Calcium gluconate is a white, odorless, tasteless crystalline powder with the chemical formula C₁₂H₂₂CaO₁₄. It is the calcium salt of gluconic acid and is moderately soluble in water. In food and pharmaceutical applications, it is used as a source of calcium.
In the food industry, calcium gluconate is used as a firming agent in products like canned vegetables and fruits to maintain texture during processing and storage. It is also used as a nutrient fortifier in beverages, dairy products, and nutritional supplements to increase calcium content.
In pharmaceutical and medical settings, calcium gluconate is used to treat or prevent calcium deficiencies and conditions like hypocalcemia. It is also used intravenously to manage acute symptoms of calcium depletion, such as in cases of tetany, or to counteract the effects of high blood potassium or magnesium levels.
