Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid, also known as the "anti-stress vitamin," is essential for normal functioning of the nervous system. Like other B-vitamins, pantothenic acid plays a role in the conversion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy. Additionally, vitamin B5 aids in the synthesis of antibodies and is required for the production of red blood cells, adrenal hormones and neurotransmitters. Pantothenic acid can also be synthesized in the body by intestinal bacteria.

Daily Requirement

• RDA: 4-7 mg for men and women
• Daily Optimal Intake: 100-500 mg for men and women

Supplement Forms

• Calcium pantothenate
• Pantetheine
• Vitamin B-complex

Special Instructions

• Pantothenic acid should always be taken with other B-vitamins to avoid a metabolic imbalance.

Toxicity

• As with all water-soluble vitamins, the risk for toxicity is low. In humans, the only reported symptom after intakes of 10-20 grams calcium pantothenate was diarrhea.

Adverse Reactions

• The following reactions are rare, but may occur in some individuals with excess use of panthothenic acid
• Diarrhea
• Fluid retention
• Depression
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Loss of memory

Precautions

• None

Sources

• Liver
• Turkey
• Chicken
• Pork
• Trout
• Salmon
• Oysters
• Brewer's yeast
• Wheat germ
• Wheat bran
• Nuts
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potatoes
• Peas
• Lentils
• Brown rice
• Oranges

Signs of Deficiency

• Because of its wide distribution in foods, deficiencies of pantothenic acid are rare.
• Muscle cramps
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Personality changes
• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• Hypoglycemia
• Paresthesia of the hands and feet
• Impaired coordination
• Headaches
• Respiratory infections
• Dermatitis
• Tachycardia (rapid heart beat)
• Infertility
• Depressed immunity
• Worsening of allergies

Causes of Deficiency

• Inadequate dietary intake
• Malabsorption syndromes
• Oral contraceptive use
• Alcoholism
• Sulfa antibiotics
• Sleeping pills

Possible Therapeutic Uses

• Stress
• Immune support
• Lipid control
• Fatigue
• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Hepatitis A
• Asthma
• Alcoholism
• Bruxism (grinding teeth at night)
• Headaches
• Allergies
• Osteoarthritis
• Anemia
• Neuritis
• Epilepsy
• Mental illness
• Gastrointestinal disturbances

Blood Lipids

• A pantothenic acid derivative known as pantetheine has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while raising beneficial HDL cholesterol levels. It's thought that pantetheine works by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis while subsequently accelerating the use of fats as an energy source. In a sixteen week Italian study, researchers gave 900 mg of pantetheine daily to 24 women (45-55 yrs) with high cholesterol levels. At the completion of the study, significant reductions of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios were noted. There were no adverse effects reported by any of the participants in the study. Minerva Med, 1990 Jun;81(6):475-9