Calcium Gluconate: More Than Just a Bone Builder

Today we inquire into the wonderful world of white powdered calcium gluconate with a secret identity. Yes, it may sit on drugstore shelves, but this unsung hero is also lurking in the aisle of your processed foods, working its magic behind the scenes ¹.

Feeling curious? We bet you do.

So, buckle up as we explore the two exciting life cycles of calcium gluconate.

We’ll unpack its heart-healthy namesake, then witness its culinary transformation as it evolves into a texture specialist in your favorite processed favorites. Prepare to be amazed at the versatility of this seemingly ordinary object!

Calcium Gluconate and its properties

Calcium gluconate has a unique structure that is particularly beneficial to the body ². Calcium gluconate’s CAS number is 299-28-5.

Imagine a gluconic acid chain as a backbone, with a branched hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group at the end ³. A calcium atom fits securely into calcium gluconate structural formula, binding to oxygen atoms from different sides of the chain. This keeps the calcium ions in a trap-like state. The molecular formula is C₁₂H₂₂CaO₁₄ ⁴.

The cage-like structure is the main reason why calcium gluconate is easily absorbed by our body compared to other calcium supplements (Calcium gluconate chemical formula is D-Gluconic acid, calcium salt (2:1) ⁵.

While most recognize it by its common name, the full chemical name of calcium gluconate is a bit of a mouthful: calcium bis[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoate].

Its weight depends on whether it comes with water molecules attached (hydrated) or not (anhydrous). Anhydrous calcium gluconate weighs in at 430.37 grams per mole (g/mol), while calcium gluconate monohydrate, which has one water molecule clinging on, boasts a slightly higher weight of 448.39 g/mol. The chelate structure makes it highly water soluble, the binding of calcium and gluconic acid acts as a carrier, it holds calcium insoluble but can be easily used throughout the body.

Calcium Gluconate Benefits, uses and more!

Medical Miracles:
In medicine, calcium gluconate shines as a readily available source of calcium ion, which is an essential component of many body functions.
Here’s a closer look at its medical applications:

Protecting calcium levels:
Imagine your muscles feeling sluggish and your muscles are throwing sluggish signals. This can be a sign of hypocalcemia, a fancy way of saying your blood calcium levels are low. But don’t worry! Calcium gluconate injections are like little warriors rushing to protect your muscles and tendons ⁵.

The point here is that when your calcium levels drop, it throws a wrench into how your muscles and nerves connect. In severe cases of low blood calcium, a doctor might opt for a calcium gluconate infusion delivered directly into a vein to rapidly raise calcium levels.

Calcium, symbolized by Ca on the periodic table, is essential for strong bones and healthy muscles. Calcium gluconate can help strengthen bones and may be used to prevent or treat osteoporosis, a condition marked by reduced bone density ⁴. This kind of abuse can lead to staggering and weakness.

But fear not, superhero science is coming to the rescue! Calcium gluconate attacks them, restoring those vital calcium reserves. It’s like a supercharged shot that brings your body balance back into fighting shape.

So, the next time you hear about calcium, remember that it’s not just about strong bones – it’s about keeping your entire body in good working order.

Calcium gluconate in blood transfusion

In blood transfusions, calcium gluconate can be a helpful medication. Blood products contain citrate, an anticoagulant that keeps them from clotting during storage.
While necessary, citrate can grab onto calcium in your bloodstream, leading to low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). This can cause problems with clotting and lead to muscle cramps or tingling. To prevent this, calcium gluconate might be given intravenously (through a vein) during your transfusion.

Calcium gluconate in magnesium toxicity

Calcium gluconate works like a knight in shining armor against magnesium overdose. It combats disturbing magnesium levels and restores calcium levels. It does this in a two-pronged attack.
First, the concentration of free calcium in the blood rises directly through the arteries. Second, excess calcium competes with magnesium for binding sites on proteins and tissues. This competition pushes excess magnesium out, creating a balance of these essential nutrients for normal cell function.

Guardian of the Heart:

Calcium gluconate plays a key role in combating a complex condition known as BRASH syndrome. This acronym stands for Bradycardia, Renal failure, Atrioventricular block, Shock, and Hyperkalemia ⁶. In BRASH syndrome, a confluence of factors creates a perilous situation.
Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) disrupt the heart’s rhythm, leading to a slowed heart rate (bradycardia).

Here’s how calcium gluconate steps in as a guardian:

It strengthens the heart cell membranes by boosting calcium levels around them. This fortification shields the heart from the disruptive effects of high potassium, essentially preventing arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
It’s important to note that calcium gluconate in cardiac arrest is only administered in severe cases of hyperkalemia or when an electrocardiogram (ECG) reveals changes caused by high potassium ⁷.

The future of bone repair

Researchers are investigating the ability of calcium gluconate to alter bone cement injections. This innovation addresses two main concerns: efficiency and orthopedic healing potential. First, the water solubility of calcium gluconate facilitates cementation ⁸.

This provides a smooth, paste-like texture, allowing better syringe passage and better filling of bony irregularities ⁹ In addition, it allows surgeons to reduce cement placement time during surgery more power, and that is important for proper installation at the desired cut-off time.

Second, calcium gluconate is a readily available source of calcium ions, which can improve bone formation. As new bone tissue forms, calcium is often added to the growth process.

Bone cement injections containing calcium gluconate may pave the way for a less invasive and more functional solution for bone repair by promoting bone growth around the implant.  

Anti-snake venom

Although not a direct component of the venom, calcium gluconate can be an important helpful treatment especially for krait bites Krait venom, which is neurotoxic in nature, damages the nervous system through neurological symptoms obstruction of the supply to the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and possible paralysis. ¹⁰.

Calcium gluconate in the blood Works by increasing the amount of calcium, that which is absorbed through the nervous system plays a key role. It can help improve nerve signaling, reduce the effects of Krait toxin, help restore muscle function and prevent respiratory failure.

• A hero against hydrofluoric acid burns

  Calcium gluconate is emerging as a hero in the fight against hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns ¹¹. HF acid cuts through cells and damages tissues. Here, calcium gluconate acts as a shield by trapping fluoride ions, the villainous culprit of HF acid, preventing their further destruction thus not only reducing the burning pain, but also reducing tissue damage.

    The best part?
  Calcium gluconate is usually readily available in a 2.5% gel format, making it accessible for first aid treatment. However, it is important to remember that this is a first intervention, not a complete solution. Prompt treatment, especially for severe burns, remains paramount. Using the gel usually involves following specific instructions and repeated small injections until the pain subsides. In severe cases, calcium gluconate therapeutic class provides more targeted therapy.

  In a study investigating the effectiveness of 1% calcium gluconate (CG) for treating hydrofluoric acid (HF) injuries, researchers assessed several corneal characteristics. These characteristics included corneal erosion area, haziness, conjunctival status. 1% CG offered significant advantages over saline irrigation.

Picture taken from Qian et al. ACS Omega 2017, 2, 2, 443–454

The Future of Neurotechnology

Bioprinting 3D printing of living cells and biological materials A breakthrough leader in this field with great promise to revolutionize medicine?

Calcium gluconate! Its magic lies in its ability to create hydrogels, microstructures for cells that mimic the body’s natural environment.
This playground stimulates cell growth and differentiation, while the calcium gluconate itself acts as a built-in force, providing calcium needed for bone and bone regeneration Imagine the possibilities – bio printed bone grafts or cartilage repair solutions!

The potential of calcium gluconate in bioprinting provides a glimpse into the bright future of tissue engineering ¹².

A study explores the potential of an injectable hybrid scaffold for cartilage regeneration. The scaffold utilizes calcium gluconate to cross-link an alginate hydrogel, with biodegradable porous microspheres acting as a novel delivery system for the cross-linker.

This minimally invasive approach offers promise for treating various cartilage defects by enabling the injection of the scaffold to match the specific shape required for repair.

The Food Fixer

We all know about calcium gluconate because of its role in medicine, but did you know that it also plays an incredible role as a secret weapon in your kitchen? Labeled food supplement E578, the versatile formula acts as a stabilizer, preventing your favorite processed foods from turning to mush.

Here’s the science behind the magic: Calcium gluconate interacts with pectin, the natural gel ingredient in fruits and vegetables. Think of pectin as the glue that holds the shape of a fruit. When calcium gluconate enters the site, it reinforces the ability of pectin to form a microweb-like structure in the food.

This inner scaffold essentially prevents food from becoming soft or mushy during processing, storage and transport.

So, the next time you pick up a bag of pre-cut vegetables or have a nice fruit salad, you might be thankful to calcium gluconate for the work it does on the back. It helps to maintain the pleasing texture and quality of these processed products. But its use extends beyond fruits and vegetables!

Calcium gluconate can also help stabilize the tofu process, making it a perfect base for your favorite stir fries or sauces. It can also improve the texture and consistency of the stretch and dip, making for the smooth and satisfying experience.

But security is always a concern, right? The good news is that calcium gluconate used as a food supplement is generally recognized as safe within specific limits (GRAS) by regulatory bodies such as the US.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so, you can rest assured that this secret weapon works its magic without compromising your health. So, the next time you go to the grocery store, check the ingredients list. You may be surprised to learn that calcium gluconate plays a hidden but crooked role.

• Soymilk fortification
  

  The type of calcium salt significantly impacted soymilk properties. Calcium gluconate and lactate caused a substantial rise in free calcium ions (Ca2+), triggering protein binding and coagulation. Additionally, these salts led to a notable decrease in pH and significant increases in both absolute viscosity and curd size (FPD).

  In contrast, calcium carbonate, citrate, and tribasic phosphate had minimal effects on free calcium levels, resulting in no coagulation and minimal changes to soymilk viscosity and particle size.

Comparing Calcium Supplements: Understanding Differences and Applications

Calcium carbonate vs. calcium gluconate
Calcium carbonate offers a higher concentration of calcium and is often used as an antacid, whereas calcium gluconate features better absorption and is commonly used in medical treatments to address calcium deficiencies.

Calcium borogluconate vs. calcium gluconate
Calcium borogluconate is a combination of calcium gluconate and boric acid used primarily in veterinary medicine for rapid blood calcium elevation, while calcium gluconate is widely used in both human and veterinary medicine for treating calcium deficiencies.

Calcium gluconate vs. calcium carbonate
Calcium carbonate offers a higher concentration of calcium and is often used as an antacid, whereas calcium gluconate features better absorption and is commonly used in medical treatments to address calcium deficiencies.

Calcium gluconate potassium vs. calcium gluconate
Calcium gluconate potassium is a blend of potassium and calcium gluconate used to treat both calcium and potassium deficiencies, whereas calcium gluconate primarily addresses calcium shortages in the body.

Calcium gluconate vs. calcium citrate
Calcium gluconate is preferred for intravenous use and treating acute deficiencies, while calcium citrate is better absorbed on an empty stomach and often recommended for individuals with digestive issues.

Calcium gluconate vs. calcium lactobionate
Calcium gluconate is commonly used for treating calcium deficiencies and as an electrolyte replenisher, while calcium lactobionate is primarily utilized in organ preservation solutions due to its high solubility and stability.

Conclusion:

Calcium gluconate emerges as a surprising superhero in the medical world. Beyond strengthening bones, it tackles allergic reactions, painful cramps, and even heartburn. This versatile mineral works wonders internally and externally, proving its usefulness in everything from injections to gels. So, next time you hear calcium gluconate, remember it’s not just for building strong bones, it’s a multi-talented mineral promoting overall health. Moreover there are various calcium gluconate API manufacturers India but WBCIL stands at the top.

Why choose WBCIL?

West Bengal Chemical Industries Limited is a prominent manufacturer of calcium gluconate, providing a wide range of products including powder and injectable solutions. We are 62 years old calcium gluconate GMP certified manufacturer well-recognized in India for our high-quality active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) related to calcium gluconate.
With a focus on rigorous quality control, WBCIL ensures all products meet global standards. Our Calcium gluconate offerings cater to both domestic and international markets. WBCIL is one of the top calcium supplements manufacturers in India and we are dedicated to innovation and safety in the development of pharmaceutical solutions.