Message

Calcium lactate is a versatile chemical salt used in a variety of applications. It is an important component in food, cosmetics, and industrial products. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the properties, applications, and safety of calcium lactate.

What is calcium lactate?

Calcium lactate is a calcium salt of lactic acid (lactate acid). It is a white, crystalline powder with a slightly acidic taste. Chemically, it has the formula Ca(C₃H₅O₃)₂ and a molar mass of 218.22 g/mol.

Calcium lactate is produced by the reaction of calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide with lactic acid. It is soluble in water and has a pH value between 6.0 and 8.0.

Properties of calcium lactate

Calcium lactate has some interesting properties that make it a versatile ingredient:

High calcium content

Calcium lactate contains about 13% calcium, making it a good calcium source. Calcium is an essential nutrient for the human body and plays an important role for bones, teeth, and many other bodily functions.

Good solubility

The good water solubility of calcium lactate allows easy processing and incorporation into aqueous formulations such as beverages, creams, or solutions.

Buffer effect

Calcium lactate has a slightly basic effect and can therefore be used as a buffer in acidic environments. This is advantageous, for example, in foods.

Stability

Calcium lactate is relatively stable against heat, light, and oxidation. This facilitates storage and processing.

Neutral taste

Unlike other calcium salts, calcium lactate has a very mild, barely noticeable taste, which favors its use in foods.

Applications of calcium lactate

Due to its diverse properties, calcium lactate is used in numerous industries:

Food industry

Calcium lactate is used as a calcium source, acid regulator, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a variety of foods, e.g., dairy products, baked goods, beverages, canned foods, and frozen foods.

Cosmetics industry

In cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and shampoos, calcium lactate serves as a mineral source, buffering agent, and stabilizer.

Pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, calcium lactate is used as an active ingredient in dietary supplements, antacids, and other preparations.

Industrial applications

Outside the consumer goods sector, calcium lactate is also used in technical products such as adhesives, coatings, fire extinguishing agents, and cooling lubricants.

Safety of calcium lactate

Calcium lactate is considered safe for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is neither carcinogenic nor genotoxic. Reproductive toxicity or allergies are also not known.

When used normally and following dosage recommendations, calcium lactate is harmless to humans and the environment. Only very high intake may cause side effects such as digestive disorders.

Overall, calcium lactate is a versatile, safe, and high-quality chemical salt used in many everyday products. Its favorable properties contribute to the quality and functionality of these products.

Conclusion

Calcium lactate is a multifunctional salt with a wide range of applications. As a calcium source, stabilizer, and buffering agent, it is widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. It is characterized by safety, stability, and neutral taste. Overall, calcium lactate is a valuable ingredient that improves the quality and functionality of many everyday products.