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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-08-05 Origin: Site
Zinc gluconate (CAS 4468-02-4) is the zinc salt of gluconic acid, with the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₂O₁₄Zn and a molecular weight of 455.68 g/mol. It appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder or granular solid, is freely soluble in water, and has a neutral taste profile — making it one of the most versatile zinc compounds used across the food, beverage, dietary supplement, animal nutrition, and personal care industries.
As an organic zinc salt produced through the reaction of gluconic acid (typically derived from glucose fermentation) with a zinc source, zinc gluconate offers superior solubility and bioavailability compared to inorganic zinc forms such as zinc oxide or zinc sulfate. These properties have driven its adoption as the zinc source of choice in applications demanding high dispersibility, clean taste, and efficient mineral delivery.
Property | Value |
Chemical Name | Zinc gluconate |
CAS Number | 4468-02-4 |
Molecular Formula | C₁₂H₂₂O₁₄Zn (anhydrous) |
Molecular Weight | 455.68 g/mol |
Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder or granules |
Solubility | Freely soluble in water (~100 g/L at 25°C); very slightly soluble in alcohol |
pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.5 – 7.5 |
Elemental Zinc Content | ~14.3% (by weight, anhydrous basis) |
Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions; hygroscopic — store in a cool, dry place in sealed containers |
Zinc gluconate typically exists as a mixture of hydration states up to the trihydrate, depending on the isolation method. Spray-dried grades offer finer particle sizes (typically 99% through 60 mesh), lower bulk density, and improved blending performance in dry powder formulations, including oil-based and liquid systems.
Zinc gluconate is widely used as a mineral fortificant in processed foods and beverages. Its high water solubility enables homogeneous distribution in liquid systems without sedimentation, while its neutral taste avoids off-flavors — a critical advantage over zinc sulfate, which can impart a metallic astringency.
Common fortified products include:
● Breakfast cereals and cereal bars
● Dairy products and plant-based milk alternatives
● Infant formulas and follow-on formulas
● Powdered beverage mixes and sports nutrition drinks
● Ready-to-eat meals and meal replacement products
Fortification levels typically range from 2–15 mg of zinc per serving, depending on the product category and national dietary guidelines. For cost-sensitive, high-volume applications (e.g., flour fortification in national programs), zinc oxide is sometimes preferred despite lower bioavailability; zinc gluconate is selected where taste, solubility, and consumer-perceived quality are prioritized.
In the supplement industry, zinc gluconate is one of the most commonly specified zinc sources. It is delivered in multiple dosage forms:
Dosage Form | Zinc Gluconate Typical Use Level | Notes |
Tablets & Capsules | 15–50 mg zinc gluconate per unit | Direct compression or granulation; spray-dried grade improves flow |
Effervescent Tablets | 10–25 mg per tablet | High solubility ensures rapid, clear dissolution |
Lozenges | 10–25 mg per lozenge | Neutral taste profile and good mouthfeel |
Gummies | 5–10 mg per gummy | Water solubility enables uniform distribution in gelatin/pectin matrix |
Liquid Supplements | 5–15 mg per 5 mL serving | Stable in solution; compatible with common syrup bases |
Powdered Drink Mixes / Sachets | 10–25 mg per stick | Spray-dried grade for excellent blend uniformity |
Zinc gluconate is frequently combined with other minerals (magnesium, calcium, selenium) and vitamins (vitamin C, B-complex) in multi-nutrient formulations. Formulators should note that high levels of calcium or iron may compete with zinc absorption; staggered-release or separate dosage timing is sometimes recommended at the formulation design stage.
Zinc is an essential trace mineral for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and companion animals. Zinc gluconate serves as a highly bioavailable organic zinc source in animal feed premixes, particularly for:
Swine and poultry
● : Supports growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and skeletal development
Dairy cattle
● : Contributes to hoof integrity and somatic cell count management
Aquaculture (fish and shrimp)
● : Water-soluble organic zinc with high uptake efficiency in aquatic species
Pet food
● : Premium and functional pet foods increasingly use organic zinc sources (gluconate, glycinate, proteinate) for skin, coat, and overall wellness positioning
Compared to zinc sulfate or zinc oxide in feed, zinc gluconate offers better bioavailability, meaning lower inclusion rates can achieve equivalent or superior zinc status in the animal — reducing zinc excretion and environmental load, a growing concern in intensive livestock regions.
The personal care and cosmetics segment accounts for an estimated 15–20% of the global zinc gluconate market. Applications include:
Oral care
● : Toothpastes and mouthwashes for anti-plaque and gum-care formulations
Skincare
● : Facial cleansers, toners, and serums — zinc gluconate is valued for its mild astringency, sebum-regulating properties, and compatibility with sensitive-skin formulations
Deodorants
● : As an active ingredient in natural and aluminum-free deodorant formats
Sun care
● : Occasionally used as a stabilizer or auxiliary ingredient in mineral sunscreen dispersions
In cosmetics, zinc gluconate is listed under INCI name "Zinc Gluconate" and is typically used at 0.1–1.0% in leave-on formulations and up to 2.0% in rinse-off products.
Beyond food and personal care, zinc gluconate finds niche industrial uses:
Water treatment
● : As a corrosion inhibitor and anti-scaling agent in cooling water systems
Electroplating
● : As a component in certain zinc electroplating bath formulations
Agricultural micronutrient
● : In foliar sprays and chelated zinc fertilizers for crops susceptible to zinc deficiency (corn, rice, citrus, beans)
Textiles
● : In select textile finishing processes
While these are smaller-volume applications, they represent growing demand segments as industries seek biodegradable and lower-toxicity alternatives to traditional inorganic chemical treatments.
