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pantothenic acid

Description

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is an essential component of coenzyme A (CoA) which is required for chemical reactions that generate energy (ATP) from carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Pantothenic acid is present in all living cells with high concentrations in liver and kidney. Up to 50% of pantothenic acid in food is lost during food processing and cooking. It is relatively stable during storage. An average dietary intake of pantothenic acid is 5 - 10 mg/day. The principal supplemental form of pantothenic acid is calcium D-pantothenate or D-calcium pantothenate made synthetically. Dexpanthenol, a stable alcoholic analog of pantothenic acid, is most commonly available in topical applications to relieve itching and promote healing. Dexpanthenol is enzymatically oxidized to pantothenic acid which is distributed to tissues, mainly as CoA. Another pantothenic acid derivative called pantethine is available in supplement form and used to lower cholesterol & triglyceride concentrations.

Functions

Pantothenic acid is essential for normal epithelial function. Numerous functions require CoA or CoA-containing compounds including synthesis of essential fats, sterols, steroid hormones, melatonin, and heme (a hemoglobin component.) CoA participates in modification of proteins thus influencing the localization, stability, or activity of the protein. Pantothenic acid is involved in the final synthesis step of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. The acyl-carrier protein requires pantothenic acid for its activity as an enzyme. Both CoA and acyl-carrier protein are required for fatty acid synthesis. Pantothenic acid and its derivatives may exert beneficial effects during oxidative stress by promoting glutathione synthesis or preventing its degradation. Functions for topical use (dexpanthenol) may include activation of fibroblast proliferation (relevant to wound healing); accelerate re-epithelization in wound healing; anti-inflammatory effects.

Naturally occurring pantothenic acid deficiency in humans is rare and has been observed only in cases of severe malnutrition. Symptoms of a deficiency that affect the adrenal cortex, nervous system, skin and hair can occur with severe malnutrition. Pantothenic acid deficiency in humans has been induced experimentally. Participants in one experiment complained of headache, fatigue, insomnia, intestinal disturbances and numbness and tingling of hands and feet. Pantothenic acid deficiency in mice led to skin irritation and graying of fur, which was reversed by giving pantothenic acid. This finding led to the idea of adding pantothenic acid to shampoo, although it has not been successful in restoring hair color in humans. A deficiency in pantothenic acid may exacerbate a biotin deficiency.

Dietary sources

Pantothenic acid is widely distributed in plant and animal food sources. Rich sources include: organ meats (liver, kidney); egg yolk; cashew nuts; peanuts; whole grains; lentils; soybeans; brown rice; broccoli; milk .

Required Intakes

Age mg/day
0 to 6 months 1.7
7 to 12 months 1.8
1 to 3 years 2
4 to 8 years 3
9 to 13 years 4
14 to 18 years 5
19 + years 5
Pregnancy 6
Lactation 7

* Values are Adequate Intakes (AI). Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) are not determinable due to lack of data of adverse effects.

Cautions

Take pantothenic acid with meals.

There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with pantothenic acid.

Read supplement labels carefully to avoid mistakenly purchasing a pantethine product, which is almost solely used for treating high cholesterol. It's not interchangeable with pantothenic acid products.