Ferrous gluconate

Ferrous gluconate (CAS 299-29-6), also known as E579 and marketed historically under the name Cerevon, is an iron(II) salt of gluconic acid used across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing. It functions primarily as an iron source, color stabilizer, and chelating agent in finished formulations. In food processing, it is approved for stabilizing the characteristic black color of ripe olives.

This prevents oxidative discoloration during canning and packaging. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a bioavailable iron supplement active in oral dosage forms including tablets, capsules, and liquid tonics. These products typically target iron-deficiency indications. In cosmetic and personal care formulations, it acts as a chelating agent to sequester trace metals that would otherwise destabilize emulsions.

This prevents the acceleration of rancidity in various topical products. Food and beverage producers also apply it as a pH buffer and mineral fortification ingredient in functional drinks and enriched products. Ferrous gluconate is supplied as a fine yellowish-grey powder or granules. Established grades include USP, BP, Ph. Eur., and FCC, with food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications being the most prevalent.

Buyers typically source it in fiber drums or multi-layer bags. Bulk pallet quantities are available for industrial-scale procurement to meet the demands of large-scale manufacturing facilities.