Calcium gluconate
Learn what Calcium gluconate (E578) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Calcium gluconate?
A food additive used as an antioxidant, stabilizer, strengthening agent, and thickener. It is used in the quantities specified by recipes in dairy products, fresh, matured or processed cheeses, puddings, condensed or powdered milk, butter, whey products, spreadable fats, various emulsions, sweet creams, ice cream, processed and preserved fruits, vegetable products, meat, fish, eggs, soups, broths, sauces, salads, baked goods, pastries and confectionery, pre-cooked rice and pasta, spices, dietary supplements, diet products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, etc.
Why is Calcium gluconate added to food?
Calcium gluconate (E578) is a antioxidant commonly found in: Cheeses, powdered milk, butter, creams, ice cream.
Permitted quantity: The maximum allowable daily intake for humans is up to 50 mg/kg body weight.
Is Calcium gluconate safe?
Low concern
No side effects have been reported at the quantities used in food.
Is Calcium gluconate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Calcium gluconate okay for kids?
Allowed in baby food and products for young children, in quantities as specified by recipes.
Common foods that contain Calcium gluconate
- Cheeses
- powdered milk
- butter
- creams
- ice cream
How to spot Calcium gluconate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E578
- Calcium gluconate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- calcium gluconate
- ealcium gluconate
- calcium qluconate
- cdlcium gluconate
- calcium glucondte
- caleium gluconate
- calclum gluconate
- calcium glueonate
Better alternatives
• People with hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) should avoid products containing calcium gluconate. • Not recommended for those with severe renal failure, as it can affect electrolyte balance and kidney function. • Excessive use may lead to constipation, abdominal pain, or nausea. • Avoid taking it simultaneously with other calcium supplements or medications that may interfere with its absorption.
Also known as
- calcium gluconate
- ealcium gluconate
- calcium qluconate
- cdlcium gluconate
- calcium glucondte
- caleium gluconate
- calclum gluconate
- calcium glueonate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Calcium gluconate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E578 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Calcium gluconate
- Is Calcium gluconate safe to eat?
- No side effects have been reported at the quantities used in food.
- Is Calcium gluconate banned anywhere?
- Calcium gluconate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Calcium gluconate safe for children?
- Allowed in baby food and products for young children, in quantities as specified by recipes.
- How do I spot Calcium gluconate on a food label?
- Look for E578, Calcium gluconate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: calcium gluconate, ealcium gluconate, calcium qluconate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.