Calcium Bromide

Calcium bromide (CaBr₂) is an inorganic calcium salt in which calcium is ionically bonded to two bromide anions. It has no established role as a dietary supplement and lacks clinical evidence supporting any health benefit in humans.

Origin & History

Calcium bromide (CaBr₂) is an inorganic ionic compound consisting of calcium and bromide ions, appearing as white, hygroscopic crystals or powder. It is synthesized industrially by reacting calcium oxide or calcium carbonate with bromine or hydrobromic acid, and belongs to the chemical class of alkaline earth metal halides.

Historical & Cultural Context

Limited historical context exists, with vague mentions of use in 'neuroses medication' without specific traditional medicine system documentation. No evidence of use in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or other established systems was found in the research.

Health Benefits

• No documented health benefits - No clinical trials or studies identified in the research
• Historical anecdotal use for neuroses - Mentioned without clinical evidence or verification
• Potential calcium supplementation - Theoretical only, no studies support this use
• No evidence-based therapeutic applications found in the research
• Currently used only in industrial applications like drilling fluids

How It Works

Calcium bromide dissociates in aqueous solution into Ca²⁺ and Br⁻ ions. The bromide anion historically was thought to competitively substitute for chloride at neuronal membranes, potentially reducing neuronal excitability by hyperpolarizing cells, though this mechanism was studied in the context of potassium and sodium bromide rather than the calcium salt specifically. No receptor-level or enzyme-specific data exists for calcium bromide as a therapeutic agent.

Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses were identified for calcium bromide in the available research. The compound lacks documented clinical use in modern medicine, with only vague historical references to neuroses treatment without specific trial details or outcomes.

Clinical Summary

No clinical trials, randomized controlled studies, or peer-reviewed human studies have evaluated calcium bromide for any health indication. Bromide salts as a class were used empirically in 19th and early 20th century medicine as sedatives and anticonvulsants, but this evidence predates modern trial standards and pertains primarily to potassium bromide, not the calcium form. The theoretical use of CaBr₂ as a calcium source remains entirely unvalidated, and no pharmacokinetic data on its bioavailability in humans exists. Current evidence is rated at the lowest level, consisting only of historical anecdote with no quantifiable outcomes.

Nutritional Profile

Calcium Bromide (CaBr₂) is an inorganic mineral salt with molecular weight 199.89 g/mol. Elemental composition by weight: calcium approximately 20% (200mg calcium per gram of CaBr₂), bromine approximately 80%. As a mineral salt, it contains zero macronutrients — no protein, carbohydrates, fat, or dietary fiber. No vitamins present. No bioactive organic compounds. Theoretical calcium content: if fully dissociated in solution, 1g CaBr₂ would yield ~200mg elemental calcium, comparable to calcium chloride supplements; however, bioavailability of calcium from this source is entirely unstudied and unvalidated for human consumption. Bromine content is significant at ~800mg per gram — bromine is not a recognized essential nutrient for humans, and bromide ions at these concentrations carry known toxicity risks including bromism (chronic bromide poisoning) at doses exceeding 3g/day of bromide salts. No fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients, amino acids, or fatty acids present. Water solubility is high (935g/L at 20°C), meaning complete ionic dissociation occurs in aqueous environments. This compound is classified as a non-food industrial chemical; it is not approved as a dietary supplement or food additive by FDA, EFSA, or equivalent regulatory bodies.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardized forms are available for calcium bromide. The compound lacks documented clinical use in modern medicine beyond historical references. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Not applicable - no supplementation use established

Safety & Interactions

Bromide ions accumulate in the body due to a half-life of approximately 12 days, creating a risk of bromism with repeated exposure, characterized by neurological symptoms including confusion, ataxia, and psychosis. Calcium bromide may interact with thyroid function, as bromide competes with iodide at the sodium-iodide symporter, potentially impairing thyroid hormone synthesis. Concomitant use with lithium, diuretics, or other halide-containing compounds may alter bromide clearance and increase toxicity risk. Safety in pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric populations is entirely unestablished, and its use is not recommended in any of these groups.