Difference Between Calcium Gluconate and Calcium Chloride

Calcium Gluconate vs Calcium Chloride
 

Calcium is the 20^th element in the periodic table. It is in the alkaline earth metal group and in the 4^th period. Calcium is depicted as Ca.  Calcium is one of the most abundant molecules in the earth. It is an essential element in macro level for plants and animals. It is the most abundant metal in most animals because calcium occupies the bones. It is essential for cell signaling processes. Therefore, calcium is important for the growth and development of organisms. Dairy products like cheese, milk contain a significant amount of calcium. So they are the best dietary sources.

Calcium Gluconate

The calcium salt of gluconic acid is known as calcium gluconate. The carboxylic acid group of the gluconic acid reacts with calcium carbonate or lime to produce this salt. Since calcium is +2 charged, two molecules of gluconic acid interact with one calcium ion.  It has the following structure.

Since calcium is an essential element for our bodies, the calcium supply should be maintained. Changes in the calcium levels can cause many diseases to humans. Calcium gluconate is a form of supplying calcium into our bodies. Calcium gluconate is mainly used to treat people with low blood calcium levels (hypoglycemia), which is caused due to low intake of calcium with their diets. When the blood calcium level is low, it may lead to other conditions like osteoporosis, rickets, hypoparathyroidism, etc. Other than for low calcium level treatments, calcium gluconate is also used to minimize the effects of magnesium sulfate overdose. Magnesium sulfate is given to pregnant women and excess of it can cause toxicity. Calcium glucose is the antidote given to overcome this toxicity. Further, calcium gluconate is used to treat hydrofluoric acid burns. Since calcium ions are loosely bound to the molecules, it is easily delivered to cells. Moreover, it is well soluble in water and, therefore, easily absorbed into the body.  This is given as a dietary supplement, and it comes as tablets and in liquid form. Although rarely reported, calcium gluconate can cause serious side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, constipation, etc. When taking potassium gluconate, there are several limitations. For example, people with kidney disease, heart disease, diseases in the pancreas, sarcoidosis, and difficulty in absorbing nutrition from food should take advice from a doctor before using this drug.

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is shown as CaCl₂. This is a salt of calcium ion and chloride ion. Calcium chloride is highly soluble in water, and it acts as a calcium donor. Calcium chloride is industrially prepared, using the Solvay process, but it can be directly prepared from limestone too. It is a white color solid at the room temperature. However, calcium chloride is hygroscopic; therefore, when exposed to the atmosphere, it rapidly absorbs moisture. Therefore, it is used as a desiccant in laboratories to remove moisture from materials. Because of its hygroscopic nature, calcium chloride should be stored in tightly sealed air tight containers to keep it in anhydrous conditions. Calcium chloride is used to treat hypocalcaemia. In this instance, calcium chloride is injected intravenously. It is also used for magnesium intoxication. Moreover, it is used as a food additive, and for many other purposes.

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