Evidence supporting the use of: Abalone
For the health condition: Calcium Deficiency
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Abalone, a type of marine mollusk, has been used in various traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia, for its purported health benefits. The use of abalone shells or meat to support calcium deficiency is primarily based on the fact that abalone shells are rich in calcium carbonate. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), abalone shell (known as "Shi Jue Ming") is sometimes used in powdered form to "calm the liver" and purportedly strengthen bones and teeth, which may be indirectly related to calcium content.
However, there is little direct scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of abalone or abalone shell in treating or preventing calcium deficiency in humans. The calcium present in the shell is in a form that is not highly bioavailable, meaning that the human body cannot easily absorb it compared to other dietary sources of calcium. While the traditional use is documented, clinical research validating its effectiveness for calcium deficiency is lacking. As such, while abalone is used traditionally for conditions that may relate to calcium, its application for calcium deficiency specifically is supported by tradition rather than robust scientific evidence.
Other health conditions supported by Abalone
Aging (prevention)Anemia
Arthritis
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (prevention)
Debility
Heart (weakness)
Osteoporosis
Skin Care (general)
Wounds and Sores