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  4. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Pantothenic acid plays a central role in the energy metabolism of the cell. In addition, it is involved in the body's own formation of sex hormones, steroid hormones as well as cholesterol and vitamin D.

The functions of the vitamin in the body

  • Energy production 
    Pantothenic acid serves as the basic framework for coenzyme A (CoA). As acyl-CoA, this plays an important role in the burning of fatty acids; as acetyl-CoA, it is involved in the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids, sugars and amino acids (both in the cytoplasm and in the mitochondrion).
  • Hormone metabolism, cholesterol and vitamin D production. 
    Pantothenic acid is involved in the endogenous production of sex hormones, steroid hormones (cortisol), and also cholesterol and vitamin D.
  • Protein and fat synthesis 
    Pantothenate plays a significant role in the synthesis of various amino acids, proteins and the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also needed in the synthesis of fatty acids and in their incorporation into cell membranes.

Indications for use of pantothenic acid

  • Acne
    Daily administration of more than 2 g pantothenic acid (during 2-3 months) can significantly reduce the number of facial lesions triggered by acne. Through the formation of CoA, the barrier function of the epidermis and the differentiation of keratin-forming cells are regulated.
  • Arthritis, arthrosis
    A dosage of 2 g pantothenic acid per day may be tried in patients with osteoarthritis or arthritis, but the data are narrow.
  • Stress
    There is an increased need for pantothenic acid during stressful times.
  • Wound Healing
    Pantothenic acid may provide for better wound healing.

Good to know about pantothenic acid

  • The daily requirement of pantothenic acid is 5-6 mg (except pregnant and lactating women).
  • Severe deficiency states are rare.
  • Disorders of the pantothenic acid balance are manifested, among other things, by fatigue, headaches or insomnia.
  • Also, available as pantothenol - an alcohol that is rapidly converted by the body into pantothenic acid.
  • Belongs to the B vitamins (vitamin B5) and is water-soluble.

Pantothenic acid deficiency - the symptoms

  • anemia
  • fading of hair color
  • depressive moods
  • vomiting and stomach pain
  • reduced immune response
         
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • muscle pain
  • numbness and burning in the lower legs and ankle pain
  • insomnia

 

Can pantothenic acid be overdosed?

According to current knowledge, high doses of orally administered calcium pantothenate are not toxic to humans. Thus, even amounts of up to 10 g daily over several months showed no adverse reactions in acne patients.

Pantothenic acid in food

100 g contain:

veal liver   7,5 mg            peanuts   2,6 mg
brown rice     1,7 mg   watermelon   1,6 mg
broccoli   1,3 mg   chicken egg (medium)     0,9 mg

 

Products with B5 (pantothenic acid)...