The topic of this report is Vitamin B‑5, also known as pantothenic acid, which was identified in 1933, and was defined as the substance essential for the growth of yeast (www.althealth.co.uk, 2005). Pantothenic acid's name derives from the Greek word "pantos" which means "everywhere," because of its wide distribution in plants and animals (Murray, 1996:115). Known as an anti-stress agent because of its central role in adrenal function and cellular metabolism (Rosenburg, 1974:1%), pantothenic acid stimulates the adrenal gland and increases production of adrenal hormones (Bauman, 2005:344).
Pantothenic acid works with vitamin C and cholesterol to produce important hormones in the adrenal cortex (Rosenburg, 1974:157‑158). Indeed, part of my personal interest in pantothenic acid stems from a time when I had very weakened adrenals. I took Vitamin B‑5, and found that it really helped. In this paper, I will discuss the major roles pantothenic acid plays in the body, cite good food sources for the vitamin, describe symptoms associated with a vitamin BS deficiency, and list the recommended average and specific doses for pantothenic acid.
In addition to being essential for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands, pantothenic acid plays an important role in many other functions in the body. It is required for normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (Balch, 1990:6) and is important for cell building and maintaining normal growth. (www.nlm.nih.gov, 2005). Many athletes use pantothenic acid as a stamina enhancer, and it may be helpful in treating depression and anxiety (Balch, 1990:6) In addition, pantothenic acid prevents certain forms of anemia , and is useful for joint function (Murray, 1996:115). In fact, pantothenic acid plays an important role in treating osteoarthritis. (www.althealth.co.uk, 2005) Clinical studies in humans have shown that supplementation with 12.5 mg of pantothenic acid can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. In one double-blind study, patients experienced subjective improvement in their arthritis after taking 2g of vitamin BS a day. These patients noted improvement in morning stiffness, degree of disability and pain severity. (www.althealth.co.uk, 2005).
The physiologically active form of pantothenic acid is pantothine, which, along with acyl carrier protein (ACP), is necessary for many diverse metabolic functions in the body. Bauman states in The Nutrition Educator's Handbook that Pantothine is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, protein and porphyrin. (2005:344). It is also involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, citrate, acetoacetate, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Bauman, 2005:344), and is vital for antibody synthesis (www.althealth.co.uk, 2005). Thus, pantothenic acid is required for the conversion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy; for the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol; and for the manufacturing of antibodies that fight infection (Balch, 1990:6).
It is worth mentioning that pantethine, the stable, active disulfate form of pantothenic acid, when taken orally, helps normalize lipid values in people afflicted with hyperlipidemia. (AMR, 1998; 379). My family has a history of this imbalance, and have been successfully treated using Pantethine. Pantethine works together with carnetine and enzyme Q10 in fatty acid transport and utilization. (Murray, 1996:118). Diabetic patients on dialysis may be treated with pantethine, which normalizes the values of fatty acids to control levels (AMR, 1998:379). It also improves platelet function through correction of the derangement in cell membrane lipids, which is characteristic in diabetic patients (Murray, 1996:117). Other useful functions of pantethine are its ability to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides and to aid in detoxification. Studies with animals have indicated that pantethine is helpful in preventing cataracts (AMR, 1998:380).
Pantothenic acid is found in a wide variety of food sources, both plant and animal. Some of these include liver, kidney, lean meats, egg yolk, milk, fish, chicken, bran, whole grains, wheat germ, crude molasses, nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, oranges, strawberries, and beans (except green beans) (Murray, 1996:115 and Mindell, 1982:26).
Due to the wide distribution of food sources for pantothenic acid, a serious deficiency of this vitamin is extremely rare in any but the most impoverished societies. Symptoms associated with pantethenic acid deficiency include abdominal cramps, fatigue, headache, impaired coordination, insomnia, muscle cramps, nausea, occasional vomiting, and burning foot syndrome (Bauman, 2005:344). Interestingly, the symptoms produced by a pantothenic acid deficiency are also shown to be effects produced by mercury toxicity (Bauman, 2005:344). Bauman states that mercury can inhibit production of adrenal hormones and cause adrenal overgrowth.
Milder deficiencies of pantothenic acid may develop in people who are suffering from chronic stress or are prone to allergies, in alcoholics and diabetics, and in those eating too many refined foods. (www.anyvitamins.com, 2005) Those using cortico steroids or Hormone Replacement Therapy drugs containing estrogen and progestin may need to increase their daily dose of pantothenic acid (www.nim.nih.gov, 2005). It is important to note that pantothenic acid is easily destroyed by heat, canning, caffeine, alcohol, and sulfa drugs (Mindell, 1982:26) Moreover, it is best to store pantothenic acid, and vitamins generally, at room temperature in a dry place that is free from moisture, to retain their maximum potency (www.lifeclinic.com, 2005).
Regarding pantothenic acid supplements, the most useful and active form of pantothenic acid is pantethine (Murray, 1996:116). In commercial supplement products, pantothenic acid is available as D-pantothenic acid and as the synthetic forms dexpanthenol (converted in the body to pantothenic acid) or calcium pantothenate (www.nlm.nih.gov, 2005). Pantothenic acid is most effective when taken with B complex, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E (www.anyvitamins.com, 2005). It does not appear to be toxic in high dosages, although diarrhea, digestive disturbances and water retention have been reported with dosages exceeding 10 grams a day.
The Food and Nutrition Board does not list an RDA for vitamin B5, though it has recommended a minimum amount of 4-7mg per day for adults (Murray, 1996:116). Balch lists 100 mg as an optimal average daily dose of pantothenic acid (1990:6). Some recommended dosages of B5 for those treating specific medical conditions are as follows (Murray, 1996:118; and AMR, 1998:380):
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General adrenal support and possible benefit in allergies: 250 mg of pantothenic acid, 2x/day
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For rheumatoid arthritis: 2 g of pantothenic acid daily
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For lowering cholesterol and triglycerides: 300 mg of pantethine, 3x/day
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For dyslipidemia: 300 mg of pantethine, 3x/day
Thus vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, has many important and diverse functions in the body. Fortunately, it is so widely available in foods that severe deficiencies of Vitamin B5 are rare. The active form pantethine can be taken safely with other drugs, and therefore provide a safe and effective adjunct treatment in clinical settings.
Bibliography
Books:
Balch, M.D., James F. and Balch, C.N.C., Phyllis A. Prescription For Nutritional Healing. New York: Avery Publishing Group, Inc., 1990.
Bauman, Ph.D., Ed. "All About Vitamins. Pantothenic Acid." Nutrition Educator's Handbook, Fall 2005:344.
Mindell, Earl. Vitamin Bible For Your Kids. NewYork: Rawson Wade Publishers, 1982
Murray, M.D., Michael. Encyclopedia of Nutrition Supplements. New York: Three Rivers Press, 1996.
Rosenburg, Dr., Harold. The Book of Vitamin Therapy. New York: Berkley Publishing Corp., 1974.
Magazines:
Monograph. "Pantethine:" Alternative Medicine Review (AMR). V3, #5, 1998:379-380.
Websites:
www.althealth.co.uk, 2005
www.nlm.nih.gov, 2005
www.anyvitamins.com, 2005
www.lifeclinic.com, 2005
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