Zinc Gluconate

Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of D-gluconic acid (C12H22O14Zn, CAS 4468-02-4, MW 455.68) and is the most widely used organic zinc source in nutraceutical manufacture. Thovek supplies USP and FCC grade material assaying 97.0–102.0% on the dried basis, with an elemental zinc content of 12.3–14.6% against a theoretical 14.35% for the anhydrous salt. It presents as a white to off-white crystalline powder or free-flowing granule, soluble in water, practically insoluble in ethanol, and close to neutral in solution at pH 5.5–7.5 — a marked contrast to the sharply acidic sulphate. That near-neutral, low-astringency profile is why zinc gluconate dominates formats in which the zinc is tasted: lozenges and troches, oral liquids and syrups, effervescent tablets, chewables and gummies, and fortified beverages and dairy. The granular grade also carries well through direct compression. The zinc it supplies performs the same established nutrient functions as any other bioavailable source — contributing to normal protein synthesis, normal macronutrient metabolism, normal fertility and reproduction, and the normal function of the immune system — while adding roughly seven times its own weight in gluconate matrix, so formulators are trading zinc loading for palatability. Zinc gluconate is a permitted source of zinc for food supplements in the EU under Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC and for the addition of minerals to foods under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. Standard granular grade passes 95% minimum through 18 mesh; fine powder and low-heavy-metal infant-nutrition grades are available. Each lot is released against assay, zinc content, loss on drying, pH, chloride, sulphate, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiology, and ships with a full certificate of analysis, MSDS, and Halal, Kosher, non-GMO, vegan and allergen declarations on request from FSSAI-registered, ISO 9001 and HACCP-aligned facilities.