Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for synthesizing coenzyme A, which supports energy metabolism by breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Found in a wide range of foods like liver, mushrooms, avocados, and whole grains, it also promotes healthy skin and hormone production.
Benefits
Supports Energy Metabolism
Pantothenic acid is a critical component of coenzyme A, which is vital for metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy, supporting cellular functions and ATP production.
Promotes Skin and Hair Health
By supporting fatty acid synthesis and cellular repair, pantothenic acid contributes to healthy skin and may reduce acne or promote wound healing (often used in topical forms like dexpanthenol).
Aids Hormone and Cholesterol Synthesis
Coenzyme A is required for producing steroid hormones (e.g., cortisol, testosterone) and cholesterol, supporting endocrine function and overall health.
Supports Nervous System Function
Pantothenic acid is involved in synthesizing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for nerve signaling and cognitive function.
Enhances Stress Response
By aiding adrenal gland function through hormone production, pantothenic acid may help the body manage physical and metabolic stress.
Supports Red Blood Cell Production
Pantothenic acid contributes to heme synthesis, a component of hemoglobin, supporting oxygen transport in the blood.
Mechanism of Action
Precursor to Coenzyme A (CoA)
Pantothenic acid is converted into coenzyme A, a critical molecule in energy metabolism. CoA acts as a carrier of acyl groups in enzymatic reactions, facilitating the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In the citric acid cycle, CoA (as acetyl-CoA) delivers acetyl groups to produce ATP, the cell’s energy currency. CoA is also involved in fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, supporting lipid metabolism.
Role in Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP)
Pantothenic acid is a component of ACP, which is essential for fatty acid synthesis in mitochondria and cytosol, contributing to cell membrane formation and lipid storage.
Hormone and Cholesterol Synthesis
CoA is required for synthesizing steroid hormones (e.g., cortisol, testosterone) and cholesterol in the adrenal glands and other tissues, supporting endocrine function.
Neurotransmitter Production
Pantothenic acid, via CoA, supports the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for nerve signaling, muscle function, and cognitive processes.
Cellular Repair and Skin Health
Through its role in lipid and protein metabolism, pantothenic acid supports cell membrane integrity and tissue repair. Its derivative, dexpanthenol, is used topically to promote skin healing by enhancing fibroblast proliferation and epithelialization.
Clinical Trials
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Novel Pantothenic Acid-Based Dietary Supplement in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Facial Acne
Study: A 2014 RCT involving adults with mild to moderate acne vulgaris evaluated the safety and efficacy of a pantothenic acid-based oral supplement versus placebo over 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the reduction in total facial lesion count.
Findings: The pantothenic acid group showed a >67% reduction in total facial lesions, with significant reductions in non-inflammatory lesions and improved Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. The supplement was safe and well-tolerated.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4065280
Efficacy and Tolerability of Coenzyme A vs. Pantethine for the Treatment of Patients with Hyperlipidemia
Study: A 2015 double-blind RCT involving 216 men and women with moderate dyslipidemia compared 400 mg/day coenzyme A (CoA) versus 600 mg/day pantethine (a pantothenic acid derivative) over 8 weeks, alongside a cholesterol-lowering diet.
Findings: The CoA group showed a 33% reduction in triglycerides and reductions in total cholesterol, with increased HDL cholesterol compared to baseline. The pantethine group had smaller reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides. No significant adverse effects were reported.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26341119/
Dexpanthenol as an Alternative Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis
Study: A clinical study compared dexpanthenol (an alcoholic analog of pantothenic acid) with hydrocortisone for treating mild to moderate childhood atopic dermatitis.
Findings: Dexpanthenol was found to be a potential alternative to hydrocortisone, improving skin symptoms with comparable efficacy and good tolerability, suggesting its use in dermatological therapy.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563233
Cerebral Deficiency of Vitamin B5 (D-Pantothenic Acid) as a Potentially Reversible Cause of Neurodegeneration and Dementia in Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease
Study: A 2020 study explored cerebral pantothenic acid deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease patients, using biochemical analyses to assess its role in neurodegeneration.
Findings: Cerebral pantothenic acid levels were significantly lower in Alzheimer’s patients, suggesting a potential link to neurodegeneration. The study proposed that pantothenic acid supplementation might be a reversible factor in dementia, but further clinical trials are needed.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32416962/
Potential Side Effects
Gastrointestinal Issues
High doses (e.g., >1,000 mg/day) may cause mild diarrhea, nausea, or stomach discomfort in some individuals.
Allergic Reactions
Very rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions, such as skin rashes or itching, have been reported with large doses.