Calcium Gluconate[2]
Overview
Calcium gluconate is a vital calcium salt derived from gluconic acid, primarily utilized in healthcare and industrial sectors. It is favored for its high solubility and bioavailability, making it an effective calcium supplement in medical treatments and food enrichment. First synthesized in the 19th century, it gained prominence due to its stability and safety profile. Today, it is produced through fermentation or chemical synthesis, meeting stringent pharmacopeia standards for purity in pharmaceutical applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
As a white, odorless powder, calcium gluconate dissolves readily in water but remains insoluble in organic solvents like ethanol. Its decomposition begins around 170°C without boiling, releasing calcium oxide and carbonaceous residues. The compound's neutral pH and low reactivity make it suitable for sensitive formulations, such as intravenous injections or infant nutrition products. Its molecular structure ensures gradual calcium release, minimizing gastrointestinal irritation compared to other calcium salts.
Main Applications
In pharmaceuticals, calcium gluconate treats hypocalcemia, magnesium toxicity, and calcium channel blocker overdoses. It is administered orally or intravenously, with IV forms requiring strict sterility. The food industry employs it as a firming agent (E578) in canned vegetables and a calcium booster in dairy alternatives. Industrially, it acts as a chelating agent in cleaning products and a setting retarder in cement. Recent research explores its role in biodegradable materials and battery electrolytes.
Safety and Storage
Classified as GRAS by the FDA, calcium gluconate poses minimal risks at recommended doses. Overdose may cause hypercalcemia symptoms like nausea or kidney stones, necessitating medical supervision in therapeutic use. Storage requires protection from moisture and CO2 exposure to prevent caking. Pharmaceutical-grade material should be kept in original sealed containers at room temperature, while bulk industrial quantities may use moisture-resistant bags with desiccants.
B2B Procurement Guide
Buyers should specify purity grades (USP/BP for medical use, FCC for food) and particle size requirements. Pharmaceutical procurement demands GMP-certified suppliers with batch traceability documentation. Industrial buyers can negotiate bulk discounts for tonnage quantities, typically shipped in 25kg bags or supersacks. Quality verification through third-party lab testing is recommended for new suppliers, especially for heavy metal content and microbial limits.