General Description

Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is a water-soluble B vitamin and an essential nutrient. All animals require pantothenic acid in order to synthesize coenzyme A (CoA)–essential for fatty acid metabolism – as well as to, in general, synthesize and metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. As a dietary supplement or animal feed ingredient, the form commonly used is D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt because of chemical stability, and hence long product shelf life, compared to sodium pantothenate or free pantothenic acid. D-(+)-Pantothenic acid calcium salt is the calcium salt of the water-soluble vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). D-(+)-Pantothenic acid calcium salt is a valuable compound widely used as an analytical reference standard in various analytical applications. It serves as a benchmark for calibration and quality control purposes due to its well-established properties and reliable characteristics.

Figure 1. D-(+)-Pantothenic acid calcium salt

Importance

D-(+)-Pantothenic acid calcium salt, is the calcium salt of the water-soluble vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). It is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. D-(+)-Pantothenic acid calcium salt is often used in dietary supplements and animal feed ingredients because of its chemical stability and long shelf life compared to sodium pantothenate or free pantothenic acid. D-(+)-Pantothenic acid calcium salt is important for maintaining healthy bones as it helps the body absorb calcium, the primary component of bone. Vitamin D is also necessary for this process. Vitamin D regulates many other cellular functions in the body, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties that support immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity. ¹

Applications in analytical chemistry

Pharmaceutical analysis

One significant application of D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt as an analytical reference standard lies in its use within the field of pharmaceutical analysis. It plays a crucial role in evaluating the accuracy, precision, and overall performance of the analytical methods employed for determining the vitamin B5 content present within various pharmaceutical formulations. Through a comparative analysis between the results obtained from the sample being analyzed and those acquired from the D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt standard, researchers are able to establish a high level of confidence in the reliability and consistency of their measurement outcomes. This reliance on D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt as a reference standard serves to enhance the quality control processes, validate the effectiveness of analytical methodologies, and ultimately contribute to the advancement of research, development, and quality assurance practices within the pharmaceutical analysis. ²

Food and nutritional analysis

Furthermore, D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt serves as an essential reference standard in the realm of food and nutritional analysis. Its significance lies in the accurate assessment of vitamin B5 levels present in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and functional beverages. By utilizing D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt as an analytical standard, researchers can precisely quantify and validate the stated vitamin B5 content on product labels. This practice facilitates adherence to regulatory standards and assures consumers of reliable information regarding the nutritional value of the products they consume. The utilization of D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt as a reference standard enhances quality control measures, fosters transparency in labeling, and promotes consumer confidence in the accuracy of nutritional claims. ³

Biochemical and research laboratories

Apart from its applications in pharmaceutical and food analysis, D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt also acts as a vital reference standard in biochemical and research laboratories. Its precise and consistent properties establish it as an indispensable tool for the development and validation of analytical methods across multiple disciplines such as metabolomics, proteomics, and enzymology. Scientists heavily depend on D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt standards to calibrate instruments, establish assay protocols, and ascertain the accuracy of their experimental findings. By utilizing D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt as a benchmark, researchers can ensure the reliability and reproducibility of their measurements, thereby facilitating advancements in their respective fields of study. ⁴

Overall, the versatile application of D-(+)-pantothenic acid calcium salt as an analytical reference standard in different industries highlights its importance in ensuring accurate and reliable measurements. Its utilization aids in enhancing the quality control processes, validating analytical methods, and promoting scientific reproducibility, ultimately contributing to advancements in research, development, and quality assurance across numerous disciplines.

Reference

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2. Havlíková L, Matysová L, Nováková L, Solich P. HPLC determination of calcium pantothenate and two preservatives in topical cream. J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2006, 41(2):671-675.

3. Lopez-Cepero A, Torres R, Elias A, Rosal MC, Palacios C. Micronutrient Intake among Children in Puerto Rico: Dietary and Multivitamin-Multimineral Supplement Sources. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2015, 85(5-6):329-339.

4. Heudi O, Fontannaz P. Determination of vitamin B5 in human urine by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci, 2005, 28(7):669-672.