Calcium lactate
Calcium lactate is the calcium salt of lactic acid, prepared commercially by neutralizing lactic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. The lactic acid usually comes from fermentation of sugars, and the salt crystallizes with up to five molecules of water, so the pentahydrate (about 13% calcium) is the common form. Brands buy it as a white powder or granules for fortified drinks, as a firming agent for fruit and vegetables, and for tablets.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
The most common grade, with lower calcium per gram but good water solubility and neutral taste.
Dried grades with more calcium per gram; the hydrate state should be named on the specification.
Granular grades for direct compression and dry blends; fine powder for quick dissolution.
A mixed lactate and gluconate salt with higher water solubility, used in effervescent tablets and clear beverages.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store calcium lactate in sealed containers in a cool, dry place; the pentahydrate can lose water (effloresce) in dry, warm air and cake in humid air. Keep away from strong odors. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and aged lots are usually retested for assay and loss on drying.
Record the hydrate form, assay and loss on drying for each lot, since calcium per gram differs widely between hydrates. Check odor on arrival; a sour or cheesy note points to volatile acids from the lactic acid.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1207 affirms calcium lactate as GRAS for uses that include firming agent, leavening agent and nutrient supplement, in food except infant foods and infant formulas.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes calcium lactate for baking powder and unstandardized foods.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists calcium lactate and its hydrates among the source ingredients for calcium (Table 2).
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sells it as PURACAL
Dutch maker of lactic acid made by fermenting sugar, plus lactate salts, buffered vinegar preservatives and rosemary-based shelf-life blends for food and beverage manufacturers.
Manufacturer · Bengaluru, India
Indian maker of pharmaceutical ingredients and mineral salts, with plants in Hosur. Its mineral range covers calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium salts and amino acid chelates.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include pentahydrate, anhydrous and lower hydrates, granular and powder and calcium lactate gluconate. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, loss on drying, acidity and volatile fatty acids, magnesium and alkali salts, lead and other metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store calcium lactate in sealed containers in a cool, dry place; the pentahydrate can lose water (effloresce) in dry, warm air and cake in humid air. Keep away from strong odors. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and aged lots are usually retested for assay and loss on drying.
21 CFR 184.1207 affirms calcium lactate as GRAS for uses that include firming agent, leavening agent and nutrient supplement, in food except infant foods and infant formulas. Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes calcium lactate for baking powder and unstandardized foods. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists calcium lactate and its hydrates among the source ingredients for calcium (Table 2).
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