Zinc Lactate
Nutritional Enhancers
Minerals & Trace Elements
16039-53-5
Zn(C₃H₅O₃)₂·2H₂O
$4.43 ~ $6.64
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Zinc Lactate?
Zinc Lactate is the zinc salt of lactic acid, widely used in food, beverages, and dietary supplements as a highly bioavailable source of nutritional zinc fortification.
How is Zinc Lactate made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Accurately weigh high-purity Lactic Acid and Zinc Oxide (or Zinc Carbonate). Prepare deionized water for the reaction. | Control Point: Verify the purity, grade, and stoichiometry of all raw materials. Purity of reactants directly impacts final product quality and safety. Deionized water is used to prevent mineral contamination. |
| 2 | Neutralization Reaction | Add Zinc Oxide slowly and in portions to the Lactic Acid solution in a glass-lined reactor under constant agitation. | Control Point: Monitor and control the reaction temperature (e.g., 60-80°C) to ensure a stable reaction rate. The final pH must be controlled (typically 6.0-7.0) to ensure complete neutralization without excess unreacted acid or oxide. |
| 3 | Purification & Decolorization | Filter the resulting Zinc Lactate solution to remove any unreacted solids or impurities. Pass the clear solution through an activated carbon bed if necessary. | Control Point: Check the clarity and color of the filtrate. Ensure complete removal of suspended solids. The amount of activated carbon and contact time are critical for achieving a colorless, pure solution. |
| 4 | Concentration | Evaporate water from the purified Zinc Lactate solution under vacuum to increase its concentration and reach a supersaturated state. | Control Point: Control the vacuum level and temperature to prevent thermal degradation of the lactate. Monitor the solution's specific gravity to determine the precise endpoint for crystallization. |
| 5 | Crystallization | Cool the concentrated solution under a controlled temperature profile to induce the formation and growth of Zinc Lactate crystals. | Control Point: A slow, controlled cooling rate is crucial for forming uniform, pure crystals and achieving the desired particle size distribution. Seeding with existing crystals can be used to initiate the process. |
| 6 | Separation & Washing | Separate the formed crystals from the mother liquor using a centrifuge. Wash the crystal cake with a small amount of cold deionized water. | Control Point: Ensure efficient separation to minimize residual moisture in the cake. Washing is critical to remove surface impurities from the mother liquor without significantly re-dissolving the product. |
| 7 | Drying | Dry the wet crystals in a vacuum or fluidized bed dryer at a controlled, low temperature. | Control Point: The drying temperature must be kept low (e.g., below 80°C) to prevent product decomposition and preserve its crystalline water (hydrate form). Monitor moisture content until it meets the final specification. |
| 8 | Sieving & Quality Control | Sieve the dried product to ensure a uniform particle size. Sample the final batch for comprehensive quality analysis. | Control Point: Use a specific mesh size to meet particle size specifications. Final product must be tested for assay (Zinc content), heavy metals, arsenic, and moisture to confirm compliance with food or pharma grade standards (e.g., FCC, USP). |
| 9 | Packaging | Pack the approved Zinc Lactate powder into clean, dry, and sealed food-grade containers in a controlled environment. | Control Point: Packaging must be airtight and moisture-proof to protect the product during storage and transport. Proper labeling with batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date is essential for traceability. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 16039-53-5 |
| Chemical Formula | Zn(C₃H₅O₃)₂·2H₂O |
| Solubility | soluble in water; insoluble in ethanol |
| Storage Conditions | store in cool, dry, ventilated area away from light |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
used in fortified foods/beverages
oral care (toothpaste/mouthwash)
animal feed
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Zinc Lactate |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient Fortifier; Flavoring Agent; Antimicrobial Agent |
| Key Ingredients | Zinc Lactate (C₆H₁₀O₆Zn) |
| Mechanism of Action | Provides a highly bioavailable source of the essential mineral zinc (Zn2+) for nutritional fortification, serving as a cofactor for numerous enzymes. The zinc ion disrupts microbial cell membranes and inhibits key enzymatic pathways, providing a bacteriostatic effect. The lactate anion contributes a mild, creamy flavor profile. |
| Application Effect in Product | Increases the nutritional value of foods and beverages by adding elemental zinc. Enhances shelf stability by inhibiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms. Masks or reduces bitter aftertastes from other ingredients (e.g., sweeteners, botanicals) and improves the overall flavor profile. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Lactate | Organic Zinc Salt | Zinc salt of lactic acid. Good solubility and absorption. | High bioavailability, often considered gentler on the digestive system. | Less commonly available as a standalone supplement compared to gluconate or citrate. | General supplementation, food fortification, individuals with sensitive stomachs. | For a well-absorbed and stomach-friendly form of zinc. |
| Zinc Gluconate | Organic Zinc Salt | Zinc salt of gluconic acid. Extremely common and widely studied. | Widely available, affordable, and heavily researched for immune support (colds). | Can have a noticeable metallic aftertaste. | Over-the-counter cold remedies (lozenges), general daily supplementation. | For an accessible, affordable, and well-researched option, especially for colds. |
| Zinc Picolinate | Chelated Zinc | Zinc chelated with picolinic acid, a natural mineral chelator. | Considered to have one of the highest absorption rates and bioavailability. | Typically more expensive than other common forms. | Correcting significant zinc deficiencies or for individuals with absorption issues. | When maximizing absorption is the top priority and cost is secondary. |
| Zinc Citrate | Organic Zinc Salt | Zinc salt of citric acid. Similar bioavailability to gluconate. | Well-absorbed and often has a more palatable taste than gluconate. | Slightly less common in specific cold-remedy formulations than gluconate. | Daily supplementation, especially in chewable or powdered forms where taste matters. | For a well-absorbed form with a better taste profile for consistent daily use. |
| Zinc Oxide | Inorganic Zinc Compound | High percentage of elemental zinc by weight; insoluble in water. | Inexpensive and high in elemental zinc content. Primary ingredient in sunscreens. | Poor bioavailability when taken orally; not recommended for correcting deficiencies. | Topical applications (sunscreen, diaper rash), industrial uses, some food fortification. | Exclusively for topical use or as a low-cost fortificant, not for direct oral supplementation. |
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