Mother-of-pearl powder in food supplements

What is mother-of-pearl?

Nacre is the inner layer of mollusk shells. It is also called mother-of-pearl, cultured pearl, or freshwater pearl. This substance is formed by the inner layer of the shells of mollusks, such as oysters, mussels, and scallops. Nacre has been used for centuries in the making of jewelry and decorative objects, but it is also considered a source of calcium for humans. It is a natural composite material consisting of more than 95% (by weight) calcium carbonate in the crystalline form of aragonite and 1 to 5% (by weight) organic matrix. Aragonite and calcite are the two polymorphs of calcium carbonate that make up the shells of bivalve mollusks, providing strength and resilience due to the nano- and microstructural assembly of the overall architecture.

At Phytocea , we primarily use mother-of-pearl powder derived from the Pinctada maxima pearl. This is a high-quality mother-of-pearl obtained from oysters raised for the quality of their pearls. The mother-of-pearl we use comes from the pearl without killing the animal to harvest it (see the processes used for cultured pearls).

What are the biological properties of mother-of-pearl?

What is mother-of-pearl made of?

Nacre is a natural composite material composed primarily of calcium carbonate in the crystalline form of aragonite, which makes up more than 95% of its weight. The remainder consists of an organic matrix, which can represent between 1 and 5% of its weight. The two calcium carbonate polymorphs, aragonite and calcite, constitute the shells of bivalve mollusks, providing strength and resilience due to the nano- and microstructural assembly of their overall architecture.

Nacre is primarily produced by mollusks in marine and freshwater environments. Mollusks produce nacre to protect their bodies from external elements and predators. Nacre is formed by the accumulation of thin layers of calcium carbonate and organic matrix around an irritant, such as a grain of sand, a small particle, or a parasite.

Mother-of-pearl, derived from the Pinctada maxima pearl, is composed of an organo-mineral complex rich in multiple compounds.

• Mother-of-pearl is particularly rich in calcium in the form of aragonite. Aragonite is a mineral produced by shellfish such as oysters and mussels and is a constituent of pearls and shells. Aragonite is composed primarily of calcium carbonate.

• Mother-of-pearl contains proteins that contain essential amino acids.

• Mother-of-pearl contains proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, metalloproteins, aminoglycosides.

• Carotenoid pigments

• Melanin.

What are the benefits of mother-of-pearl powder?

Mother-of-pearl is often considered a source of calcium for humans. Calcium is an essential mineral for healthy bones and teeth and can help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones. Mother-of-pearl is rich in calcium and can be consumed in powder form to provide an additional source of calcium in the diet.

Amorphous CaCO3 is the precursor material used in the formation of nacre. Nacre then results from a biotransformation process of minerals into rigid mineral structures (biomineralization), starting from a matrix made of specific proteins (MB). It results from the regular layering of conchiolin, aragonite crystals, and traces of water and various ions whose particular arrangement causes interference with light radiation, giving it its iridescent appearance.

Due to its composition, mother-of-pearl powder can induce remineralization. It is counterintuitive that invertebrate shells can induce bone formation, but the mother-of-pearl in marine shells is both osteoinductive and osteointegrative. Mother-of-pearl is composed of aragonite (calcium carbonate) and induces the production of vertebrate bone (calcium phosphate).

It has been shown that mother-of-pearl possesses interesting properties:

• It stimulates osteogenesis through molecules that induce the differentiation of bone cells.

• It stimulates dermal fibroblasts and activates the synthesis of type I and III collagen.

• It is bioresorbable and biocompatible

These properties make it of great interest in implantology and devices that can be implanted directly into the bone are under development.

In dietary supplements, the supply of bioavailable calcium and amino acids is of great interest. Mother-of-pearl powder provides high-quality calcium, meeting the crucial needs of individuals with osteoporosis. Specifically, studies (Jessel 2019) in an aged mouse model have shown that nutritional supplementation with mother-of-pearl powder significantly increases the trabecular (spongy bone) volume of the femur and reduces markers of bone resorption.

How to use pearl powder?

Pearl powder has long been used in traditional medicine. Mother-of-pearl itself has even been used as a dental implant (its applications are still being studied, and medical devices based on mother-of-pearl are being developed or are under development).

Pearl powder can be used in toothpastes, cosmetic creams, or in food.

At Phytocea, we chose to incorporate mother-of-pearl derived from pearl powder into ReNacre. This choice was determined by mother-of-pearl's naturally high bioavailable calcium content, ensuring an optimal calcium intake. Combined with vitamin D, pearl powder provides an effective source of calcium, ideal for supporting normal skeletal health.

What are the health claims associated with mother-of-pearl?

They are dependent on calcium intake.

The EFSA authorizes health claims for products containing calcium (at least 120 mg of calcium per 100 g, 100 ml, or per serving). Products that meet these conditions can therefore claim the following:

• regulate energy metabolism

• contribute to muscular or nerve function

• contribute to the functioning of digestive enzymes

• contribute to proper blood clotting

• contribute to cell division and specialization

• contribute to the maintenance of bones and teeth

• contribute to the growth and bone development of children

Phytocea's Mother-of-Pearl and Vitamin D Food Supplement?

Within the Phytocea range of nutraceutical supplements , we have chosen to include freshwater pearl oyster ( Pinctada maxima ) powder in our ReNacre dietary supplement, specifically formulated for osteoporosis. We use the pearl itself for its premium quality, which we combine with vitamin D to help maintain bone density. ReNacre was designed to provide an effective supply of calcium and vitamin D (cholecalciferol), particularly recommended during periods of low sunlight, but also in any situation where vitamin D and calcium supplementation is needed.