Sodium Gluconate

Other names: Sodium gluconate, E576

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Sodium gluconate is an organic compound that can be found in most of the products we consume every day. This substance, also referred to as E576, is produced by the fermentation of sugar and takes the form of a white to pale yellow crystalline powder with a slightly salty taste. It is a salt of gluconic acid, which is naturally occurring in fruits such as berries or citrus fruits. In humans, this acid is found in the intestinal microflora.

Sodium gluconate is often used in the food industry as a preservative and stabiliser. It is added to foods as a salt to improve taste and extend shelf life. It is also used in the cosmetics industry as a humectant, i.e. a substance that prevents cosmetic products from drying out. It is also an active ingredient in various cleaning products. It is a safe substance that has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as harmless to human health. Nevertheless, care must be taken to consume sodium gluconate in reasonable quantities, as is the case with all other additives.