Potassium Gluconate

Potassium gluconate is the potassium salt of gluconic acid, which is obtained by neutralisation of gluconic acid with a potassium source. Physiologically, gluconic acid is an important intermediate product of the carbohydrate metabolism. Potassium gluconate is recommended for introducing or enriching potassium in food, especially in dietetic food. Furthermore, the product acts as a buffer salt and as a salt replacer in foodstuffs where sodium salts are not desired. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a potassium source against potassium deficiency or as a systemic alkaliser. Potassium gluconate is also used in technical applications e.g. as sequestering agent in textiles or for galvanic surface treatment. Potassium gluconate is a free flowing, white to slightly yellow, crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste. It is readily water soluble. Furthermore, it is non-toxic and possesses good compatibility so that it may be used in food and pharmaceutical products. Jungbunzlauer potassium gluconate is supplied in its anhydrous form and shows little hygroscopic behaviour. Aqueous solutions of potassium gluconate resist oxidation and reduction, even at high temperatures, and are not corrosive. The directly compressible form potassium gluconate shows optimal tableting properties due to its amorphous structure.