E578 · Calcium gluconate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E578?
Calcium gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid, used in food as a firming agent, stabilizer, and calcium fortifier, and in medicine to treat calcium deficiency. It is a well-absorbed, gentle source of calcium and is considered safe for regular consumption. It also appears in fortified foods, supplements, and some canned fruits and vegetables to help maintain firmness.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium gluconate, Gluconic acid calcium salt, Ca-gluconate, Food grade calcium gluconate, E578, E 578, E-578, INS 578, Calcium D-gluconate, Additivo alimentare E578, Additif alimentaire E578, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff E578.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe; no adverse effects at typical food or supplemental levels.
- Very high intakes of calcium supplements may contribute to elevated blood calcium or interact with certain medications.
Research behind the verdict
- Calcium Gluconate in Food Applications: Safety and Nutritional Assessment — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources, EFSA Journal - Calcium Compounds Assessment (2023). A detailed safety evaluation of calcium gluconate (E578) as a food additive, examining its use as a firming agent, sequestrant, and nutritional supplement. The research confirmed that calcium gluconate provides excellent safety margins while contributing beneficial calcium to the diet. The study noted its widespread use in infant formulas, dairy products, and fortified foods with no safety concerns. The assessment highlighted its superior bioavailability compared to other calcium compounds and supports its continued use across food categories.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E578 safe?
Our overall verdict for E578 (Calcium gluconate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E578 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium gluconate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E578 and why is it used?
Calcium gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid, used in food as a firming agent, stabilizer, and calcium fortifier, and in medicine to treat calcium deficiency. It is a well-absorbed, gentle source of calcium and is considered safe for regular consumption. It also appears in fortified foods, supplements, and some canned fruits and vegetables to help maintain firmness.
Does E578 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium gluconate.
Watch E578
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Calcium gluconate changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.