Quick summary

Calcium pantothenate is a water-soluble vitamin B complex form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It serves as a vitamin supplement providing vitamin B5, which is essential for various metabolic processes in the body.

What is it?

Calcium pantothenate, also known as pantothenic acid calcium salt, is a stable salt form of vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 is part of the vitamin B complex group and is water-soluble, meaning it dissolves in water and is not stored in large quantities in the body. Calcium pantothenate is commonly used in dietary supplements to supply vitamin B5.

Main functions in the body

No specific functions of calcium pantothenate distinct from pantothenic acid were detailed in the evidence provided. Generally, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) plays a key role in energy metabolism, as it is a component of coenzyme A, which is involved in fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. However, no direct evidence relating calcium pantothenate individually to these functions was available.

Recommended intake and upper limit

There were no specific recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), adequate intake (AI) values, or upper intake limits (ULs) for calcium pantothenate supplied in the reviewed evidence. Current authoritative intake guidelines vary by age, sex, and physiological status such as pregnancy or lactation. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS) data were reviewed but did not provide extractable intake recommendations specific to calcium pantothenate.

Best food sources

Calcium pantothenate itself is not typically found directly in foods but provides pantothenic acid upon supplementation. Pantothenic acid is naturally present in many foods, including meats, whole grains, legumes, eggs, and vegetables. Since no detailed food source data were supplied specifically for calcium pantothenate, the general dietary sources of vitamin B5 are relevant.

Deficiency: causes, symptoms and risk groups

No information on causes, signs, symptoms, or risk groups associated with calcium pantothenate deficiency was provided. Deficiency of pantothenic acid is considered rare due to its wide availability in food, but general symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency may include fatigue, irritability, and neurological symptoms. No direct clinical evidence about calcium pantothenate deficiency was noted.

Supplement forms

  • Calcium pantothenate as a stable salt form of pantothenic acid is used in vitamin B5 supplementation.

Potential benefits: what does the evidence say?

No specific human clinical evidence on the outcomes of calcium pantothenate supplementation was supplied. Thus, any potential health benefits attributable to calcium pantothenate per se remain insufficiently documented. In general, pantothenic acid is involved in fundamental biochemical pathways, but direct evidence connecting supplementation of calcium pantothenate to particular health benefits was not available.

Side effects and toxicity

No documented side effects, toxicities, or upper intake limit warnings concerning calcium pantothenate were provided in the available evidence. Typically, pantothenic acid has a low toxicity profile, but specific safety data for calcium pantothenate supplements were not supplied.

Drug and nutrient interactions

No interactions between calcium pantothenate and drugs or other nutrients were described in the reviewed data.

Who should be careful?

There were no specific cautions or contraindications related to calcium pantothenate reported. As with any vitamin supplement, people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying medical conditions, or are using medications should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is calcium pantothenate used for?
    It is used as a vitamin B5 supplement to provide pantothenic acid, which supports numerous metabolic functions.
  • Is calcium pantothenate the same as vitamin B5?
    Calcium pantothenate is a salt form of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) used in supplements.
  • Are there any risks of taking calcium pantothenate?
    No specific side effects or toxicity were reported, but consult a healthcare professional before supplementation.
  • Can calcium pantothenate deficiency occur?
    Deficiency is rare, and no direct evidence on calcium pantothenate deficiency was provided.

Evidence limitations

  • No specific human clinical evidence on calcium pantothenate supplementation outcomes was supplied.
  • No detailed safety or dosage studies were provided.
  • No authoritative official recommended intake values were included in the input data.
  • No EU-authorized health claims or documented deficiency or toxicity clinical evidence were reported for calcium pantothenate.

References

Last reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health conditions, or take medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.