Dolomite

Related Terms

Aluminum, arsenic, calcium, calcium carbonate, calcium supplements, carbonate rock, ceramics, dietary calcium supplements, dolomite novelties, dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) fertilizers, dolomite rock, dolomitic limestone, dolostone, magnesian limestone, magnesium, metal, metal exposure, mineral dolomite, potassium, silicon, soapstone (steatite) cookware, transvaal dolomite.

Background

Dolomite is a sedimentary carbonate rock or mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate crystals. Dolomite was first described in 1791 by the French naturalist and geologist D?odat Gratet de Dolomieu (1750-1801). He observed dolomite in a mountain group in northern Italy, now named the Dolomite Alps. Dolomite rock (or dolostone) is mainly composed of the mineral dolomite. Dolomitic limestone (or magnesian limestone) is limestone that has been partially replaced by dolomite.
Dolomite is commonly used for its potential ability to act as a calcium and magnesium supplement, although its safety and effectiveness as such have yet to be proven. Evidence supporting dolomite's use in any condition in humans is lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for dolomite in adults. A dose of 45-483 milligrams of magnesium taken by mouth daily has been taken by mouth. A dose of 1000 milligrams of calcium taken by mouth daily, up to 50 years of age, and 1200 milligrams of calcium daily after the age of 50 has also been taken by mouth. However, it is unclear if dolomite is a safe and effective means of fulfilling daily requirements for calcium or magnesium.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Dolomite may interact with antiviral drugs, calcium salts, or drugs with hormonal effects.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Bourgoin BP, Evans DR, Cornett JR, et al. Lead content in 70 brands of dietary calcium supplements. Am J Public Health 1993;83(8):1155-1160.
Chen GC, He ZL, Stoffella PJ, et al. Leaching potential of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn) from acidic sandy soil amended with dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) fertilizers. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2006;20(2):127-133.
Fukaya Y, Matsumoto T, Gotoh M, et al. [Lead exposure of workers in the ceramics industry and relevant factors]. Nippon Eiseigaku Zasshi 1993;48(5):980-991.
Gault MH, Chafe L, Longerich L, et al. Calcium and calcium magnesium carbonate specimens submitted as urinary tract stones. J Urol 1993;149(2):244-249.
Mattos JC, Hahn M, Augusti PR, et al. Lead content of dietary calcium supplements available in Brazil. Food Addit Contam 2006;23(2):133-139.
Mizoguchi T, Nagasawa S, Takahashi N, et al. Dolomite supplementation improves bone metabolism through modulation of calcium-regulating hormone secretion in ovariectomized rats. J Bone Miner Metab 2005;23(2):140-146.
Quintaes KD, Amaya-Farfan J, Morgano MA, et al. Soapstone (steatite) cookware as a source of minerals. Food Addit Contam 2002;19(2):134-143.
Reid JD, Andersen ME. Calcium oxalate in sarcoid granulomas. With particular reference to the small ovoid body and a note on the finding of dolomite. Am J Clin Pathol 1988;90(5):545-558.
Roberts HJ. Potential toxicity due to dolomite and bonemeal. South Med J 1983;76(5):556-559.
Roberts RJ. Dolomite as a source of toxic metals. N Engl J Med 2-12-1981;304(7):423.
Scelfo GM, Flegal AR. Lead in calcium supplements. Environ Health Perspect 2000;108(4):309-313.
Selden AI, Berg NP, Lundgren EA, et al. Exposure to tremolite asbestos and respiratory health in Swedish dolomite workers. Occup Environ Med 2001;58(10):670-677.
Steenkamp V, Stewart MJ, Curowska E, et al. A severe case of multiple metal poisoning in a child treated with a traditional medicine. Forensic Sci Int. 2002;128(3):123-126.
Yamana H, Ito H, Ito T, et al. Strong antiviral activity of heated and hydrated dolomite--preliminary investigation. J Vet Med Sci 2007;69(2):217-219.