E578 Calcium Gluconate – Food Additive
E578 is calcium gluconate, an approved food additive used as an acidity regulator, firming agent, and sequestrant in a variety of food products.
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E578 is calcium gluconate, an approved food additive used as an acidity regulator, firming agent, and sequestrant in a variety of food products.
What is E578 (Calcium Gluconate)?
E578 is the European designation for calcium gluconate, the calcium salt of gluconic acid. It is an approved food additive listed under E number 578 in the European Union. Calcium gluconate appears as a white, odourless powder that is readily soluble in water and has numerous applications in the food industry.
Chemical Properties
Calcium gluconate is produced by neutralising gluconic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. The compound contains calcium as its mineral component and the organic gluconate anion, which is derived from glucose. The calcium content is approximately 9% of the total mass of the salt.
Function and Use in Food
E578 is used in food products for several purposes:
- Acidity regulator: Calcium gluconate helps regulate the pH level of food products, influencing both flavour and shelf life.
- Firming agent: It is used to maintain or improve the texture of fruit and vegetable products, especially in processed or preserved goods.
- Sequestrant: As a sequestrant, calcium gluconate binds free metal ions in food, preventing unwanted chemical reactions such as oxidation or discolouration.
- Calcium source: E578 can also be used to fortify foods with calcium, as it has good bioavailability.
Typical Areas of Application
Calcium gluconate (E578) can be found in various food products, including:
- Canned and pickled fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products and cheese
- Dietary supplements
- Bakery products
- Sports nutrition and dietetic foods
Safety and Approval
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed calcium gluconate as safe for use in food. It is authorised in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. No specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value has been established, as the substance is considered safe at the amounts typically consumed. Calcium gluconate is generally well tolerated and is not considered toxic to healthy individuals at the quantities used in food.
Medical Use
Beyond its role as a food additive, calcium gluconate is also widely used in medicine. It is administered intravenously or orally for the treatment of hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium levels), cardiac arrhythmias caused by hyperkalaemia, and as an antidote in hydrofluoric acid poisoning. In paediatric medicine, it is frequently used for calcium supplementation in premature infants.
Labelling
In the ingredient lists of food products, the substance is declared either as E578 or as calcium gluconate. This allows consumers to identify whether this additive is present in a product.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of calcium gluconate (E 578) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2019.
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.
- World Health Organization (WHO) / Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Compendium of Food Additive Specifications – Calcium Gluconate. FAO JECFA Monographs, Rome.
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Related search terms: E578 + Calcium Gluconate + Calcium Gluconat