Calcium gluconate (E578) – what is it?
Calcium gluconate (E578) is an organic chemical compound, which is the calcium salt of gluconic acid. It is obtained by fermentation of glucose by specific strains of bacteria. This white powder or granules, which is soluble in water, is characterized by a neutral taste and odor, making it an ideal addition to many foods.
As a food additive, E578 is valued for its stabilizing and thickening properties and its ability to improve the texture of products. In addition, it provides valuable calcium, essential for bone and dental health, as well as for the proper functioning of muscles and the transmission of nerve impulses.
Properties of calcium gluconate
Calcium gluconate has excellent water solubility and stability over a wide pH range, which makes it extremely useful in the food industry. Thanks to its calcium-binding properties, E578 is also used as a dietary supplement to support bone health.
Uses of calcium gluconate
It is widely used in food production, including beverages, dairy products, bakery products and canned goods, where it acts as a stabilizer, acidity regulator and thickener. It is also added to pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and in the feed industry, where it acts as a source of calcium.
Where to buy calcium gluconate?
Calcium gluconate is available in health food stores, pharmacies and through numerous online stores specializing in the sale of food supplements and dietary supplements. It is usually offered in powder or tablet form, making it easy to dose according to individual needs.
Calcium gluconate and its functions in foods
As a food additive, calcium gluconate performs a number of important functions. It stabilizes the structure of products, preventing them from delaminating, and improves texture, giving them the desired consistency. In dairy products, it prevents the precipitation of calcium salts, which is key to maintaining their quality and extending their shelf life. E578 is also valued for its contribution to enriching foods with calcium, which is important for consumer health, especially in diets low in this mineral.
