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B5

Also known as: Vitamin B5, pantothenate, Pantothenic acid

Overview

Pantothenic acid, commonly known as Vitamin B5, is a vital water-soluble vitamin found abundantly in various plant and animal foods, including unprocessed grains, vegetables, and meats. It serves as a crucial precursor to coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP), which are indispensable for numerous metabolic processes. These include the metabolism of fatty acids and carbohydrates, as well as the synthesis of adrenal steroid hormones like cortisol. While its biochemical role is well-established, clinical research on pantothenic acid supplementation is somewhat limited, primarily consisting of biochemical analyses, observational studies, and a few clinical trials. Deficiency is uncommon due to its widespread presence in the diet but can manifest as symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and general weakness. Its fundamental role in energy production and hormone synthesis underscores its importance for overall physiological function.

Benefits

Pantothenic acid's primary benefit lies in its essential role in energy metabolism, specifically through its involvement in coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis. This directly impacts the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, making it fundamental for energy production. It also plays a critical role in the production of adrenal hormones, including cortisol, linking it to stress response and immune function. While deficiency is rare, low levels of B5 have been associated with increased severity in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension, suggesting a potential modulatory role in inflammation and cardiovascular health. Furthermore, significantly lower brain levels of pantothenic acid (approximately 40% reduction) have been observed in neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, indicating a possible link between B5 deficiency and neurodegeneration. However, the clinical significance of supplementation for these specific conditions requires further establishment through robust clinical trials. Symptoms of deficiency, such as fatigue and listlessness, can develop within weeks of inadequate intake, highlighting its importance for maintaining normal physiological function.

How it works

Pantothenic acid is metabolized in the body, first converting to pantethine and then to coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP). These compounds are central cofactors in numerous enzymatic reactions vital for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids, thereby playing a critical role in energy production. CoA is also essential for the synthesis of adrenal hormones, such as cortisol, linking B5 to the body's stress response and immune system regulation. Absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine via the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT, SLC5A6) at low concentrations, with passive diffusion occurring at higher concentrations. While gut microbiota may contribute to B5 supply, direct evidence of absorption from bacterially synthesized B5 is limited.

Side effects

Pantothenic acid exhibits a remarkably low toxicity profile, with no adverse effects or toxicity reported at typical supplemental doses. Clinical studies have not reported any significant side effects (defined as greater than 5% incidence). There are no known serious drug interactions or contraindications documented for pantothenic acid. Even at higher doses, up to several hundred milligrams daily, no toxicity has been observed, leading to no established upper limit for intake. While specific studies on special populations like pregnant women or individuals with neurological diseases are ongoing, no particular safety concerns have been identified to date. Overall, pantothenic acid is considered very safe for consumption.

Dosage

The adequate intake (AI) for pantothenic acid, based on dietary sufficiency, typically ranges around 5 mg/day for adults, though this can vary by country. For supplementation, common doses range from 5 to 10 mg/day. Higher doses, up to 100 mg, have been safely used in clinical trials without adverse effects, although clear clinical benefits beyond correcting a deficiency at these higher doses are not well-established. Due to its very low toxicity, no established upper limit exists for pantothenic acid, and doses of several hundred milligrams daily have been used without reported toxicity. Pantothenic acid can be taken with or without food, as its absorption is efficient at normal dietary levels. It is available in various forms, including calcium pantothenate and pantethine, with pantethine potentially offering additional lipid-lowering effects, though this requires further validation. No specific cofactors are required for its absorption, but overall B-vitamin status may influence its metabolism.

FAQs

Is vitamin B5 deficiency common?

No, pantothenic acid deficiency is rare. This is primarily due to its widespread availability in a variety of foods and the contribution of gut microbiota to its synthesis.

Can supplementation improve energy or fatigue?

Supplementation can effectively correct fatigue that is directly caused by a pantothenic acid deficiency. However, for individuals who are not deficient, evidence supporting significant energy or fatigue improvement is limited.

Is vitamin B5 safe at high doses?

Yes, pantothenic acid has a very wide safety margin. No known toxicity or adverse effects have been reported even at typical supplemental doses, and doses up to several hundred milligrams daily have been used safely.

Does vitamin B5 help neurological diseases?

Lower brain levels of pantothenic acid have been observed in conditions like Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. However, clinical benefits from supplementation in these neurological diseases remain unproven and require further research.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8468190/ – This observational study investigated pantothenic acid levels in the brains of Parkinson’s disease dementia patients. It found a significant reduction (approximately 40%) of pantothenic acid in key brain regions compared to controls, suggesting a potential link between B5 deficiency and neurodegeneration, though causality was not established.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1031502/full – This systematic review explores the interactions between B vitamins and gut microbiota, detailing the biochemical pathways of B5 metabolism and its absorption mechanisms. It highlights associations with adrenal function and inflammatory diseases, noting deficiency symptoms and potential links to hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis, but did not include RCTs on supplementation efficacy.
https://foodandnutritionresearch.net/index.php/fnr/article/view/10255 – This scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations concluded that pantothenic acid deficiency is rare and toxicity is negligible. It found no health concerns in Nordic populations and supported current intake recommendations, while also calling for more biomarker data.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3233/JPD-240075 – This follow-up study quantified pantothenic acid in the brains of individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies, confirming localized reductions. Despite its methodological robustness with LC-MS quantification, the study was limited by its small sample size and observational design, preventing conclusions on causality.