Calcium Lactate Gluconate

Introduction

Calcium lactate gluconate (CLG) is a mixture of calcium lactate and calcium gluconate. In pharmaceuticals, it is widely used as a pharmaceutical calcium source with excellent bioavailability. In food and beverages, the outstanding characteristics of calcium lactate gluconate combining high solubility and neutral taste lead to new applications in a wide range of premium products.

Calcium lactate gluconate is a white, crystalline, odourless, tasteless powder. It is non-toxic and has physiologically excellent compatibility.

It is used as a premium calcium source in pharmaceuticals.

In food, it is particularly found in beverages and other applications where solubility is a sensitive matter. Examples are clear and concentrated beverages or instant preparations as well as for processing at low temperatures and in line blending. Calcium lactate gluconate shows the highest solubility among the calcium salts commonly used for mineral enrichment, with an initial solubility of 20-40%.

Functions

This ingredient offers you the following excellent functions.

• Bioavailability/improved mineral absorption​
• Chelating agent
• Flavour modulation​
• Gelling
• Mineral fortification​
• Mineral source
• Off-note masking​

Specifications

Calcium lactate gluconate is a white to off-white crystalline or granular powder. Specification is available on request.

Calcium lactate gluconate is supplied in 20kg multilayer paper bags with an inner polyethylene foil.

Legal aspects

Calcium lactate gluconate is a mixture of calcium gluconate and calcium lactate, it can be used in both pharmaceuticals and food applications, according to the regulations for the individual salts.

In Europe, calcium lactate (E327) and calcium gluconate (E578) are listed as generally permitted food additives and may be added to all foodstuffs, following the ‘quantum satis’ principle as regulated in Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 (Annex 2), as long as no special regulations restricts the use. These salts are also allowed in food supplements (Directive 2002/46/EC) . In addition to existing national allowances in some countries, calcium lactate and calcium gluconate are on the positive list of the Regulation (EC) No. 1925/2006 on food fortification. They are listed as mineral salts in the 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.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affirmed calcium lactate and calcium gluconate as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food substances and permitted the use in food with specific uses and limits (where relevant) under good manufacturing practice. Calcium lactate is listed in 21 CFR §184.1207, calcium gluconate in 21 CFR §184.1199. Moreover, calcium lactate gluconate is self-affirmed GRAS as a flavouring agent in beverages, beverage powders and dairy alternatives at a level up to 0.25%.