Method for preparing calcium gluconate

Abstract

The invention provides for a method for the preparation of a gluconic acid from glucose. It is an aspect of the invention to provide a method that comprises the use of enzymes. The method according to the invention can be applied with great benefit to the production of calcium gluconate suitable for use as a food fortifier by a process that is economical.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
   
   
       26 . Method for the preparation of calcium gluconate comprising enzymatic conversion of glucose to gluconic acid followed by conversion of gluconic acid to calcium gluconate in a reaction mixture to which a calcium base is administered in an amount sufficient for the production of calcium gluconate in excess of 30 g/L of the reaction mixture, and which further comprises at least one salt of an organic acid which is acceptable for use in foodstuffs and water, wherein the initial glucose concentration in the reaction mixture prior to complete conversion into calcium gluconate is above 30 g/L of the reaction mixture, and wherein said calcium gluconate is produced to concentrations higher than 40 g/L in the reaction mixture, wherein the gluconate salt and the organic acid salt are present in a weight ratio from about 5:95 to 95:5, and wherein the organic acid salt is a citrate or malate salt. 
   
   
       27 . Calcium gluconate/lactate comprising a calcium gluconate/calcium lactate ratio of 65/35 based on weight %. 
   
   
       28 . Calcium gluconate/lactate comprising a gluconate/lactate ratio of 80/20 based on weight %. 
   
   
       29 . Calcium gluconate/lactate comprising a gluconate/lactate ratio of 50/50 based on weight %. 
   
   
       30 . Calcium fortified food product comprising a gluconate/organic acid salt mixture obtained by the method of  claim 27 . 
   
   
       31 . Orange juice comprising a gluconate/organic acid salt mixture obtained by the method  claim 27 . 
   
   
       32 . Calcium fortified food product comprising calcium gluconate/lactate according to  claim 28 . 
   
   
       33 . Orange juice comprising calcium gluconate/lactate according to  claim 28 . 
   
   
       34 . Calcium fortified food product comprising calcium gluconate/lactate according to  claim 29 . 
   
   
       35 . Calcium fortified food product comprising calcium gluconate/lactate according to  claim 30 . 
   
   
       36 . Orange juice comprising calcium gluconate/lactate according to  claim 29 . 
   
   
       37 . Orange juice comprising calcium gluconate/lactate according to  claim 30 .