Potassium Gluconate
General information
Potassium gluconate is the potassium salt of gluconic acid, which is obtained from glucose by fermentation and subsequent neutralisation with a potassium source. Physiologically, gluconic acid is an important intermediate product of the carbohydrate metabolism.
Potassium gluconate is recommended for introducing or enriching potassium in food, especially in dietetic food. Furthermore the product acts as a buffer salt and as a salt replacer in foodstuffs where sodium salts are not desired.
In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a potassium source against potassium deficiency or as a systemic alkaliser.
Potassium gluconate is also used in technical applications e.g. as sequestering agent in textiles or for galvanic surface treatment.
Potassium gluconate is a free flowing, white to slightly yellow, crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste. It is readily water soluble. Furthermore, it is non-toxic and possesses good physiological compatibility so that it may be used in food and pharmaceutical products. Jungbunzlauer potassium gluconate is supplied in its anhydrous form and shows little hygroscopic behaviour.
Aqueous solutions of potassium gluconate resist oxidation and reduction, even at high temperatures, and are not corrosive. It is easily biologically degradable and consequently, provides no wastewater problem.
The directly compressible form potassium gluconate shows optimal tableting properties due to its amorphous structure.
Specification
Potassium gluconate is supplied in accordance with the requirements of the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), the US Pharmacopeia (USP) and the Commission Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012 always in their latest versions.
The following granulation types are available:
- Powder
Potassium gluconate is supplied in 20 kg net polyethylene lined paper bags.
Properties
- White powder
- Typical, practically odourless
- Slightly salty taste
- Highly absorbable and bioavailable
- Superior compressability to tablets
- Mildly alkaline
- Excellent compatibility
- Potassium content 17%
- Allergen and GMO free
Main functions
- Potassium source for dietetic food, OTC products and pharmaceuticals
- Sodium-free buffer salt
- Salt replacer
- Sequestering agent for textile or surface treatment
- Chelating agent
Applications
Industrial Applications
- Agrochemicals, Fertilisers
- Metal Surface Treatment
- Textile, Leather
Food
- Baby Food, Infant Formula
- Dairy
- Table Top Products
Beverages
- Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Instant Drinks, Syrups
- Juice Drinks
- Sports and Energy Drinks
- Waters
Healthcare
- Clinical Nutrition
- OTC, Food Supplements
- Pharmaceutical Products
Feed & Pet Food
- Pet Food
Personal Care
- Skin Care
- Soap and Bath Products
Cleaners & Detergents
- Surface Care
Legal aspects
In Europe, potassium gluconate is listed as a generally permitted food additive (E577) and may be added to all foodstuffs, following the "quantum satis" principle as regulated in EU Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 (Annex 2), as long as no special regulation restricts the use.
In addition to existing national allowances in some countries, potassium is on the positive list of the EU Regulation (EC) No. 1925/2006 on food fortification and is allowed in food supplements (Directive 2002/46/EC). It is listed as mineral salt in the EU Regulation (EC) No. 609/2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control.
In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affirmed potassium gluconate as generally recognised as safe (GRAS) and permitted the use in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.
