Calcium Glucoheptonate

Calcium glucoheptonate is a highly water soluble mineral supplement. It is a mineral supplement primarily used to treat or prevent calcium deficiencies in the body. It is a calcium salt of glucoheptonic acid, commonly used as a mineral supplement to treat or prevent calcium deficiencies.

Property

Chemical Formula: C₁₄H₂₆CaO₁₆
Molecular Weight: ~490.43 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Taste: Slightly sweet
Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions
pH (1% solution): Typically in the range of 6.0–8.0
Calcium content: ~8.8% (by weight)

Occurrences

Calcium glucoheptonate does not occur naturally but is synthetically manufactured for use in various applications:
Medical and Nutritional Use: Calcium supplement: Administered orally or intravenously to prevent or treat hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels).
Pediatric and geriatric nutrition: Often used in formulations because it is easily absorbed and well-tolerated.
Pregnancy and lactation support: Supplementation may be prescribed when calcium demands are higher.
Pharmaceutical Formulations – Found in syrups, tablets, and injections as a source of calcium. Preferred in liquid form due to its high aqueous solubility, allowing for palatable liquid formulations.

Uses

Dietary supplement: For individuals with inadequate dietary calcium intake.
Medical treatment: Used in cases like hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, rickets, or tetany.
IV infusion or oral solution: Especially beneficial when rapid calcium replenishment is required.

Advantages

High bioavailability: Calcium glucoheptonate is more soluble and better absorbed than some other calcium salts.
Gentle on the stomach: Often better tolerated compared to calcium carbonate.

Side Effects – Usually mild, but may include: