D-Calcium Pantothenate is the chemically stable form of pantothenic acid, or Vitamin B5. This compound is the version most commonly used in dietary supplements and for food fortification. The calcium salt component improves its shelf life and stability compared to the free acid form. As an essential nutrient, Vitamin B5 is required daily for numerous metabolic functions.
The Role of Coenzyme A
The primary function of Vitamin B5 is its role as a precursor to the molecule Coenzyme A, or CoA. This large, complex coenzyme is central to almost all energy metabolism pathways within the body’s cells. CoA acts as a molecular carrier, specifically transporting two-carbon acetyl groups derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
This acetyl-CoA compound is the entry point into the Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle. The synthesis of CoA is a multi-step process regulated by the enzyme pantothenate kinase, which converts the vitamin into its active form. Without a sufficient supply of pantothenic acid, the body cannot produce the necessary CoA to generate usable energy from food.
Coenzyme A is also required for the breakdown of fats through beta-oxidation, which releases fatty acids. Beyond energy production, CoA is involved in the synthesis of several other biologically important molecules. It is required for the creation of cholesterol, a building block for cell membranes and steroid hormones, including cortisol and testosterone.
The vitamin is also necessary for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for muscle control, memory, and attention. Its functions connect directly to the health of the nervous system, adrenal glands, and cardiovascular system.
Food Sources and Recommended Intake
The name pantothenic acid is derived from the Greek word “pantos,” meaning “from everywhere.” A true deficiency of Vitamin B5 is extremely rare in people who consume a diverse diet. However, significant amounts of the vitamin can be lost during food processing and heating.
Pantothenic acid is found in high concentrations in various animal and plant foods, ensuring most people meet their daily needs easily. Excellent sources include meat, such as liver and chicken, as well as whole grains, legumes, eggs, and dairy products. Vegetables like broccoli, potatoes, and avocados also contribute substantial amounts to the diet.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for pantothenic acid in adults is set at 5 milligrams (mg) per day. This intake level is considered sufficient to prevent deficiency in nearly all healthy individuals. The requirement increases slightly for pregnant and lactating women, who need 6 mg and 7 mg daily, respectively.
Because the vitamin is water-soluble, excess amounts are readily excreted through the urine, contributing to its low toxicity profile. The body does not store large reserves, necessitating a consistent intake.
Addressing Deficiency and Supplementation Uses
A clinically significant lack of pantothenic acid is usually only observed in cases of severe malnutrition or in experimental settings where a B5-free diet is administered. When deficiency does occur, it affects multiple systems due to the vitamin’s central role in CoA production. Symptoms can include fatigue, headache, restlessness, and gastrointestinal distress.
Historically, a deficiency state was linked to “burning feet syndrome,” or Grierson-Gopalan syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by a severe burning and aching sensation, primarily in the soles of the feet, often worsening at night. This highlights the vitamin’s involvement in nerve function and metabolism.
For individuals seeking to manage lipid levels, the derivative pantethine, which is made from two molecules of pantothenic acid, is often the subject of targeted supplementation. Studies suggest that doses of pantethine ranging from 600 to 1,200 mg per day can help reduce levels of total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. This effect is attributed to pantethine’s ability to inhibit key enzymes in cholesterol synthesis.
D-Calcium Pantothenate supplements are often included in topical and oral products for skin and hair health. The vitamin is thought to support the skin barrier, and its derivative, dexpanthenol, is used in creams for its moisturizing and wound-healing properties. While the RDA is 5 mg, high-dose supplements up to 1 gram (1,000 mg) are generally well-tolerated, though they may cause mild diarrhea or stomach upset in some people.