It is a disaccharide formed from gluconic acid and galactose.

As an acid, lactobionic acid can form salts with mineral cations such as calcium, potassium, sodium and zinc.

Calcium lactobionate is a food additive used as a stabilizer.

Potassium lactobionate is added to organ preservation solutions such as Viaspan or CoStorSol to provide osmotic support and prevent cell swelling.

Lactobionic acid is also used in the cosmetics industry as an antioxidant[2] and in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient for formulation.