Vitamin B5
(pantothenic acid; pantothenate)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Pantothenic acid is classified as a B-vitamin. As part of coenzyme A and other derivatives, pantothenic acid participates in energy release from protein, carbohydrate, and fat; required in the biosynthesis of fatty acids.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• Adults: 5 mg.
• Pregnancy: 6 mg.
• Lactation: 7 mg.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Liver, nuts and seeds, lowfat yogurt, salmon, brewer’s yeast, turkey, chicken, peanuts, avocado, oysters, bass, beef heart, herring, mushrooms.
• Specifically: turkey liver, chicken liver, beef liver, veal liver, sunflower seeds, lowfat yogurt, salmon, brewers yeast, turkey, chicken, pecans, peanuts, avocado, oysters, bass, beef heart, herring, mushrooms, milk, filberts, cashews.
• Possibly synthesized by intestinal bacteria.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 50 mg to 2,000 mg.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• High cholesterol (pantethine)
• Rheumatoid arthritis

COMMENTS

• Pantethine is a derivative of pantothenic acid.

CAUTIONS

• High doses can have a laxative effect.