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Calcium pantothenate

Calcium pantothenate (monocalcium bis[(R)-N-(2,4-dihydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyryl)-beta-alaninate]) is widely used for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) deficiency as well as therapeutic treatment of contact dermatitis, acute and chronic eczema and the like. Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A and participates in acyl group transfer in vivo, playing important roles in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. Pantothenic acid is a component of both the coenzyme A macromolecule and the acyl-carrier protein. These coenzymes function as carriers for acyl groups and are required for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, steroid hormones, and neurotransmitters. The lack of this vitamin causes disorders of the skin, adrenal gland, peripheral nerves, digestive tracts, antibody production, reproductive function, etc. Calcium pantothenate is produced by reaction of pantolactone with the calcium salt of beta-alanine in anhydrous methanol solution. Calcium pantothenate itself is relatively stable but its decomposition is accelerated markedly by combination of other vitamins such as ascorbic acid, thiamine, or pyridoxine. Conversely, calcium pantothenate accelerates the decomposition of vitamins such as ascorbic acid, thiamine, and pyridoxine. Calcium pantothenate is often processed into preparations in the form of tablets, powders, granules, and capsules by combining with other vitamins.

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