Pantothenate

Pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily processes. It is necessary for the breakdown of foods into usable substances, energy production, and the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. Pantothenate is also vital for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), which is essential for cellular energy production and the synthesis and degradation of macronutrients. Additionally, it is involved in the production of steroid hormones, neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, melatonin, and heme, and is indirectly involved in regulating major bodily systems such as nerves, muscles, and glands[1][2][3].

Pantothenate is commonly used in a variety of food and beverage products due to its importance in human nutrition. It is included in dietary supplements like B-complexes and multivitamin supplements, as well as in functional foods and beverages such as energy drinks, sports nutrition products, and fortified breakfast cereals. Pantothenate is also found in infant formulas and clinical nutrition products. Its inclusion in these products is driven by consumer awareness of the importance of B-vitamins, including pantothenate, in maintaining high energy levels and overall health. The vitamin is widely available in foods of both plant and animal origin, such as meat, dairy, grains, vegetables, and certain fruits like avocados[2][4][5].

Pantothenate, or vitamin B5, can be created through both biological and industrial methods. Biologically, pantothenate is synthesized in certain organisms, such as bacteria, from simpler amino acids. This process involves several steps where aspartate is converted to β-alanine, and a precursor to the amino acid valine is transformed into α-ketoisovalerate, which is then converted to α-ketopantoate and finally to D-pantoate (pantoic acid). β-Alanine and pantoic acid are then condensed to form pantothenic acid[1][2].

Industrially, pantothenic acid is synthesized through a series of chemical reactions. The process typically starts with the aldol condensation of isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde to produce hydroxypivaldehyde, which is then converted into its cyanohydrin derivative and cyclized to give racemic pantolactone. This racemic mixture is then resolved to obtain the D-isomer, which is then treated with the calcium or sodium salt of β-alanine to form the final product, such as calcium pantothenate. This industrial method is more commonly used for producing dietary supplements and animal feed due to its stability and longer shelf life[3][1].

The safety profile for human consumption of Pantothenate, particularly in the form of Calcium Pantothenate, is generally favorable. It is recognized as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) direct food additive for human consumption, including its use in infant formulas[1][2][1]. The FDA has established a reference daily intake for Pantothenic Acid, with recommended daily amounts varying by age and other factors, such as 5 mg/day for adults and 1.8 mg/day for infants through 12 months[2]. Calcium Pantothenate is also used in various food products and is authorized for use in the fermentation of apple wine, indicating its safe incorporation into food and beverages under good manufacturing practices.

Regarding potential contamination risks, Calcium Pantothenate and its derivatives are subject to strict quality control measures to minimize such risks. For instance, the FCC specifies that D-Calcium Pantothenate or DL-Calcium Pantothenate should contain no more than 2 mg/kg (2 ppm) of lead and 3 mg/kg (3 ppm) of arsenic[2][1]. Other impurities such as heavy metals (e.g., copper, nickel, silver, chromium, and cadmium) are also tightly regulated, with specified maximum limits to ensure safety[2]. There is no significant evidence to suggest widespread contamination by heavy metals or pesticides in the production of Pantothenate, and microbial contamination is kept below levels of concern through stringent testing for total aerobic microbial count and combined yeasts/molds[2]. Overall, the rigorous standards and testing protocols in place help to mitigate the risks of heavy metal, pesticide, and pathogen contamination in Pantothenate used in food and beverages.