Pantothenic acid

Food Additive for Food Industry

Calcium D-Pantothenate

Applications of Calcium D-Pantothenate

Dietary supplements:

multivitamin or B-complex preparations
single vitamin & multivitamin preparations

Food products:

vitamin fortification of various food products, dietetic products and baby and small children food
food products for athletes
low- calorie and calorie reduced foods
vitamin fortification of fruit, vegetable and multi vitamin juices, confectionery, isotonic beverages, instant-drink powders, milk and other dairy products, breakfast cereal

Regulations

The product meets the regulatory requirements for a source of pantothenic acid in most countries.

Stability

Stored in its unopened original packaging at room temperature (max. 25 °C), the product is stable for at least 36 months. It is hydrolyzed by strong alkalis and acids and is slightly hygroscopic.

Physiological importance

Pantothenic acid is an essential component of coenzyme A as well as certain peptide coenzymes, in the form of which it is involved in various key reactions of the amino acid, fat and carbohydrate metabolisms.

Pantothenic acid plays an important role for the growth and normal function of body tissue. It protects the mucous membranes from infection and optimizes metabolic processes of the skin and epithelial tissue. It plays a role in regenerative processes of the skin such as wound healing and epithelization. It is further involved in stimulating hair growth and pigmentation.

Deficiency symptoms

Due to the wide occurrence of pantothenic acid, deficiency symptoms in humans are extremely rare. Vitamin B5 deficiency is usually accompanied by a deficiency of other B-complex vitamins.

Properties

Pantothenic acid is yellow, viscous, hygroscopic oil. It is stable in neutral solutions but rapidly decomposes in acid or alkaline solutions, particularly if exposed to heat. Therefore, pantothenic acid is sold as calcium and sodium salts. Calcium D-pantothenate is a white, slightly hygroscopic powder.