Gluconate

/ˈɡluːkoʊneɪt/ noun

Definition

A salt or ester of gluconic acid, often used in supplements, pharmaceuticals, and food additives for its mineral delivery properties.

Etymology

From glucose plus the '-onate' suffix used for salts of organic acids; gluconic acid is glucose oxidized at one end.

Kelly Says

Gluconate is why your vitamin supplements don't taste terrible—it's used to bind minerals like calcium and iron so your body can absorb them, and it's sweet-tasting so it helps mask bitter pill flavors!

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