Evidence supporting the use of: Gluconate / gluconic acid
For the health condition: Calcium Deficiency
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Calcium gluconate, the calcium salt of gluconic acid, is scientifically validated as a treatment for calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia). It is commonly used in both oral and intravenous forms to correct low blood calcium levels, especially when rapid correction is needed (e.g., in cases of acute hypocalcemia, tetany, or after certain surgeries). The rationale for its use is based on its proven efficacy in reliably delivering bioavailable calcium to the body. Compared to some other calcium salts, such as calcium chloride, calcium gluconate is less irritating when administered intravenously, making it a preferred option in emergency medicine and hospital settings.
Numerous clinical guidelines and pharmacology references, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), list calcium gluconate as a standard therapy for calcium deficiency. Studies have confirmed its effectiveness for both acute and chronic hypocalcemia, though it contains less elemental calcium by weight compared to some other calcium salts (e.g., calcium carbonate). Oral forms are used in dietary supplementation, while intravenous forms are reserved for more severe or symptomatic cases.
While there is robust support for its medical use, the evidence primarily concerns its pharmacological action rather than any unique benefit from the gluconate or gluconic acid component itself, which mainly serves as a soluble vehicle for calcium delivery. Thus, its use for calcium deficiency is well-supported scientifically, though not necessarily superior to other forms based solely on the gluconate moiety.
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