Calcium Gluconate
Nutritional Enhancers
Minerals & Trace Elements
Acidity Regulators
299-28-5
E578
C₁₂H₂₂CaO₁₄·3H₂O
$1.94 ~ $2.91
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Calcium Gluconate?
Calcium Gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid, widely utilized as a mineral supplement, firming agent, and stabilizer in food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
How is Calcium Gluconate made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neutralization Reaction | Reacting an aqueous solution of gluconic acid with a calcium source, typically high-purity calcium carbonate, in a glass-lined or stainless steel reactor. | Control pH (target 6.0-7.0) to ensure complete reaction. Monitor temperature (e.g., 80-95°C) to manage the reaction rate and CO2 release. Ensure slow and controlled addition of reactants. |
| 2 | Purification & Filtration | Filtering the resulting calcium gluconate solution to remove unreacted solids and fine impurities. Activated carbon is often added to decolorize the solution. | Check filtrate for clarity and color. Ensure filter integrity to prevent particle contamination. A pre-coat filter is commonly used for efficiency. |
| 3 | Concentration | Heating the purified solution under vacuum in an evaporator to remove excess water, thereby increasing the solution's saturation level for crystallization. | Maintain a low temperature (e.g., 60-70°C) under vacuum to prevent thermal degradation. Control the process until a target specific gravity or concentration is achieved. |
| 4 | Crystallization | Cooling the concentrated solution in a crystallizer with controlled agitation. Seeding with existing crystals may be used to initiate and control crystal growth. | The cooling rate is critical for determining crystal size and purity. Slower cooling generally yields larger, purer crystals. Monitor the temperature profile closely. |
| 5 | Centrifugation & Washing | Separating the crystal slurry in a centrifuge to isolate the solid calcium gluconate crystals from the mother liquor. The crystal cake is then washed with purified water. | Control centrifuge speed and duration for optimal liquid-solid separation. The washing step is crucial to remove residual impurities from the crystal surface. |
| 6 | Drying | Drying the wet crystals in a fluid bed dryer or vacuum dryer to reduce moisture to the required level. | Monitor inlet air temperature and drying time to avoid product discoloration or degradation. The final moisture content is a critical quality attribute. |
| 7 | Sizing (Sieving/Milling) | Passing the dried product through a sieve or mill to break any agglomerates and achieve a uniform, specified particle size distribution. | Use calibrated screens of the correct mesh size. Control milling intensity to prevent particle damage or the generation of excessive fines. |
| 8 | Quality Control & Packaging | Sampling the final batch for comprehensive testing against pharmacopeial specifications (e.g., USP, BP, EP). The approved product is then packaged into clean, sealed, and properly labeled containers. | Confirm assay (purity), identity, heavy metals, arsenic, and microbiological limits. Ensure packaging integrity to protect the product from moisture and contamination. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 299-28-5 |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₂H₂₂CaO₁₄·3H₂O |
| Solubility | Slowly soluble in water |
| Storage Conditions | Store in cool, dry place ≤25 °C, protect from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Food fortification
pharmaceutical applications
spherification in molecular gastronomy
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Calcium Gluconate |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Firming Agent; Nutrient Supplement; Acidity Regulator; Sequestrant |
| Key Ingredients | Calcium Gluconate (calcium salt of gluconic acid) |
| Mechanism of Action | Provides a source of calcium ions (Ca2+) that cross-link with negatively charged polysaccharides like pectin in plant cell walls, forming insoluble calcium pectate gels. This reinforces the tissue structure. As a sequestrant, it chelates pro-oxidant metal ions. It also serves as a bioavailable source of elemental calcium for nutritional fortification. |
| Application Effect in Product | Maintains firmness and prevents mushiness in canned or processed fruits and vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes); acts as a coagulant to improve texture in tofu; fortifies beverages, baked goods, and dairy alternatives with calcium; stabilizes texture in some cheese products. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium Gluconate | Calcium Salt Supplement (Oral/IV) | 9% elemental calcium. Available as tablets, powder, and solution for injection. | Less irritating to veins than calcium chloride when given intravenously. Generally well-tolerated. | Low elemental calcium content requires larger doses compared to carbonate or chloride. | IV treatment of hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia-induced cardiotoxicity, and magnesium toxicity. Oral supplement. | The preferred and safer option for intravenous calcium administration in non-cardiac arrest situations. |
| Calcium Carbonate | Calcium Salt Supplement (Oral) | 40% elemental calcium. Common in antacids. Insoluble in water. | Highest percentage of elemental calcium. Inexpensive and widely available. | Requires stomach acid for absorption (must be taken with food). Can cause constipation and bloating. | General oral supplementation for osteoporosis prevention; antacid. | For the most cost-effective, high-potency oral calcium supplement, if taken with meals. |
| Calcium Citrate | Calcium Salt Supplement (Oral) | 21% elemental calcium. Does not require stomach acid for absorption. | Can be taken with or without food. Better absorbed by older adults or those on acid-reducing medication. Less constipating. | Lower elemental calcium content and higher cost than carbonate. Requires more tablets for an equivalent dose. | Oral supplementation for individuals with low stomach acid (achlorhydria) or absorption disorders. | For better absorption regardless of meals, especially in individuals with digestive issues. |
| Calcium Chloride | Calcium Salt Supplement (IV) | 27% elemental calcium. Typically for IV use only in emergencies. | Provides about 3 times more elemental calcium per volume than calcium gluconate, leading to a faster effect. | Highly caustic and irritating to veins; high risk of tissue necrosis upon extravasation. Must be administered carefully, preferably via a central line. | Emergency treatment of severe symptomatic hypocalcemia and cardiac arrest. | For critical situations requiring the most rapid and potent delivery of intravenous calcium. |
| Calcium Lactate | Calcium Salt Supplement (Oral) | 13% elemental calcium. Often used as a food additive. | Easily dissolvable and generally gentle on the stomach. | Low elemental calcium content, requiring larger doses for therapeutic effect. | Fortifying foods and beverages; oral supplementation when a mild, soluble form is desired. | As a gentle, dissolvable oral supplement or food additive, not for high-dose requirements. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
Specification sheet & COA available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications