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Calcium pantothenate is the calcium salt of the water-soluble vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid).
CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE is commonly used as a nutritional supplement in food, feed, and pharmaceutical products.
CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is stable in air and highly soluble in water.
CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE plays a vital role in the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA) and in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
CAS Number: 137-08-6
Synonyms:D-Calcium pantothenate,Calcium D-pantothenate,Pantothenic acid calcium salt
Vitamin B5 calcium salt,Calcium (+)-pantothenate
Introduction
Calcium pantothenate is the calcium salt form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), a water-soluble vitamin crucial for human metabolism.
Pantothenic acid was discovered in the early 20th century during research into yeast extracts essential for microbial growth.
It is an essential nutrient because humans cannot synthesize it and must obtain it through diet or supplements.
Calcium pantothenate is favored industrially over free pantothenic acid due to its superior chemical stability and easier handling.
It is extensively used in food fortification, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition.
The vitamin’s key function is as a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), which facilitates enzymatic reactions central to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it indispensable for energy production and biosynthetic processes.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Chemical Structure and Molecular Formula
The chemical formula of calcium pantothenate is C18H32CaN2O10.
It consists of two pantothenic acid molecules chelated to a calcium ion.
The pantothenic acid moiety itself is composed of a pantoic acid linked via an amide bond to β-alanine.
This structure confers its biochemical functionality as a vitamin.
Physical Appearance and Solubility
Calcium pantothenate appears as a white or off-white crystalline powder.
It is odorless and exhibits a slightly bitter taste.
The compound exhibits high solubility in water (~150 g/L at 25°C), facilitating its use in aqueous formulations.
It is sparingly soluble or insoluble in most organic solvents, including ethanol, acetone, and chloroform.
Stability and Storage
The compound demonstrates good stability under dry, ambient conditions but is prone to hydrolysis under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions.
It degrades faster at elevated temperatures and in moist environments.
Proper storage in airtight containers, away from light and moisture, is essential for maintaining potency during shelf life.
Analytical Characterization Methods
Characterization of calcium pantothenate involves several instrumental techniques:
UV-Vis Spectroscopy: Utilized to quantify vitamin concentration by absorption at characteristic wavelengths.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Enables accurate quantification and purity analysis, often coupled with UV detection.
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Confirms functional groups such as amides, hydroxyls, and carboxylates.
Mass Spectrometry (MS): Used to confirm molecular mass and detect impurities.
Synthesis and Manufacturing
Natural Sources of Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid is ubiquitous in nature, present in most plant and animal tissues.
Common dietary sources include meat (especially liver and kidney), eggs, milk, legumes, whole grains, and certain vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms.
Despite its abundance, the concentration in natural sources is typically low, limiting direct extraction for commercial use.
Chemical Synthesis Routes
Industrial manufacture relies on chemical synthesis due to the impracticality of extraction.
Synthesis typically starts from commercially available precursors like isobutyraldehyde and β-alanine derivatives to produce pantoic acid intermediates.
These intermediates undergo amidation to form pantothenic acid, which is then neutralized with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide to produce calcium pantothenate.
Industrial Production Processes
The multi-step production involves:
Synthesis of pantoic acid and β-alanine derivatives.
Coupling to form pantothenic acid via enzymatic or chemical amidation.
Purification by crystallization or chromatographic methods.
Conversion to calcium salt through reaction with calcium sources.
Drying and milling to pharmaceutical-grade powder.
This process is optimized for yield, purity, and environmental sustainability.
Purification Techniques
Purification employs recrystallization from aqueous or mixed solvents, removal of inorganic salts, and chromatographic separation if necessary.
Ensuring the removal of residual solvents, unreacted materials, and side products is critical to meet pharmacopeial standards.
Biological Role and Biochemistry
Role in Coenzyme A Synthesis
Calcium pantothenate provides pantothenic acid essential for the biosynthesis of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA functions as an acyl carrier, transferring acetyl and other acyl groups in numerous enzymatic reactions, vital to energy metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and the Krebs cycle.
Metabolic Pathways Influenced
CoA-dependent pathways include:
Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.
Fatty acid β-oxidation and biosynthesis.
Synthesis of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.
Cholesterol and steroid hormone biosynthesis.
Synthesis of heme groups and amino acid metabolism.
Deficiency disrupts these pathways, leading to impaired energy production and metabolic imbalances.
Enzymatic Functions and Mechanisms
Pantothenate-derived CoA interacts with enzymes including acyltransferases, thiolases, and synthases.
It forms thioester bonds with acyl groups, enabling substrate channeling and enzyme catalysis critical for metabolic flux.
Absorption, Transport, and Bioavailability
Calcium pantothenate is absorbed in the small intestine primarily via active sodium-dependent transporters and passive diffusion.
After absorption, it circulates in plasma mainly as free pantothenic acid and is taken up by cells for CoA biosynthesis.
Its bioavailability is high, generally exceeding 80%.
Nutritional and Medical Uses
Dietary Sources and Recommended Daily Intake
Pantothenic acid intake varies by demographic factors, but the average recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is approximately 5 mg/day.
Deficiency is rare due to its widespread availability in food.
Use in Nutritional Supplements and Fortified Foods
Calcium pantothenate is widely used in multivitamins, B-complex vitamins, fortified cereals, energy drinks, and infant formulas.
Its stability and solubility make it ideal for various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids.
Clinical Applications
Clinically, calcium pantothenate is employed to:
Prevent and treat vitamin B5 deficiency, which may manifest as fatigue, irritability, neurological symptoms, and impaired wound healing.
Support recovery in burn victims and patients with skin disorders.
Enhance synthesis of neurotransmitters, potentially improving cognitive function.
Therapeutic Potentials and Ongoing Research
Research is investigating calcium pantothenate’s role in:
Promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.
Neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases.
Enhancing skin barrier repair and hydration.
Emerging data suggest potential benefits in metabolic syndrome and diabetes management, though further clinical studies are required.
Analytical Methods
Standard Testing and Quality Control
Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products containing calcium pantothenate undergo rigorous quality control to ensure purity, potency, and safety.
Testing is aligned with pharmacopeial standards (USP, EP, JP).
Quantitative Assays
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): The primary method for quantifying calcium pantothenate in bulk and formulations, often using reversed-phase C18 columns and UV detection at 210-220 nm.
UV-Visible Spectrophotometry: Rapid screening method for total pantothenic acid content.
Capillary Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry may be used for impurity profiling and confirmation.
Purity and Impurity Profiling
Purity testing ensures absence of related substances, degradation products, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants.
Specifications require >98% purity for pharmaceutical grade.
Applications in Industry
Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals
Calcium pantothenate is a common ingredient in vitamins and dietary supplements for humans and animals, favored for its stability and bioavailability.
It supports metabolic health, energy production, and skin integrity.
Animal Feed Supplements
In animal nutrition, calcium pantothenate is added to feed to promote growth, reproduction, and coat quality in livestock and pets.
It prevents deficiency syndromes that can impair productivity.
Cosmetic Applications
The compound is increasingly included in skincare and haircare products due to its moisturizing, skin barrier enhancing, and hair growth-stimulating properties.
It supports skin regeneration and reduces irritation.
Food Fortification Practices
Food manufacturers add calcium pantothenate to processed foods such as cereals, breads, and beverages to improve nutritional profiles and prevent vitamin B5 deficiency at a population level.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
