What is Pantothenic Acid?
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in energy metabolism and synthesis of certain lipids and proteins.
Pantothenic acid can be found in a variety of foods, including meats, poultry, fish, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. It is also available in supplement form.
Pantothenic acid is important for many bodily functions, including:
– Energy production: Pantothenic acid is involved in the Krebs cycle, which is responsible for converting food into energy.
– lipid and protein synthesis: Pantothenic acid helps the body to synthesize fats and proteins.
– Hormone production: Pantothenic acid is necessary for the production of adrenal hormones, including cortisol and testosterone.
Pantothenic acid deficiency is rare, but can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and headaches.
Pantothenic acid supplements are generally safe, but side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Pantothenic acid should be used with caution in people with diabetes or kidney disease.
Dosages of Pantothenic Acid
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for pantothenic acid is 5 mg for adults. The RDA increases to 7 mg during pregnancy and to 10 mg during lactation.
Pantothenic acid supplements are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and creams. Pantothenic acid is also included in many multivitamin and mineral supplement formulas.
What is the evidence for Pantothenic Acid?
Pantothenic acid is necessary for the proper function of many enzymes in the body. It also plays a role in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
Mechanism of Action
Pantothenic acid is a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), which is involved in the Krebs cycle and fatty acid synthesis. Pantothenic acid is also necessary for the synthesis of adrenal hormones, including cortisol and testosterone.
Research suggests that pantothenic acid may help to treat or prevent certain health conditions, including:
– Acne: Pantothenic acid has been shown to reduce acne lesions by 40% when taken in supplement form.
– Asthma: Pantothenic acid may help to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms.
– Exercise performance: Pantothenic acid has been shown to improve exercise performance in people with heart failure.
– Stress: Pantothenic acid may help to reduce the effects of stress.
Overdosages of Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid is water-soluble and not stored in the body, so it is unlikely to reach toxic levels.
Interactions
Pantothenic acid may interact with certain medications, including:
– Antibiotics: Pantothenic acid may increase the absorption of antibiotics such as tetracyclines.
– Diuretics: Pantothenic acid may reduce the effectiveness of diuretics such as furosemide.
– Lithium: Pantothenic acid may increase the absorption of lithium.
Pharmacokinetics
Pantothenic acid is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. Pantothenic acid is excreted in the urine.
Uses
Pantothenic acid is used for treating pantothenic acid deficiency and various other conditions.
Alternatives to Pantothenic Acid
There are no known alternatives to pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is found in a variety of foods, and can also be taken in supplement form.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pantothenic acid is considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for pantothenic acid increases to 7 mg during pregnancy and to 10 mg during lactation.
Research
Research suggests that pantothenic acid may help to treat or prevent certain health conditions, including:
– Acne: Pantothenic acid has been shown to reduce acne lesions by 40% when taken in supplement form.
– Asthma: Pantothenic acid may help to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms.
– Exercise performance: Pantothenic acid has been shown to improve exercise performance in people with heart failure.
– Stress: Pantothenic acid may help to reduce the effects of stress.
How is it supplied?
Pantothenic acid supplements are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and creams. Pantothenic acid is also included in many multivitamin and mineral supplement formulas.
