Zinc Gluconate

What is Zinc Gluconate?

Molecular Formula (Zinc Gluconate): C₁₂H₂₂O₁₄Zn

Molecular Weight: 455.67 g/mol

Chemical Name: Zinc Gluconate

CAS Number: 4468-02-4

Zinc Gluconate is of great importance in biological structures. It is processed as a dietary supplement to provide the gluconic acid form.

Its exact mechanism of action is not fully known. However, it is known as an organic zinc supplement agent.

Structurally, Zinc Gluconate is obtained by bonding two gluconic acid molecules to one Zn⁺² zinc cation.

It has a tendency to reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics.

Other Names Are As Follows:

• Gluconic Acid Zinc Salt
• Zinc Gluconate Hydrate
• Zinc Gluconate (USP)
• Pentahydroxyhexanoate
• 4468-02-4
• Zinc (II) Gluconate
• Zinc source
• D-Gluconate
• D-Gluconic Acid
• Zinc Gluconate Anhydrous

How is it Produced?

Glucose is used as a raw material. Glucose is subjected to fermentation with the Aspergillus niger catalyst. This production method is simple and used by many manufacturers. Raw material costs are low, but the cost of the fermentation process is very high because it requires high technology.

First, Gluconic Acid is obtained. Then, the final product is obtained with a high-purity zinc source. Zinc Oxide is used as the zinc source.

The reaction for this process is as follows.

C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂[Aspergillus Niger] 》C₆H₁₁O₆OH[ZnO] 》(C₆H₁₁O₆O)₂Zn + H₂O

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

It is available in white powder or granule form.

The pH value is in the range of 5.5-7.5 in its 0.01 g/mL solution.

In terms of solubility, it dissolves well in water, at approximately 100 g/L. It does not dissolve in Methylene Chloride and pure ethanol.

The melting point is in the range of 172-175 °C.

The boiling point is 673.6 °C.

Its density is 2.907 g/cm³.

Storage should be done away from moisture and at room temperature.

Importance of Zinc Gluconate for Preventing Common Colds

Vitamin C and Zinc are two of the most important components for protecting health by defending the immune system in humans. Common cold diseases caused by insufficient intake of these compounds and elements cause great losses and economic problems for societies.

Both substances have been studied separately in pharmacology and food supplements for a long time. However, the combination of these two substances sheds light on different results.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Zinc Gluconate combinations applied to patients with common colds showed effects within 5 days of the disease course. This method has been found to be more effective compared to other applications. Additionally, it has been understood that the symptoms, which are indicators of the disease, are relieved in a shorter time.

As a result, it has been determined that the modification of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) with a good zinc supplement (Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Sulfate) will be important in preventing this infectious viral disease.

What are the Areas of Use for Zinc Gluconate?

• As a pharmaceutical chemical, gluconic acid plays a role in the activation of many important enzymes with antioxidant effects. In this way, it has the effect of preventing damage from oxygen-free radicals.
• Because it is a very good source of zinc, gluconic acid-fortified drugs are produced to induce T lymphocyte activation, as well as to protect the metabolic structure and ensure functionality by activating B lymphocytes, and to ensure the permeability of the cell membrane.
• Zinc Gluconate formulated products are used in the manufacture of oral care products to reduce bad odors, prevent tartar formation, and protect dental plaque.
• It is used as a food additive in some diet products.
• This chemical is used as an alternative to zinc sulfate because it has fewer side effects and provides better absorption than zinc sulfate. Biologically, there is approximately 1.6 times more bioavailability than zinc sulfate.
• Zinc Gluconate is used as a drug active ingredient for the treatment of diabetes in people who are not dependent on insulin resistance.
• It increases the body's insulin sensitivity.
• Pressure ulcers occur when skin and tissue damage happens due to decreased blood circulation in a specific area within the body. It is used in the manufacture of drugs or dietary supplements used in the treatment of pressure ulcers. The reason for its use here is that Zinc has an important role in many enzymatic reactions.
• In the production of Multivitamin Supplements, it is used together with Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, and Caffeine to help create a mental clarity effect.
• It is used in the production of drugs containing D-Gluconate for the proper functioning of protein synthesis in the body, healing of wounds, and stabilization of blood values.
• It is used as a chelating agent in the production of washing chemicals with high alkaline properties.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

The price is directly dependent on glucose prices and the catalyst price in the production method. In addition, the fermentation technology in the production methodology has a very high cost. These parameters also directly affect the prices of Zinc Gluconate.

Zinc Gluconate prices have followed a rising trend over time as the number of drugs using this chemical in the pharmaceutical industry has increased.

If firms selling Zinc Gluconate increase their stocks, the price of this raw material will increase.