Potassium Gluconate
Also known as: K gluconate, potassium D-gluconate
Potassium bound to gluconic acid, a mild-tasting salt with only about 16.7% elemental potassium, so it is bulky per milligram of potassium. It is favored in capsules and tablets sold at the 99 mg convention and in some liquid electrolytes because it has none of the bitterness of potassium chloride. A dose-response trial cited by NIH ODS found potassium from gluconate absorbed at about 94%, similar to potassium from potatoes.
Research summary
Supplies potassium for membrane potential, nerve and muscle function, and fluid balance; gluconate is metabolized as a carbohydrate-derived organic acid.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (17% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99 mg | 99–300 mg | — | — |
Doses are elemental potassium. Solid-dose products are commonly held to 99 mg per unit by convention; 99 mg elemental is already about 590 mg of gluconate. Potassium gluconate (C6H11KO7, MW 234.2) is 16.7% K: 39.1 ÷ 234.2. No UL is set. Take with water and food. A highest studied dose specific to the gluconate salt was not located; the ranges reflect typical product use.
Source material: synthetic (gluconic acid neutralized with potassium hydroxide)
As supplied: ≈ 16.7% K; 99 mg elemental ≈ 593 mg compound
Forms of Potassium
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Gluconate | 99–300 mg | 17% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Liquid | low |
| Potassium Chloride | 99–500 mg | 52% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Liquid | low |
| Potassium Citrate | 99–500 mg | 36% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Most solid-dose products in the US hold potassium to 99 mg per capsule or tablet by industry convention, so meaningful amounts are usually delivered as powders or liquids. Nearly neutral taste, which is its main selling point over chloride. Very bulky: 300 mg elemental is 1.8 g of compound.
Formulation notes
Potassium raises serum levels further in people taking ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or potassium-sparing diuretics, and in kidney disease; formulations above the 99 mg convention commonly carry an advisory. Pairs with sodium, magnesium, and chloride in electrolyte blends.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
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