Pantothenic Acid (Calcium Pantothenate)
Also known as: vitamin B5, D-calcium pantothenate, calcium D-pantothenate, pantothenate, pantothenic acid
Calcium pantothenate is the stable calcium salt used to deliver pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), the building block of coenzyme A and therefore of fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. NIH ODS notes it is the most common supplement form and that amounts range from about 10 mg in multivitamins to as much as 1,000 mg in B-complex or stand-alone products. It has no reported toxicity in humans and no UL, and is commonly included in energy, stress, and skin formulas.
Research summary
Converted to coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein, which carry acyl groups in the citric acid cycle, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and acetylcholine synthesis.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (92% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 10–500 mg | 1,500 mg | — |
Doses are mg pantothenic acid. Elemental fraction 0.92 is stoichiometric: two pantothenate ions (2 x 218.2) divided by calcium pantothenate MW 476.5 = 0.916, so 100 mg pantothenic acid needs about 109 mg calcium pantothenate and contributes roughly 9 mg calcium. Adequate Intake is 5 mg/day for adults; DV 5 mg. NIH ODS reports supplement amounts from about 10 mg to 1,000 mg; a 1-week study in healthy men used 1.5 g/day pantothenic acid with cysteine. No UL; around 10 g/day some people get mild diarrhea. Water-soluble; no timing constraints.
Standardization: ≥98% calcium D-pantothenate (USP)
Source material: synthetic
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Hygroscopic; keep premixes dry. Neutral to slightly bitter taste.
Formulation notes
Standard B-complex component. Pantethine, a related compound used for lipids, is a different ingredient.
Sources
Related ingredients
Niacinamide (Nicotinamide)
VitaminNiacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 and the niacin source used in most multivitamins because it delivers full NAD-precursor activity without the skin flush of nicotinic acid.
Typical: 16–35 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
VitaminRiboflavin is the yellow, water-soluble B vitamin that the body builds into the flavin coenzymes FMN and FAD, which drive energy production and the recycling of other vitamins including B6, folate, and niacin.
Typical: 1.3–400 mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
VitaminCyanocobalamin is the synthetic, highly stable form of vitamin B12 used in most supplements and fortified foods.
Typical: 100–1,000 mcg
Zinc Gluconate
MineralThe most common zinc salt in multivitamins, lozenges, and immune products, containing about 14.3% elemental zinc.
Typical: 10–25 mg