[brothertruffle]

I need Calcium Gluconate powder to make a calcium/Magnesium beverage

(like you see on TV infomercials, only I'm making it from scratch and, thus am saving a fortune).

What would be the difference between using the Anhydrous powder or monohydrate powder.
(Both powders sold are U.S.P, just in case you're curious.)

I looked up anhydrous and monohydrate on the web but the definitions I found were dramatically unhelpful

[Bakegaku]

Monohydrate means there is one water molecule attached to the calcium glucate.  Anhydrous means there aren't any water molecules.

As far as the use you suggested goes it wouldn't make a difference, because the water would either be added or removed in the digestion of Calcium Gluconate.  Just remember that Calcium Gluconate monohydrate will have less calcium than the same mass of Calcium Gluconate.

[brothertruffle]

What applications do the monohydrate form have that the anhydrous don't?   

Or vice versa.

I'm just trying to understand the rationale for a chemical company offerring two different types of the same Calcium.

Thanks again!
B

[Dude]

I would guess that the salt naturally forms a monohydrate when exposed to humidified air.  The chemical company dehydrates (most likely with heat) the salt for an added price if a customer wants a higher purity material (anhydrous).  Its kind of like offering premium gasoline at a gas station.