| abstract |
A chewable calcium composition and its associated method of manufacturing are disclosed. The chewable composition includes a lipid base and a micronized calcium salt substantially uniformly mixed with the lipid base such that the lipid base forms a continuous phase. The composition provides for a relatively large dose of calcium in a easy to take chocolate like, chewable form. The composition of the present invention is manufactured by providing the lipid base including a melting temperature. The lipid base is then heated to a temperature of approximately 120° F. such that the lipid base melts. After the lipid base melts, the micronized calcium salt is mixed with the lipid base to form a melted mixture such that the micronized calcium salt is substantially uniformly distributed in the melted lipid base. Thereafter, the melted mixture may be tempered in a predetermined way before causing the mixture to solidify and then molded into chewable portions, each of which includes a predetermined amount of calcium salt. In one aspect of the invention, a predetermined portion of xylitol may be added to the melted mixture such that the xylitol is substantially uniformly distributed in the melted mixture. When the composition is consumed, the xylitol provides for salivation within the oral cavity leading to substantially rapid dissolution of the composition therein so as to provide taste and texture characteristics which are akin to those of chocolate. |