What is Calcium Pantothenate, Calcium Chloride Double Salt?
Calcium pantothenate calcium chloride double salt (CAS Number: 6363-38-8) is a chemical compound combining pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), calcium, and chloride. Pantothenic acid is an essential B-complex vitamin required for numerous metabolic processes in the human body. This double salt formulation provides a stable, bioavailable source of pantothenic acid for food fortification purposes. The compound is typically a white to off-white crystalline powder used in trace quantities within food and beverage products.
Common Uses
This additive functions primarily as a nutrient supplement in the food industry. It is commonly added to:
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Nutritional beverages and drinks
- Infant formula and baby foods
- Fortified grain products
- Multivitamin fortified products
- Energy bars and nutritional supplements
The addition of this compound helps manufacturers meet or exceed recommended daily intake levels of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) in their products. This is particularly important in markets where nutritional deficiency is a public health concern or where regulatory standards require minimum nutrient levels in certain food categories.
Safety Assessment
Calcium pantothenate calcium chloride double salt has not been designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA under this specific formulation. However, the safety profile is supported by the established safety of its constituent components: pantothenic acid, calcium, and chloride—all naturally occurring and essential nutrients.
According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls related to its use. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests a favorable safety record in commercial food applications.
Pantothenic acid itself is a water-soluble B vitamin with low toxicity. No upper tolerable intake level has been established for pantothenic acid by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as adverse effects have not been documented even at high supplemental doses. Calcium and chloride are essential minerals naturally present in foods and the human body in significant quantities.
The double salt formulation provides enhanced stability compared to free pantothenic acid, reducing degradation during food processing and storage, which may improve both product shelf-life and nutrient bioavailability.
Regulatory Status
This additive is permitted for use in food fortification in multiple jurisdictions. While not designated as GRAS by the FDA, it is an acceptable food additive under FDA regulations for appropriate food categories and maximum use levels. Regulatory approval exists in the United States, European Union, and other major food markets for nutrient fortification applications.
The specific regulatory classification allows its use within defined parameters for fortifying foods to specified nutrient levels. Manufacturers must comply with all applicable regulations regarding maximum addition levels and proper labeling of fortified products.
Key Studies
The safety and efficacy of pantothenic acid supplementation have been documented in multiple scientific publications. Research demonstrates that pantothenic acid is essential for:
- Coenzyme A synthesis, critical for metabolic pathways
- Fatty acid metabolism
- Energy production from carbohydrates
- Hormone and cholesterol synthesis
Studies on calcium pantothenate formulations show good bioavailability and absorption when consumed through fortified foods. The calcium chloride double salt formulation maintains stability through processing and storage conditions typical in food manufacturing.
No clinical studies have reported safety concerns with pantothenic acid supplementation at levels used in food fortification. The long history of safe use in fortified foods and supplements provides additional evidence supporting its safety profile.