Wizard of Vitamins

Pantothenic Acid Vitamin

What is Pantothenic Acid?

Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in the Kreb’s cycle of energy production and is needed to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also essential in producing, transporting, and releasing energy from fats. Synthesis of cholesterol (needed to manufacture vitamin D and steroid hormones) depends on pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid also activates the adrenal glands. Pantethine a byproduct of pantothenic acid has been reported to lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Pantothenic Acid in Diets

Liver, yeast, and salmon have high concentrations of pantothenic acid, but most other foods, including vegetables, dairy, eggs, grains, and meat, also provide some pantothenic acid.

Pantothenic Acid Medicinal Treatments

High cholesterol (pantethine) High triglycerides (pantethine) Rheumatoid arthritis (pantothenic acid) Acne (pantothenic acid) Lupus

Known Consequences of Pantothenic Acid Deficiency

Pantothenic acid deficiencies may occur in people with alcoholism but are generally believed to be rare.

Pantothenic Acid Recommended Dosages

Most people do not need to supplement with pantothenic acid. However, the 10–25 mg found in many multivitamin supplements might improve pantothenic acid status. So-called primitive human diets provided greater amounts of this nutrient than is found in modern diets. Most cholesterol researchers using pantethine have given people 300 mg three times per day (total 900 mg).

Pantothenic Acid Side Effects

No serious side effects have been reported, even at intakes of up to 10,000 mg (10 grams) per day. Very large amounts of pantothenic acid (several grams per day) can cause diarrhea. Pantothenic acid works together with vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B3 to help make the fuel our bodies run on ATP. There is one report of a 76-year-old woman who developed a life-threatening condition (eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion) while taking 300 mg of pantothenic acid per day and 10 mg of biotin per day. However, it is not clear whether the vitamins caused the problem. Certain medicines may interact with pantothenic acid. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.