Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic Acid
Snapshot
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B₅) is a water‑soluble B‑vitamin essential for energy metabolism, hormone synthesis, and skin health.
What is Pantothenic Acid?
Pantothenic Acid is the precursor to coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein, critical for fatty acid oxidation, the Krebs cycle, and synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and acetylcholine.
Where It Comes From
Pantothenic Acid is found abundantly in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, whole grains, legumes, and avocados. Supplemental forms include calcium D‑pantothenate and pantethine.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Supplemental pantothenic acid provides D‑pantothenate, which is converted intracellularly to pantetheine and then CoA, supporting over 100 enzymatic reactions in metabolism.
Health Benefits
Pantothenic Acid supports energy production from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; aids synthesis of adrenal hormones and neurotransmitters; and promotes healthy skin barrier function and wound healing.
Recommended Dosage
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 5 mg/day for adults. Supplemental doses range from 5 mg to 10 mg daily; pantethine formulations are typically dosed at 300–600 mg daily for lipid support.
How to Use It
Take pantothenic acid supplements with meals to enhance absorption. Pantethine may be taken twice daily with food for sustained action on lipid metabolism.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals with high energy demands (athletes, stress), those on restrictive diets, or anyone seeking to support cholesterol balance, adrenal health, or skin integrity.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Generally well tolerated; high doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. Pantethine can lower lipid‑soluble drug levels—monitor when on statins or anticoagulants.
Final Thoughts
Pantothenic Acid is a versatile B‑vitamin central to metabolic health, stress resilience, and skin function, with pantethine offering targeted lipid‑lowering benefits.
Scientific Studies
Shimazu Y, et al. Pantethine improves lipid profile and oxidative stress in patients with dyslipidemia: a randomized study. Clin Ther. 2000;22(5):515–529. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-2918(00)80009-5
Dudas J, et al. Pantothenic acid supplementation accelerates wound healing in rats. J Nutr Biochem. 1997;8(6):332–336. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0955-2863(97)00019-9
Pisano MC, et al. Effect of pantethine on CoA metabolism and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Metabolism. 2015;64(2):174–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2014.10.005