What is Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-vitamin complex. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This article explores the importance of pantothenic acid, its biological functions, and its impact on health and disease. Other names include: Acide D-Pantothénique, Acide Pantothénique, Ácido Pantoténico, Alcool Pantothénylique, B Complex Vitamin, Calcii Pantothenas, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Calcium Pantothenate, Complexe de Vitamines B, D-Calcium Pantothenate, D-Pantothenic Acid, D-Panthenol, D-Panthénol, D-Pantothénate de Calcium, D-Pantothenic Acid, D-Pantothenyl Alcohol, Dexpanthenol, Dexpanthénol, Dexpanthenolum, Pantéthine, Panthenol, Panthénol, Pantothenate, Pantothénate, Pantothénate de Calcium, Pantothenol, Pantothenylol, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B-5, Vitamina B5, Vitamine B5.
Biological Functions
Pantothenic acid is essential for the formation of coenzyme A (CoA), a coenzyme involved in various biochemical reactions that sustain life. CoA is critical for the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. It also plays a role in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for muscle function and memory1.
Health Benefits of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Growth and Development
Pantothenic acid is vital for growth and development. A study on Pekin ducks demonstrated that dietary supplementation of pantothenic acid significantly improved growth performance, carcass traits, and plasma biochemical parameters. Ducks fed a diet deficient in pantothenic acid showed growth depression, high mortality, and abnormal glucose metabolism, which were ameliorated by supplementation1.
Cardiovascular Health
Pantethine, a derivative of pantothenic acid, has been shown to favorably alter low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism. In a study involving North American subjects at low to moderate cardiovascular risk, pantethine supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk4.
Oral Health
Pantothenic acid, in combination with other B vitamins, has been found to be effective in treating mouth ulcers. A clinical study showed that the combination therapy had a higher efficacy rate compared to treatments using pantothenic acid or B vitamins alone, with no significant adverse reactions reported5.
Animal Health
Pantothenic acid is also important in animal nutrition. In beef cows, supplementation with a vitamin B complex, including pantothenic acid, during late gestation and early lactation, showed potential benefits for the performance of offspring shortly after birth2. Additionally, a study on finishing steers indicated that a ruminally protected blend of B vitamins, including pantothenic acid, could influence carcass traits and liver health, although it did not significantly affect overall growth performance3.
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Adverse Effects of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Deficiency Effects
Growth depression, high mortality, and abnormal glucose metabolism were observed in ducks fed a pantothenic acid-deficient diet1.
Deficiency led to poor growth performance, low body weight, reduced average daily weight gain (ADG), and fasting hypoglycemia in ducks1.
Excess Intake Effects
In rats, excessive pantothenic acid (3% calcium pantothenate) caused enlargement of the testis, diarrhea, hair damage, reduced weight gain, and lower food intake2.
The 3% pantothenic acid level was identified as the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL), while the 1% level was the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL)2.
Impact on Other Vitamins
Excessive pantothenic acid intake in rats affected the metabolism of other water-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin B6 and niacin2.
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How has Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) Improved Patient Outcomes?
Improvement in ICU Patients with COVID-19
Supplementation with a combination of vitamins, including pantothenic acid, has been hypothesized to improve the severity and mortality rate in ICU patients with COVID-19. This study is ongoing and aims to measure various health parameters such as pulmonary involvement, oxygen saturation, inflammatory markers, and mortality rate1.
Enhanced Wound Healing
Pantothenic acid supplementation has been shown to significantly increase the strength of aponeurosis (a type of connective tissue) after surgery and slightly improve skin strength. It also significantly increases the fibroblast content in scars during the fibroblast proliferation phase, suggesting an accelerated healing process2.
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Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) Mechanisms of Action
Role in Metabolism
Pantothenic acid is essential for the synthesis and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It is a precursor for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), which is critical for various biochemical reactions, including the Krebs cycle and fatty acid synthesis2.
Growth and Development
Pantothenic acid deficiency leads to growth depression, high mortality, and abnormal glucose metabolism in animals. Supplementation improves growth performance, feed efficiency, and plasma biochemical parameters, indicating its vital role in growth and development2.
Interaction with Biotin
Pantothenic acid does not inhibit the absorption of biotin in lactating dairy cows. Supplementation of pantothenic acid alone or in combination with biotin did not affect the concentration of avidin-binding substances (ABS), an indicator of biotin concentration, in plasma and milk1.
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Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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