Chemical Name: Zinc Lactate
CAS Number: 16039-53-5
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₆Zn
Molecular Weight: 243.53 g/mol
Synonyms: Zinc DL-Lactate, Zinc Lactate Dihydrate (common hydrated form)
Description:
Zinc Lactate is an organic zinc salt of lactic acid, appearing as a white crystalline powder. It has good solubility in water, high bioavailability, and low gastrointestinal irritation compared with inorganic zinc salts. Zinc Lactate is widely used in dietary supplements, food fortification, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition.
1. Industrial Grade Zinc Lactate
Intended Use: Manufacturing of nutritional powders, tablets, fortified foods, feed additives, and pharmaceuticals.
| Parameter | Specification / Range |
|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or granules |
| Zinc Content (Zn) | 14 – 15% |
| Lactate Content | 70 – 74% |
| pH (5% aqueous solution) | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Moisture Content | ≤5% |
| Solubility (20°C) | Freely soluble in water |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤3 ppm |
| Loss on Ignition | ≤10% |
| Particle Size | 80% through 100 mesh |
| Bulk Density | 0.5 – 0.7 g/mL |
| Microbial Limits | Total Plate Count ≤1000 CFU/g |
| Salmonella | Negative |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, sealed container |
| Shelf Life | 36 months |
Features & Benefits:
High purity and consistent quality
Good solubility, suitable for dry blending and tableting
Excellent source of zinc for fortified foods, feed, and pharma use
2. Food Grade Zinc Lactate
Intended Use: Dietary supplements, functional foods, beverages, nutraceuticals.
| Parameter | Specification / Range |
|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Zinc Content (Zn) | 14 – 15% |
| Lactate Content | 70 – 74% |
| pH (5% aqueous solution) | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Moisture Content | ≤5% |
| Solubility (20°C) | Freely soluble in water |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤5 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm |
| Microbial Limits | Total Plate Count ≤500 CFU/g |
| Mold & Yeast | ≤50 CFU/g |
| Salmonella | Negative |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, sealed container |
| Shelf Life | 36 months |
Features & Benefits:
Gentle on the gastrointestinal system
High bioavailability compared to zinc oxide or zinc sulfate
Suitable for capsules, tablets, powdered supplements, and beverages
3. Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Molecular Weight | 243.53 g/mol |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol |
| Stability | Stable under standard storage conditions |
| Hygroscopicity | Slightly hygroscopic |
4. Regulatory Information
| Regulation | Compliance |
|---|
| Food Additive Status | GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) in USA |
| EU Regulation | Approved as a zinc source in food supplements (EFSA) |
| Food / Supplement Grade | Complies with FCC / USP standards |
5. Applications
Industrial Grade:
Fortified foods and nutritional powders
Animal feed premixes and veterinary supplements
Raw material for pharmaceutical formulations
Food Grade:
Dietary supplements and nutraceuticals
Functional beverages and fortified foods
Capsules, tablets, and powdered blends
6. Handling & Storage
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture
Use PPE (mask, gloves) during handling
Keep container tightly closed when not in use
7. Shelf Life