Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Feb 16, 2025
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
What is it?
Pantothenic acid is an essential water-soluble vitamin found in both food and colonic bacteria.
How does it work in the body?
Vitamin B5 is essential to break down carbohydrates into glucose. Pantothenic acid helps produce red blood cells, and both sex and stress-related hormones.
What is it used for?
Limited research has shown that Vitamin B5 may be used to reduce elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, although more research is needed, Vitamin B5 can aid in wound healing [127].
Evidence:
Cholesterol and triglycerides: A review completed in 2006, concluded that the supplementation of pantethine may act as a triglyceride or cholesterol lowering agent; however, further research is needed for confirmation.
Wound healing: Limited research has shown that when Vitamin B5 is combined with Vitamin C, it may help optimize wound healing of surgical wounds.
Dosage:
Measured by Al not RDA [127, 130]. For adults >19 years, 5 mg is the Al [127]. Therapeutic dosage of supplementation can range from 600 to 900 mg/day [128].
Safety concerns, side effects, precautions:
No known safety concerns/side effects.
Interactions with medications:
The timing of Vitamin B5 and tetracycline should be separated as B5 can interfere with the absorption of the antibiotic.
Vitamin B5 should not be taken with cholinesterase inhibitors as it could increase the effects of the medication.
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