Calcium Gluconate (USA)

Product Details

What is Calcium Gluconate?

Calcium gluconate is a calcium salt produced by mixing calcium carbonate with gluconic acid. Medical professionals administer it intravenously to lower dangerously high potassium levels in the blood. As an oral supplement, calcium gluconate can increase low calcium levels. Calcium is an essential nutrient that plays a role in maintaining several bodily systems, including circulation, digestion, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Calcium is critical for forming and maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Gluconic acid is a natural component found in honey, fruit, and wine. The food and beverage industry uses it to regulate acidity. It’s a neutral carrier for calcium ions, allowing calcium to act as an electrolyte. Electrolytes help balance fluids for proper hydration and provide the electrical charges needed to contract muscles.

Calcium Deficiency Symptoms

Eating calcium-rich foods like cheese, milk, and yogurt can help meet the body’s nutritional needs. Several factors can increase the risk of developing a calcium deficiency. These include:

• Lactose intolerance
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Following a vegan diet
• Menopause
• Aging

If individuals don’t obtain enough calcium from their diet, the body will leech it from bones and teeth. Calcium deficiency symptoms increase in severity the longer the body goes without adequate calcium stores. Calcium deficiency symptoms include:

• Weak, fracture-prone bones
• Weak or brittle teeth
• Brittle or broken nails
• Dry skin
• Diminished hair growth
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches, cramps, or spasms
• Severe PMS symptoms

Potential Calcium Gluconate Benefits

Calcium for Bones

Consuming a calcium-rich diet can support long-term bone and tooth health. The body’s calcium needs increase with age to sustain bone mineral density and bone strength while inhibiting bone loss. Research shows that taking calcium with vitamin D reduces the risk of bone fractures in the elderly. The body needs to absorb calcium, and vitamin D deficiencies are a common signal of an impending calcium deficiency.

Potential Calcium Gluconate Side Effects

Most individuals can take calcium gluconate supplements, as calcium is an essential mineral for life. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as burping, gas, constipation, or upset stomach. Calcium supplements may interfere with the absorption of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Individuals with hypercalcemia, low phosphorous levels, sarcoidosis, decreased kidney function, or kidney stones should not take calcium gluconate.

Resources and References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557463
• https://books.google.com/books?id=_JSlBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA391
• http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/chemsafe/additivesbranch/enumberlist
• https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11126
• https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional
• https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/calcium
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5377709
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313351
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6422848
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1455427