Glucono Delta Lactone

Common names: Gluconolactone, D-Glucono-1,5-lactone, GdL, E575 (European food additive code).
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KIDSADVISORY SAFETY RATING
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Safe
Published by Jordana Tobelem, RD, LDN — Last Updated on Apr 16, 2025
Medically reviewed by Dr. William Lin, MD
Glucono delta-lactone (GdL) is a naturally occurring lactone derived from D-gluconic acid, commonly used in the food industry as a sequestrant, acidifier, curing, pickling, or leavening agent. It is a white, odorless crystalline powder that hydrolyzes slowly in water to form gluconic acid, leading to a gradual decrease in pH, which is beneficial for controlled acidification processes. GdL is utilized in products such as tofu, dairy items, processed meats, and bakery goods to achieve desired textures and flavors.[1]
GdL is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is well-tolerated by most individuals, with minimal reported side effects. However, excessive consumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Overall, GdL is considered a safe food additive when used within recommended guidelines.[2]

Safety Overview

Regulatory Bodies

FDA (US)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has affirmed glucono delta-lactone (GDL) as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR 184.1318, permitting its use as a curing and pickling agent, leavening agent, pH control agent, and sequestrant.[2]
Health Canada
GDL is listed in Health Canada’s Permitted Food Additives List. Its use is generally accepted in foods, provided it adheres to good manufacturing practices and poses no health risks.​[3]
EFSA (Europe)
EFSA has initiated a re-evaluation of gluconic acid (E 574) and its derivatives, including GDL (E 575), to ensure their continued safety as food additives, with a call for data issued to support this process. It is currently part of their list of permitted food additives.[4]
WHO (World Health Organization)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated GDL and determined it to be safe for use in food, noting that excessive consumption may lead to laxative effects.[5]

FDA GRAS

U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Current Status
Classified

EWG Rating

Environmental Working Group
  • EWG Rating: Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) has been assigned a low hazard score by the The Environmental Working Group (EWG), indicating minimal concern regarding its use in personal care products.[6]
  • Level of Caution: The EWG's assessment suggests that GDL poses a low risk for cancer, allergies, immunotoxicity, developmental, and reproductive toxicity.[6]
  • Possible Health Risks: While GDL is generally considered safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test when using new products containing this ingredient to ensure no adverse reactions occur.[6]
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More about Glucono Delta Lactone

  • Dairy and Plant-Based Products: Tofu, yogurt, cream cheese
  • Processed Meats and Seafood: Cured meats, sausages, smoked fish
  • Bakery and Confectionery: Cakes, pastries, leavened bread

Historical Use
Glucono delta-lactone (GdL) has been utilized in the food industry for several decades, primarily as an acidulant, leavening agent, and coagulant. Its ability to slowly hydrolyze into gluconic acid allows for controlled acidification, making it valuable in products like tofu, cheese, and bakery items.[1][7]
Current Exposure
Consumers today frequently encounter GdL in various food products, including dairy items, processed meats, and baked goods, due to its multifunctional properties. Its presence in these commonly consumed foods leads to regular dietary exposure among the general population.[7]

Skin Health Benefits
Dietary intake of GdL has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, aiding in the prevention and improvement of skin disorders caused by seasonal changes.[8]
Cardioprotection
GdL administration has been shown to attenuate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in animal models, reducing infarct size, cardiac injury markers, and apoptosis, potentially through the activation of pro-survival ERK signaling pathways.[9]
Hypercoagulability Mitigation
In vitro studies suggest that GdL may mitigate hypercoagulable states induced by hyperglycemia, indicating a potential role in managing coagulation abnormalities associated with elevated blood sugar levels.[10]
Skin pH and Sebum Regulation
Topical application of gluconolactone has been found to significantly lower skin pH and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), exhibiting seboregulatory properties beneficial for skin health.[11]

Toxicological Studies
Glucono delta-lactone (GdL) has undergone various toxicological evaluations, including assessments for mutagenicity and teratogenicity. Studies have demonstrated that GdL is neither carcinogenic nor teratogenic, and does not exhibit mutagenic effects in bacterial assays.[12]
Long-Term Safety
Long-term studies, such as a 29-month dietary study in rats, have shown no significant toxicological effects associated with GdL consumption. These findings support the conclusion that GdL is safe for use in food products.[13]

High-Risk Groups
Occupational exposure to Glucono delta-lactone (GdL) may occur among workers involved in its manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, and disposal, potentially leading to higher exposure levels than the general population.[14]
Health Impacts
Despite increased exposure in certain occupational settings, GdL exhibits a low-hazard profile, with no significant adverse health effects identified in these populations.[14]

Recommended Intake
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has not specified Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for glucono delta-lactone (GDL).[5]

General Safety Level
Glucono delta-lactone (GdL) is widely used as a food additive and is naturally present in foods such as wine and honey. A study assessing its effects on skin condition and inflammation found that dietary intake of GdL attenuated skin inflammation and modulated skin condition in healthy human subjects.[8]
Sensitive Individuals
Clinical-dermatological examinations have reported no intolerances, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions, following the application of formulations containing GdL. Therefore, GdL is considered safe for use in cosmetic applications, even among individuals with sensitive skin.[7]

FAQ

What is glucono delta lactone?

Glucono delta lactone is a food additive used as a mild acidulant, curing agent, or preservative.

Is glucono delta lactone vegan?

Yes, glucono delta lactone is typically considered vegan as it is derived from glucose.

Is glucono delta lactone gluten free?

Yes, glucono delta lactone is gluten free and safe for people with gluten intolerance.

Is glucono delta lactone safe?

Yes, glucono delta lactone is generally recognized as safe when used in approved amounts.

What is glucono delta lactone used for?

Glucono delta lactone is used in food processing to regulate acidity, preserve products, and improve texture.

References

  1. PubChem n.d. 'Gluconolactone' PubChem Compound Summary Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/7027 ↩︎
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration n.d. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 - Glucono delta-lactone Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-184/subpart-B/section-184.1318 ↩︎
  3. EFSA 2023. 'Call for data for the re-evaluation of gluconic acid E 574 and related food additives E 575-579 Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/call/call-data-re-evaluation-gluconic-acid-e-574-and-related-food-additives-e-575-579 ↩︎
  4. World Health Organization 1998. GLUCONO delta-LACTONE Available at: https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/1370 ↩︎
  5. Environmental Working Group n.d. 'Gluconolactone' EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database Available at: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702593-GLUCONOLACTONE/ ↩︎
  6. Jungbunzlauer n.d. Glucono-delta-Lactone - a universal ingredient for many applications Available at: https://www.jungbunzlauer.com/en/news/view/glucono-delta-lactone-a-universal-ingredient-for-many-applications ↩︎
  7. Kuwano T. et al. 2018. Dietary intake of glucono-d-lactone attenuates skin inflammation and contributes to maintaining skin condition. Food & Function 9(3) pp. 1524-1531 Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29431785/ ↩︎
  8. Qin X. et al. 2022. Gluconolactone Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Arrhythmias via Activating PKCu03b5/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling. Frontiers in Physiology 13 856699 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8964113/ ↩︎
  9. Spillert C.R. 2015. Glucono-Delta-Lactone: An In Vitro Inhibitor of Hyperglycemia-Induced Coagulation. Journal of Nursing & Care 4(5) Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283910978_Glucono-Delta-Lactone_An_In_Vitro_Inhibitor_of_Hyperglycemia-Induced_Coagulation ↩︎
  10. Jarzu0105bek-Perz S. Dziedzic M. & Rotsztejn H. 2023. Evaluation of the effects of 10% and 30% gluconolactone chemical peel on sebum pH and TEWL. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 22(12) pp. 3305-3312 Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15864 ↩︎
  11. World Health Organization 1998. Glucono-delta-lactone/calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium gluconates. WHO Food Additives Series 42 Available at: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v042je12.htm ↩︎
  12. Cosmetic Ingredient Review 2020. Safety Assessment of Glycolactones as Used in Cosmetics Available at: https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/glycol092020slr.pdf ↩︎
  13. United States Environmental Protection Agency 2019. Support Document for Proposed Designation of D-Gluconic Acid d-Lactone Available at: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-08/documents/support_document_for_proposed_designation_of_d-gluconic_acid_.delta_.-lactone.pdf ↩︎

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