Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is used in
the production of coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier proteins, both central
components that are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat
for energy, the production of adrenal hormones, and the production of red
blood cells.(1,2) Supplemental pantothenic acid is most often found as the
calcium salt.
Because of its association with the adrenal glands, it has
historically been considered the anti-stress vitamin. Naturopathic
physicians and nutritionally minded medical physicians seeking to provide
optimal conditions in faltering adrenal function think of pantothenic acid
as a key player and typically recommend 250 mg BID. This same amount is
recommended for allergy because allergy is perceived to be related to a
stress component. The efficacy of these high intakes for allergy has not
been demonstrated or refuted by clinical trials.(1)
As far back as the early '60s it was observed that blood levels of
pantothenic acid were lower in rheumatoid arthritis patients.(1,3) The
researchers found that the lower the blood levels of pantothenic acid, the
greater were the symptoms of the patients. Correction of the low levels
resulted in some degree of symptom alleviation. In one double blind study,
patients using up to 2 grams per day reported significant improvements in
the duration of morning stiffness, degree of disability, and severity of
pain.(1,4)
Calcium pantothenate was not found to be effective
against osteoarthritis in this study.
It may be prudent when high doses of pantothenic acid
are used for it be complemented with increased use of the general vitamin
B complex to facilitate other related B vitamin interactions with the
metabolic goals of pantothenic acid.
No significant adverse side effects or reactions have
been reported with pantothenic acid(1), but we have to consider that no
definitive toxicology studies for high dose use of pantothenic acid were
made at least until 2005.
There is no established recommended daily amount (RDA)
for pantothenic acid, however, 4 to 7 milligrams per day for 11+ years old
is considered the safe and adequate intake.(1,2) Therefore a B complex
providing 25 to 50 mg of pantothenic acid would be a source of optimal
supply of this supplement.
For general adrenal support, 250 mg BID is recommended, for
allergy, 250 mg BID is recommended, and for rheumatoid arthritis, 2 grams
per day is recommended.(1)
1. Murray, Michael T., Encyclopedia of Nutritional
Supplements, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996 2. Plesofsky-vig,
Nora, Pantothenic Acid, in Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, eds.,
Maurice E. Shils, James A. Olson, Moshe Shike, A.
Catharine Ross, ninth edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, New York,
1999 3. Barton-Wright, E.C. and W.A. Elliott, The pantothenic acid
metabolism of rheumatoid arthritis, Lancet, 2:862-863, 1963 4. General
Practitioner Research Group, Calcium pantothenate in arthritic conditions,
Practitioner, 244:208-211, 1980
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
