- Calcium gluconate is a calcium salt of gluconic acid, with the chemical formula C₁₂H₂₂CaO₁₄. It typically appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol and ether.
- It is widely used in medicine, food supplementation, and healthcare, primarily as a calcium supplement for preventing or treating calcium deficiency in the body. Due to its gentle nature and good bioavailability, calcium gluconate is often preferred in both oral and intravenous formulations, especially when a less irritating calcium compound is needed.
- In medical applications, calcium gluconate is most commonly administered intravenously to treat conditions such as hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), which may result from various causes including hypoparathyroidism, renal failure, or vitamin D deficiency. It is also used in emergency medicine to counteract the toxic effects of hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels), where calcium helps stabilize cardiac membranes and reduce the risk of arrhythmias. Additionally, calcium gluconate is administered to treat magnesium sulfate toxicity, such as in cases where magnesium is used to manage eclampsia during pregnancy.
- Another critical use of calcium gluconate is as an antidote for hydrofluoric acid (HF) exposure, a highly dangerous industrial chemical. When HF comes into contact with skin, it penetrates deeply and binds to calcium in tissues, causing severe damage and systemic toxicity. In such cases, topical calcium gluconate gel or injected calcium gluconate is used to neutralize the fluoride ions and prevent further calcium depletion and tissue injury.
- In nutritional and dietary supplementation, calcium gluconate is used to support bone health and prevent conditions such as osteoporosis, rickets, or osteomalacia, particularly in populations with increased calcium requirements—such as growing children, postmenopausal women, and the elderly. It is also included in multivitamin and mineral supplements and is considered to be gentle on the gastrointestinal tract, making it suitable for long-term or high-dose calcium supplementation in people with sensitive digestive systems.
- The compound is also used in food processing as a firming agent and mineral fortifier, classified under the food additive code E578. It is added to certain beverages, dairy products, and baked goods to enhance calcium content and improve texture.
- Calcium gluconate is less concentrated in elemental calcium compared to other calcium salts like calcium carbonate or calcium citrate—providing approximately 9% elemental calcium by weight. Therefore, larger doses are often required to meet equivalent calcium needs. However, its superior solubility and lower risk of causing gastrointestinal irritation make it ideal for individuals who cannot tolerate more concentrated forms.
- In terms of safety, calcium gluconate is generally well tolerated when used as directed. Intravenous administration must be done cautiously, as rapid infusion can cause cardiac disturbances or vascular irritation, especially if extravasation (leakage into surrounding tissues) occurs. Oral supplements, when taken appropriately, rarely cause side effects but can occasionally lead to constipation or mild digestive upset.
