That statement is correct.
Eating boiled and ground eggshells is not considered a safe or reliable way to meet calcium needs, even though eggshells are mostly calcium carbonate.
Here’s why:
1. Safety concerns
- Contamination risk: Eggshells can carry bacteria like Salmonella if not properly sterilized.
- Sharp particles: Even finely ground shells may contain microscopic sharp fragments that can irritate or injure the digestive tract.
- Heavy metal exposure: Eggshells can sometimes contain trace contaminants depending on how the eggs were produced.
2. Poor reliability for nutrition
- Calcium content is variable and hard to measure accurately.
- The body doesn’t absorb calcium from eggshell powder as efficiently as from food or supplements designed for absorption.
- You can’t reliably control dosage, which increases the risk of too little or too much calcium intake.
3. Better alternatives
If someone needs more calcium, safer and more effective options include:
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Leafy greens (kale, broccoli)
- Fortified foods (plant milks, cereals)
- Standard calcium supplements (calcium carbonate or citrate) taken under guidance
Bottom line
Eggshell powder is sometimes discussed in home remedies, but medically and nutritionally it’s not recommended compared to proven calcium sources.
If you want, I can help estimate how much calcium you actually need per day based on age and diet.
