Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
What is Pantothenic Acid?
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein, both vital in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (1)(3). CoA is a key factor in many enzymatic processes, including the Krebs cycle, where the body turns food into energy (3). Pantothenic acid is present in a broad range of foods, such as beef, poultry, seafood, organ meats, eggs, milk, vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, avocados, potatoes, broccoli), whole grains, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and chickpeas (3)(4)(5). It's also available as a dietary supplement in forms like capsules, tablets, and injections (2)(3).
It is sometimes blend with Phosphatidylserine.
See more here: https://www.burgerstein.at/gb/en/products/brain-ps
Dosage
The recommended daily intake for adults is 5 mg, which increases to 6 mg during pregnancy and 7 mg during lactation (5). The dosage in supplements may vary, so following the healthcare provider's or manufacturer's instructions is important (2).
Side Effects
Generally safe for oral or topical use, pantothenic acid can still cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and sweating (2)(4). Serious side effects, like allergic reactions, require immediate medical attention (2).
Interactions
There are no known drug interactions with pantothenic acid (2), but always inform healthcare providers about all other medications before starting a new supplement (2).
Time of Day and With or Without Food
Pantothenic acid can be consumed with or without food, and tablets or capsules should be taken whole (2).
Human Studies
Clinical trials have assessed the safety and efficacy of pantothenic acid, indicating it may improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and could potentially help reduce cholesterol levels in dyslipidemia (5). More research is required to substantiate these findings (5).
Summary
To summarize, Pantothenic acid is critical for synthesizing CoA and acyl carrier protein, involved in metabolizing macronutrients. While generally safe and without known drug interactions, it's still advised to adhere to recommended dosages and consult healthcare professionals if adverse effects occur. Clinical studies suggest potential health benefits, but further research is necessary for confirmation.
Citations:
(1) [https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/pantothenic-acid]
(2) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantothenic_acid]
(3) [https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-HealthProfessional/]
(4) [https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-Consumer/]
(5) [https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/pantothenic-acid-vitamin-b5/]
(6) [https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid]