Calcium chloride is a naturally occurring salt with a wide variety of everyday uses. These can include industrial uses for construction and de-icing roads as well as in food as an additive and preservative, according to CalciumChloride.com. There are a number of medical uses for calcium chloride as well. Understanding all the ways that this salt can be used helps open the mind to calcium chloride's versatility.
Calcium Deficiency Treatment
Calcium chloride can be used as a treatment for calcium deficiency. Known as hypocalcemia, this deficiency is defined by measuring the level of ionized calcium serum in the blood. Calcium chloride injections or supplements are used to raise the level of calcium in the blood and reverse the symptoms of calcium deficiency, which can include dementia, seizures and muscle stiffness, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Cardiac Resuscitation
Another everyday medical use of calcium chloride is to provide cardiac resuscitation after open heart surgery. Drugs.com reports that when epinephrine treatments don't work, calcium chloride is the top choice. It helps to restart the heart and strengthen weak or ineffective myocardial contractions. Calcium chloride treatments can cause veins to dilate, which may lower blood pressure.
Food Additive
Calcium chloride is the agent added to foods to boost their calcium levels and prevent moisture buildup in products. According to CalciumChloride.com, the salt is often added to pickles and cheeses. It may be added to processed foods to enrich them. Beer drinkers can also expect to see calcium chloride in the mixes for their favorite brews
Food Drying Agent
Calcium chloride is a very absorbent salt. When it is present, it pulls water out of its surrounding environment. As a result, CalciumChloride.com reports that calcium chloride can be used in food and other packing materials to prevent water accumulation in shipping and storage situations. This helps to effectively extend food's shelf life and prevent moisture damage to packaged foods, as AmericanChemistry.com notes that calcium chloride has the power to pull twice as many water molecules apart as sodium chloride, or standard salt.
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