What is Pantothenic Acid?

Overview

Pantothenic acid, commonly referred to as vitamin B5, is a vital nutrient that plays numerous roles in the body. Like other B vitamins, it aids in metabolism and facilitates the conversion of food into energy. Being a water-soluble vitamin, pantothenic acid is not stored in the body, making it essential to consume regularly for maintaining adequate levels.

Sources of Pantothenic Acid

Food Sources

Pantothenic acid is present in nearly all food types. Notable plant-based sources include sweet potatoes, mushrooms, legumes, avocados, broccoli, and certain fortified breakfast cereals. Animal sources comprise beef, chicken, eggs, fish, and liver.

Dietary Supplements

Pantothenic acid can also be found in various dietary supplements, such as multivitamins, B-complex vitamins, and specific pantothenic acid supplements. The supplemental forms include pantothenol, calcium D-pantothenate, and sodium D-pantothenate.

Importance of Pantothenic Acid

Biological Functions

The primary role of vitamin B5 is the synthesis of two critical compounds: coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP). CoA is involved in various biological processes, including the breakdown and synthesis of fatty acids, as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. ACP assists in the synthesis of fatty acids. Consuming sufficient vitamin B5 through a balanced diet is crucial for overall health.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

RDA Values

The Adequate Intake (AI) for pantothenic acid is set at 5 mg for adults. For pregnant and lactating women, the AI increases to 6 mg and 7 mg, respectively. Children have varying AIs: 4 mg for ages nine to thirteen, 3 mg for ages four to eight, 2 mg for ages one to three, 1.8 mg for infants from seven to twelve months, and 1.7 mg for infants under six months. These values, established by the National Institutes of Health, represent the amount assumed to meet nutritional needs.

Food Examples

Three ounces of beef liver can provide 166% of the AI, while a half cup of shiitake mushrooms offers 52%, and a quarter cup of sunflower seeds delivers 48% of the AI.

Potential Toxicity

Upper Limits

As pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, achieving toxic levels is quite difficult. To date, no cases of pantothenic acid toxicity have been reported in humans, and the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) has not established an Upper Limit (UL). However, high-dose pantothenic acid supplements exceeding 10 grams daily may lead to mild digestive issues.

Health Benefits of Pantothenic Acid

Wound Healing

Research suggests that pantothenic acid might aid in accelerating wound healing. A study indicated that skin fibroblast cells exhibited increased differentiation and function when exposed to pantothenic acid in vitro. Nevertheless, further research is required to determine if similar effects occur in humans.

Lipid Metabolism

Due to its association with lipid metabolism, pantothenic acid may help regulate lipid levels. A study found that participants taking pantethine supplements, a derivative of pantothenic acid, experienced a 16.5% reduction in blood triglyceride levels over eight weeks. However, as all participants received dietary counseling, the exact contribution of pantethine to this decline remains uncertain.

Pantothenic Acid Deficiency

Risk Factors

Deficiency in pantothenic acid is rare since it is widely available in foods; however, certain groups may be more vulnerable. Individuals suffering from severe malnutrition or those with a specific genetic mutation known as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration 2 (PANK2) may be at increased risk. This mutation can hinder the conversion of pantothenic acid to CoA.

Symptoms

While scientific research on pantothenic acid deficiency is limited, reported symptoms include numbness in extremities, headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal issues, loss of appetite, and irritability.

Pantothenic Acid Supplementation

Correcting Deficiency

Pantothenic acid deficiency can be addressed through supplementation; however, the recommended dosage remains unclear due to the rarity of deficiency. Prevention can be achieved by meeting the daily RDA through dietary sources or supplements.

Consultation Recommendation

If you suspect a deficiency or are at high risk, consider having your blood levels tested. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any vitamin or mineral supplement to ensure it does not pose a risk due to existing medications or health conditions.

References

Office of Dietary Supplements – Pantothenic Acid. (2020, June 3). Retrieved July 24, 2020, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-HealthProfessional/
Pantothenic Acid. (2020, January 27). Retrieved July 24, 2020, from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/pantothenic-acid
Wiemann, B., & Hermann, D. (1999). Studies on wound healing: Effects of calcium D-pantothenate on the migration, proliferation and protein synthesis of human dermal fibroblasts in culture. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 69(2), 113-119. doi:10.1024/0300-9831.69.2.113
Chen, Y., Zhao, S., & Zhao, Y. (2015). Efficacy and tolerability of coenzyme A vs pantethine for the treatment of patients with hyperlipidemia: A randomized, double-blind multicenter study. J Clin Lipidol, 9(5), 692-697. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2015.07.003