Zinc Gluconate
Nutritional Enhancers
Minerals & Trace Elements
4468-02-4
C₁₂H₂₂O₁₄Zn
$3.46 ~ $5.19
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Zinc Gluconate?
Zinc Gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid, primarily utilized as an easily absorbed dietary supplement to provide essential zinc or as an ingredient in over-the-counter lozenges for reducing cold duration.
How is Zinc Gluconate made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Precisely weigh and prepare food/pharma-grade Zinc Oxide (or Zinc Carbonate) and Gluconic Acid solution. | Purity and correct stoichiometry of raw materials are critical for reaction efficiency. Verify supplier Certificates of Analysis (COA). |
| 2 | Reaction / Synthesis | Slowly add Zinc Oxide to the heated Gluconic Acid solution in a glass-lined reactor under continuous agitation. | Control reaction temperature (e.g., 60-80°C) and pH (approaching neutral). Constant agitation is essential to ensure a complete and homogenous reaction. |
| 3 | Clarification & Filtration | Filter the resulting zinc gluconate solution through a filter press to remove any unreacted solids or insoluble impurities. | The clarity of the filtrate is a key indicator of filtration effectiveness. Ensure filter integrity to prevent impurity carry-over. |
| 4 | Purification | Treat the clear solution with activated carbon to decolorize and adsorb organic impurities, followed by a second filtration. | Control the amount of activated carbon and contact time to avoid product loss. This step is crucial for achieving a pure, white final product. |
| 5 | Crystallization | Cool the purified and concentrated solution under a controlled temperature profile to induce the crystallization of Zinc Gluconate. | The rate of cooling and degree of supersaturation directly influence crystal size, form (e.g., trihydrate), and purity. |
| 6 | Separation | Separate the formed crystals from the mother liquor using a centrifuge, followed by washing with purified water. | Ensure efficient separation for a low moisture cake. The separated liquid (mother liquor) may be reprocessed to improve overall yield. |
| 7 | Drying | Dry the centrifuged crystals in a suitable dryer (e.g., vacuum or fluid bed) at a controlled, low temperature. | The drying temperature must be kept below the product's decomposition point. The final moisture content is a critical quality parameter and must meet specification. |
| 8 | Sizing | Sieve and/or mill the dried product to obtain the required particle size distribution and ensure product homogeneity. | Use validated sieve mesh sizes to meet customer specifications for properties like flowability and dissolution rate. Prevent cross-contamination. |
| 9 | Quality Control & Packaging | Sample and test the final product against all specifications (Assay, Heavy Metals, Microbiology). Pack approved product into sealed, properly labeled containers. | Product must comply with pharmacopoeial (USP/BP/EP) or food-grade standards. Batch records and packaging integrity are crucial for traceability and shelf-life. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 4468-02-4 |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₂H₂₂O₁₄Zn |
| Solubility | soluble in water (~100 g/L at 20 °C); insoluble in ethanol |
| Storage Conditions | store in cool, dry, ventilated area away from light |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
used as dietary zinc supplement
food fortifier
deodorant
anti‑acne ingredient
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Zinc Gluconate |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient Fortificant; Mineral Supplement; Processing Aid |
| Key Ingredients | Zinc Gluconate (Zinc salt of gluconic acid) |
| Mechanism of Action | Provides a highly bioavailable, soluble source of elemental zinc (Zn2+). Zinc ions act as essential cofactors for numerous metabolic enzymes (e.g., metalloenzymes like carbonic anhydrase and superoxide dismutase), support protein synthesis, and are integral to immune system function and cellular signaling. May also complex with certain compounds to prevent undesirable reactions. |
| Application Effect in Product | Nutritional fortification of beverages, cereals, and supplements to meet dietary reference intakes. Prevents off-flavors or discoloration by acting as a mild sequestrant. Used in lozenges for immune support claims. Enhances the nutritional profile and marketability of health-focused foods. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Gluconate | Chelated Zinc Supplement | Zinc bound to gluconic acid; one of the most common forms. | Widely available and studied; relatively inexpensive; effective in cold lozenges. | Bioavailability may be slightly lower than picolinate or citrate; can cause mild stomach upset. | General immune support, skin health, short-term use during a cold. | A cost-effective, reliable, and widely accessible choice for everyday supplementation. |
| Zinc Picolinate | Chelated Zinc Supplement | Zinc bound to picolinic acid, an effective chelator. | Considered to have one of the highest absorption rates and bioavailability. | Typically more expensive than gluconate or sulfate. | Addressing known deficiencies, individuals with absorption issues, maximizing zinc uptake. | For superior absorption when correcting a deficiency is the primary goal. |
| Zinc Citrate | Chelated Zinc Supplement | Zinc bound to citric acid. | Absorption and bioavailability are comparable to zinc gluconate; often has a better taste. | Less research supporting its use for shortening colds compared to gluconate. | General supplementation, especially in chewable or liquid forms where taste is a factor. | An effective alternative to gluconate with similar efficacy and a more palatable taste. |
| Zinc Sulfate | Inorganic Zinc Salt | A water-soluble, inorganic form of zinc. | Very inexpensive; historically used in clinical research for deficiency. | Lower bioavailability; significantly more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. | Clinically supervised treatment of severe deficiency where cost is a major factor. | The most budget-friendly option, if you can tolerate the potential for stomach upset. |
| OptiZinc (Zinc Monomethionine) | Patented Chelated Zinc | Zinc bound 1:1 with the amino acid methionine. | High bioavailability; gentle on the stomach; absorption is less affected by dietary phytates. | Branded and patented, making it one of the more expensive forms. | Long-term use, sensitive stomachs, individuals on high-phytate (e.g., vegan) diets. | For premium absorption combined with minimal gastrointestinal side effects. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA and monographs available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications