calcium periodate is a colorless to white, fine to medium-grained crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and nitric acid but insoluble in ethanol. It is used in bakery products as dough conditioner. It also finds application in animal husbandry and pharmacology as a source of nutritional iodine for livestock and poultry feeds. It is an oxidant, hence it is used in the manufacture of antiseptics and deodorants.
Calcium is an essential element for human and animal health. It plays a role in thermoregulation, allowing animals to maintain a normal body temperature in different environmental conditions. It also helps in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolic processes. Often, animal owners fail to add enough dietary iodine in their feed mixes, leading to iodine deficiency in animals. This deficiency manifests as goiters in pigs and other livestock. Adding enough iodine in animal feeds prevents this deficiency and enables them to fight climate change-related diseases like goiter.
The calcium content of various forms of calcium varies, ranging from 9% in calcium carbonate to 40% in calcium gluconate and 71% in calcium oxide. In addition, their solubility in neutral pH varies widely. Taking into account these factors, it is important for nurses and other healthcare team members to understand the indications, actions, adverse events, monitoring, and relevant interactions of calcium carbonate. This will help improve patient compliance and optimize outcomes.