- Calcium pantothenate is the calcium salt of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), with the chemical formula C₁₈H₃₂CaN₂O₁₀.
- It appears as a white, odorless, and slightly hygroscopic powder that is highly soluble in water and stable under normal storage conditions. As a vitamin supplement, calcium pantothenate is widely used in nutritional, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations to deliver the benefits of pantothenic acid, an essential water-soluble B-complex vitamin involved in numerous biological functions.
- In the human body, pantothenic acid plays a critical role in the synthesis and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It is an essential component of coenzyme A (CoA), which is involved in energy production, fatty acid synthesis, and the metabolism of amino acids and drugs. Calcium pantothenate is the most common commercial form of vitamin B5 because it is more stable than pure pantothenic acid and better suited for use in dietary supplements and fortified foods.
- As a nutritional supplement, calcium pantothenate is used to prevent or treat pantothenic acid deficiency, which is rare but can occur in cases of severe malnutrition or chronic alcoholism. Symptoms of deficiency may include fatigue, irritability, numbness, muscle cramps, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Because of its wide presence in food (especially in whole grains, eggs, legumes, and meats), deficiency is uncommon, but supplementation may still be beneficial in people with increased nutritional needs, such as pregnant women, athletes, or individuals recovering from illness.
- In cosmetics and dermatology, calcium pantothenate is valued for its skin and hair conditioning properties. It is often included in topical creams, lotions, and shampoos where it supports wound healing, skin hydration, and hair strength. In these applications, it is sometimes converted to panthenol, the alcohol form of pantothenic acid, which penetrates the skin and is converted back to the active vitamin within cells.
- In veterinary medicine and animal nutrition, calcium pantothenate is also used as a feed additive to promote growth, immune function, and overall vitality in livestock and poultry, further emphasizing its importance as a biologically essential nutrient.
- From a safety standpoint, calcium pantothenate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used appropriately. It is non-toxic and well tolerated, even at relatively high doses, as excess amounts are excreted in the urine. However, extremely high intakes may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
