Calcium pangamate

MineralCalcium

What is it

Calcium pangamate, marketed as 'vitamin B15' or 'pangamic acid,' is a product introduced in the 1950s. Its composition has never been standardized, and it is not recognized as a vitamin by the scientific community.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Any claimed benefit

Mixed Evidence

Athletic performance, oxygen utilization, and other historical claims have not been substantiated. Pangamate is not recognized as a vitamin and has no evidence-based use.

How it works

There is no agreed-upon chemical definition for calcium pangamate. Products labeled this way have varied widely, sometimes containing dimethylglycine (DMG) plus calcium gluconate, sometimes other mixtures. No essential biological function has been identified for any well-defined compound called pangamic acid. The original claims focused on enhanced oxygen utilization, fatigue resistance, and athletic performance. None of these claims have been substantiated in controlled human studies.

Dosage

Because there is no defined chemical, there is no rational dose. Products list arbitrary amounts that lack regulatory or scientific basis.

When and how to take it

Not applicable. No validated use.

Safety

The FDA has taken enforcement action against pangamic acid products since the 1970s on grounds that they are not vitamins and the composition is unspecified. Some products have been found to contain dichloroacetate-like compounds with potential toxicity. Long-term safety has not been established.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children. Not recommended for general use because of unclear composition and lack of established benefit or safety.

Interactions

No defined interactions because the chemical identity of products varies. Use of unspecified mixtures alongside prescription medications is not advisable.

Frequently asked questions

Is vitamin B15 a real vitamin?⌄

No. The scientific and regulatory consensus is that pangamic acid is not a vitamin. The body has no known requirement for it.

Should I take calcium pangamate?⌄

No. There is no defined chemical composition, no established benefit, and historical safety concerns. Other options have far better evidence.

References

Calcium pangamate on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Calcium pangamate (PubChem CID 57346693) — PubChem link

Calcium pangamate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Calcium pangamate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.