines exhibited increased cell viability, proliferation, and mineralization. In addition, in vivo experiments in ovariectomized rat models, which are widely employed to mimic postmenopausal osteoporosis, showed notable enhancements in bone mineral content, mechanical properties, and biochemical markers relative to control and commercial calcium groups. Apart from calcium, eggshells also naturally contain trace amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and strontium, which are reported to be beneficial for bone metabolism and could be involved in the synergistic effect. The findings indicate that eggshell-derived calcium can be an effective substitute for traditional supplements and has a sustainable and efficient method to fight osteoporosis while minimizing food waste and environmental impacts.