Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is an essential water-soluble B vitamin. Good food sources of pantothenic acid include milk, eggs, yogurt, cooked chicken, avocado, and lentils.1 The 100% Daily Value for Pantothenic Acid (based on a 2,000 kcal diet) is 10 mg,2 but it has been revised to 5 mg as of May 27, 2016.6 The 100% Daily Value for pregnant or lactating women is 7 mg, effective as of January 1st, 2020.6

Forms

  • d-Panthenol: d-Panthenol is a bioavailable liquid form of the B vitamin, pantothenic acid. It is formulated from d-pantolactone and beta-alanine.

Major Health Benefits

Pantothenic Acid is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and the synthesis of cholesterol, phospholipids, and hormones (such as melatonin), and neurotransmitters (such as acetylcholine). Pantothenic Acid also contributes to normal mental performance and aids in reduction of tiredness and fatigue.3 Pantothenic acid plays a role in detoxifying the liver of toxins and drugs.4

Deficiency symptoms of pantothenic acid include headaches, trouble sleeping (insomnia), numbness, and tingling sensations in hands and feet, and tiredness.5

References

  1. Higdon, J. Pantothenic Acid. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2000. (Reviewed by Plesofsky, N in 2008) (Food Sources) http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/pantothenic-acid Accessed 5/2015.
  2. US Food and Drug Administration. Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide (14. Appendix F: Calculate the Percent Daily Value for the Appropriate Nutrients). US Department of Health and Human Services. 2013 January. http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm064928.htm
  3. European Food Safety Authority. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to pantothenic acid and mental performance, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, adrenal function and maintenance of normal skin. EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1758. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1758
  4. Higdon, J. Pantothenic Acid. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2000. (Reviewed by Plesofsky, N in 2008) (Deficiency)
  5. Higdon, J. Pantothenic Acid. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2000. (Reviewed by Plesofsky, N in 2008) (Function)
  6. US Food and Drug Administration. Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. US Department of Health and Human Services. Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 103, p. 33982 / May 27, 2016. https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-05-27/pdf/2016-11867.pdf