What is Calcium Chloride?

What does Calcium Chloride have to do with calcium supplements and does it have any dietary benefit? Simply put, calcium chloride has nothing to do with any forms of calcium found in the diet or in supplements, other than the presence of the calcium atom.

Calcium chloride is a chemical compound of calcium and chlorine. It is highly soluble in water and can absorb fairly large amount of water when exposed. It is considered a salt and is solid at room temperature. It's common uses include a component of brine for refrigeration plants. It is used for ice and dust control on roads, and in cement. Calcium chloride is produced directly from limestone and must be kept in tightly sealed containers because of its natural ability to absorb water from the surrounding air.

In contrast, calcium carbonate is the form used for dietary supplements of calcium for the body. Coral calcium is also composed primarily of calcium carbonate with small amounts of magnesium and other trace minerals.  Chemical analysis shows that calcium carbonate from coral sources is no different than from other sources of the chemical, though the other trace minerals may provide additional dietary benefit for those who are not receiving adequate calcium in their diet.

While forms of calcium are used to modify the pH of fish tanks, the suggestion that calcium can modify the pH of the body has not been substantiated. Typically the other pH change occurs in the urine you expel to rid yourself of waste.