Magnesium gluconate

Description

A white to off-white powder or granulate. It may be anhydrous, or as the dihydrate, or a mixture of both. It is very soluble in water and is sparingly soluble in alcohol. It is insoluble in ether. Magnesium gluconate is included on a partial listing of substances presumed to be GRAS by FDA but not published. Some uses of magnesium salts include firming agents, lubricants, flavor enhancers, and processing aids. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants and animals and is a natural constituent of fruits, vegetables, grain, meats and sea foods. It is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body and the second most plentiful intracellularly. The average 60-kg human adult body contains about 24 g magnesium of which about one-half resides in bone. Although plasma levels vary between 1.7 and 3.0 mg per dl, very little is contained in extracellular fluid. Magnesium is essential for the production and transfer of energy, for protein, fat, and nucleic acid synthesis, for contractility in muscle and excitability in nerve, and for the activity of numerous enzyme systems.

Chemical Properties

White powder or fine needles; odorless; almost tasteless. Soluble in water. Combustible.

Uses

Replenisher (magnesium).

brand name

Almora(Forest).

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Biochem/physiol Actions

Gluconic acid occurs from the oxidation of glucose and is naturally in fruit, honey and wine. When used as a food additive it helps regulate acidity. It is a strong chelating agent, chelating the anions of calcium, iron, aluminum, copper, and other heavy metals.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from dilute EtOH to give ca trihydrate, and then dry it at 98o in high vacuum. It is insoluble in EtOH, and the solubility in H2O is 16% at 25o. [Prescott et al. Ind Eng Chem 45 338 1953, Beilstein 3 IV 1256.]