Moreover, these complexes are soluble to the extent of about 49 grams per 100 ml of water at pH7 and thus can be prepared in aqueous solutions of up to 50% by weight, if desired.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAn alkali metal zinc gluconate (M.sub.2 Zn(C.sub.6 H.sub.11 O.sub.7).sub.2), wherein M is an alkali metal, preferably sodium or potassium, is prepared by admixing a suspension of zinc g