# Calcium Bromide **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/calcium-bromide **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Mineral **Also Known As:** CaBr₂, Calcium dibromide, Calcium bromide anhydrous, Calcium(II) bromide, Dibromocalcium ## Overview 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. ## 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 ## Mechanism of Action 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. ## 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, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, 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. ## Dosage & Preparation 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. ## Safety & Drug 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](/ingredients/condition/hormonal), 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. ## 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. ## 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. ## Synergistic Combinations Not applicable - no supplementation use established ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is calcium bromide used for? Calcium bromide has no established or approved use as a dietary supplement or therapeutic agent in humans. Industrially, CaBr₂ is used as a dense brine fluid in oil and gas well completion. Any historical mention of bromide salts as sedatives refers to potassium bromide, not the calcium form. ### Is calcium bromide safe to take as a supplement? Calcium bromide is not considered safe for supplemental use due to the accumulation of bromide ions in the body, which can cause bromism — a toxidrome involving neurological impairment, confusion, and skin rashes. There is no established safe or effective dose for human supplementation, and it carries no regulatory approval as a dietary ingredient by the FDA or EFSA. ### Does calcium bromide provide calcium for bone health? Although calcium bromide contains elemental calcium, there are no studies demonstrating its bioavailability or efficacy for bone health compared to well-studied forms such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. The bromide component introduces significant safety concerns that make it an impractical and potentially harmful calcium source. Well-characterized alternatives with established absorption data are universally preferred. ### What are the side effects of bromide exposure from calcium bromide? Chronic bromide ion exposure can produce bromism, with symptoms including drowsiness, cognitive impairment, tremor, ataxia, acneiform rash (bromoderma), and in severe cases, psychosis or hallucinations. Bromide has a serum half-life of approximately 9–12 days, meaning toxicity builds with repeated dosing. Blood bromide levels above 50 mg/dL are associated with clinical toxicity. ### How does calcium bromide differ from other calcium supplements? Unlike calcium carbonate (40% elemental calcium, widely studied), calcium citrate (21% elemental calcium, high bioavailability), or calcium gluconate (9% elemental calcium, used IV), calcium bromide carries a pharmacologically active and potentially toxic bromide anion with no nutritional value. No comparative absorption or efficacy studies exist for CaBr₂. It is not listed among accepted calcium supplement forms in any major clinical nutrition guideline. ### What does scientific research show about calcium bromide's effectiveness as a supplement? Current scientific literature contains no clinical trials or peer-reviewed studies demonstrating health benefits from calcium bromide supplementation. Historical anecdotal claims about its use for neuroses lack clinical evidence or verification. The ingredient is not recognized by major health organizations as an evidence-based supplement for any therapeutic application. ### Is calcium bromide appropriate for people seeking calcium supplementation? Calcium bromide is not recommended as a calcium supplement source because no clinical research supports this use. More established and studied calcium forms—such as calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, or calcium malate—have documented bioavailability and safety profiles. Anyone needing calcium supplementation should consult a healthcare provider about evidence-based alternatives. ### Why is calcium bromide not commonly found in nutritional supplements? Calcium bromide lacks clinical evidence supporting supplemental benefits and is not recognized as a legitimate dietary supplement ingredient by regulatory bodies. The ingredient's primary industrial applications (such as in drilling fluids) are unrelated to human nutrition. Without demonstrated efficacy or safety data specific to oral supplementation, manufacturers and retailers prioritize other calcium forms backed by clinical research. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*