Zinc gluconate
[CAS# 4468-02-4]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Vitamins and minerals >> Trace elements and mineral drugs
• Name: Zinc gluconate
• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₄Zn
• Molecular Weight: 455.68
• CAS Registry Number: 4468-02-4 (82139-35-3)
• EC Number: 224-736-9
• SMILES: C([C@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](C(=O)[O-])O)O)O)O)O.C([C@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](C(=O)[O-])O)O)O)O)O.[Zn+2]

Properties

• Melting point: 172-175 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H318-H400-H401
• Safety Statements: P264+P265-P273-P280-P305+P354+P338-P317-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302

Discovery and Applications

Zinc gluconate, the zinc salt of gluconic acid, is an important compound widely used in nutrition and healthcare. The discovery of zinc gluconate dates back to the early 20th century, when researchers sought to improve the bioavailability of zinc. Zinc is a vital trace element in human health and is involved in a variety of biological functions, including enzyme activity, immune function, and cellular metabolism. Zinc gluconate was originally synthesized by reacting zinc oxide with gluconic acid, a process that produces a water-soluble compound with a mild taste. This synthesis makes zinc gluconate an ideal candidate for dietary supplement and pharmaceutical applications, addressing the problem of poor absorption of zinc in other forms.

Zinc gluconate is a popular dietary supplement due to its high bioavailability. It is used to treat zinc deficiency, a condition associated with impaired immune function, delayed wound healing, and slowed growth. Zinc deficiency is common in populations that do not have access to zinc-rich foods such as meat and shellfish, and supplementation is essential to prevent related health problems.

In addition to its nutritional value, zinc gluconate has been widely studied for its immune-supportive effects. It is a common ingredient in cold remedies such as lozenges and nasal sprays to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Research suggests that zinc ions interfere with rhinovirus replication, helping to mitigate the spread and impact of the virus.

Zinc gluconate has a well-established safety profile when used at appropriate doses. However, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, and interference with the absorption of other essential minerals, such as copper and iron. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc varies by age and sex, with adult males needing approximately 11 mg per day and females needing 8 mg per day.

References

1963. [An investigation on pharmacodynamic properties of pyrrolidine-methyl-tetracycline hydrochloride with magnesium gluconate (Depoverin)]. Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Sklodowska. Sectio D: Medicina, 18.
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14232843

2007. Hidradenitis suppurativa and zinc: a new therapeutic approach. A pilot study. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland), 214(4).
DOI: 10.1159/000100883

2021. Colorimetric recognition of aromatic amino acid enantiomers by gluconic acid-capped gold nanoparticles. Amino Acids, 53(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s00726-020-02939-9