Calcium D-pantothenate
Calcium D-pantothenate is the calcium salt of D-pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), a white, slightly hygroscopic powder that dissolves readily in water. It is made by chemical synthesis: isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde are converted to pantolactone, the D-form is separated, and it is condensed with beta-alanine as its calcium salt. Only the D-isomer counts as vitamin B5, so buyers specify the D form rather than racemic DL-calcium pantothenate, and buy it as fine powder, granular grades or premix.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Fine powder tested to pharmacopeia or Food Chemicals Codex monographs, for supplements and foods.
Granulated material with better flow for tablets.
The racemic form, cheaper per kilogram but with only half the vitamin B5 content counted; make sure specs name the D form.
Lower-cost grade for animal nutrition; not for human food or supplements.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Calcium D-pantothenate picks up moisture, so keep it tightly closed in a cool, dry place. It is stable at neutral pH but breaks down under strong acid, alkali or heat in finished products. Suppliers set a retest or expiry date, with assay and loss on drying as the usual retest checks.
Record assay, specific rotation and moisture for each lot, and keep D and DL forms as separate items so the wrong one is never picked. Rotate FEFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1212 states that only the D-isomer of pantothenic acid has vitamin activity, and affirms calcium pantothenate as GRAS as a nutrient supplement, used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists calcium D-pantothenate as a source ingredient for pantothenic acid.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for pantothenic acid at 5 mg for adults and children 4 years and older.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Nanjing, China
Nanjing-based maker and marketer of ingredients for food, nutrition, personal care and feed. Its food and nutrition range includes vitamin C and the main B vitamins in several forms.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include uSP / FCC grade (D-form), granular or direct-compression grade, dL-calcium pantothenate and feed grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, specific rotation, calcium content, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Calcium D-pantothenate picks up moisture, so keep it tightly closed in a cool, dry place. It is stable at neutral pH but breaks down under strong acid, alkali or heat in finished products. Suppliers set a retest or expiry date, with assay and loss on drying as the usual retest checks.
21 CFR 184.1212 states that only the D-isomer of pantothenic acid has vitamin activity, and affirms calcium pantothenate as GRAS as a nutrient supplement, used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists calcium D-pantothenate as a source ingredient for pantothenic acid. 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for pantothenic acid at 5 mg for adults and children 4 years and older.
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