Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)_ MedlinePlus Supplements

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8/8/13 Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5): MedlinePlus Supplements

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/853.html

Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/853.html

What is it?

Pantothenic acid is a vitamin, also known as vitamin B5. It is widely found in both plants and animals including meat,vegetables, cereal grains, legumes, eggs, and milk.

Vitamin B5 is commercially available as D-pantothenic acid, as well as dexpanthenol and calcium pantothenate, whichare chemicals made in the lab from D-pantothenic acid.

Pantothenic acid is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in vitamin B complex formulations. Vitamin Bcomplex generally includes vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide), vitamin B5(pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and folic acid. However, some products donot contain all of these ingredients and some may include others, such as biotin, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA),choline bitartrate, and inositol.

Pantothenic acid has a long list of uses, although there isnt enough scientific evidence to determine whether it is

effective for most of these uses. People take pantothenic acid for treating dietary deficiencies, acne, alcoholism,allergies, baldness, asthma, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, burning feet syndrome, yeastinfections, heart failure, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory disorders, celiac disease, colitis, conjunctivitis,

convulsions, and cystitis. It is also taken by mouth for dandruff, depression, diabetic nerve pain, enhancing immunefunction, improving athletic performance, tongue infections, gray hair, headache, hyperactivity, low blood sugar, troublesleeping (insomnia), irritability, low blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscular cramps in the leg

associated with pregnancy or alcoholism, neuralgia, and obesity.

Pantothenic acid is also used orally for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, nerve pain,premenstrual syndrome (PMS), enlarged prostate, protection against mental and physical stress and anxiety, reducingadverse effects of thyroid therapy in congenital hypothyroidism, reducing signs of aging, reducing susceptibility to coldand other infections, retarded growth, shingles, skin disorders, stimulating adrenal glands, chronic fatigue syndrome,salicylate toxicity, streptomycin neurotoxicity, dizziness, and wound healing.

People apply dexpanthenol, which is made from pantothenic acid, to the skin for itching, promoting healing of mildeczemas and other skin conditions, insect stings, bites, poison ivy, diaper rash, and acne. It is also applied topically fpreventing and treating skin reactions to radiation therapy.

How effective is it?

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the followinscale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, andInsufficient Evidence to Rate.


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The effectiveness ratings forPANTOTHENIC ACID (VITAMIN B5) are as follows:

Effective for...

Treating or preventing pantothenic acid deficiency.

Possibly ineffective for...

Treating or preventing skin reactions from radiation therapy.

Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is conflicting evidence regarding the usefulness ofpantothenic acid in combination with large doses of other vitamins for the treatment of ADHD.Arthritis. Developing research suggests pantothenic acid (given as calcium pantothenate) does not significantlyreduce the symptoms of arthritis in people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other forms of arthritis.Improving athletic performance. Some research suggests that pantothenic acid in combination with pantethinand thiamine does not improve muscular strength or endurance in well-trained athletes.Skin problems.Alcoholism.

Allergies.Hair loss.Asthma.Heart problems.Carpal tunnel syndrome.Lung disorders.Colitis.

Eye infections (conjunctivitis).Convulsions.Kidney disorders.Dandruff.

Depression.Diabetic problems.Enhancing immune function.Headache.Hyperactivity.Low blood pressure.Inability to sleep (insomnia).Irritability.Multiple sclerosis.

Muscular dystrophy.Muscle cramps.Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pantothenic acid for these uses.

How does it work?

Pantothenic acid is important for our bodies to properly use carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids and for healthy skin.


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Are there safety concerns?

Pantothenic acid is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in appropriate amounts. The recommended amount foradults is 5 mg per day. Even larger amounts seem to be safe for some people, but taking larger amounts increases the

chance of having side effects such as diarrhea.

Pantothenic acid seems to be safe for children when used appropriately.

Special precautions & warnings:Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pantothenic acid is LIKELY SAFE when taken in recommended amounts of 6 mg peday during pregnancy and 7 mg per day during breast-feeding. But it is not known if taking more than this amount issafe.

Hemophila: Dont take pantothenic acid if you have hemophila. It might extend the time it takes for bleeding to stop.

Are there interactions with medications?

It is not known if this product interacts with any medicines.

Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?

Royal jelly

Royal jelly contains significant amounts of pantothenic acid. The effects of taking royal jelly and pantothenic acidsupplements together aren't known.

Are there interactions with foods?

There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:As a dietary supplement: 5-10 mg of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).

Recommended daily intakes for pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) are as follows: Infants 0-6 months, 1.7 mg infants 7-12months, 1.8 mg children 1-3 years, 2 mg children 4-8 years, 3 mg children 9-13 years, 4 mg men and women 14years and older, 5 mg pregnant women, 6 mg and breastfeeding women, 7 mg.

Other names

Acide D-Pantothnique, Acide Pantothnique, cido Pantotnico, Alcool Pantothnylique, B Complex Vitamin, CalciiPantothenas, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Calcium Pantothenate, Complexe de Vitamines B, D-Calcium Pantothenate, DPanthenol, D-Panthnol, D-Pantothnate de Calcium, D-Pantothenic Acid, D-Pantothenyl Alcohol, Dexpanthenol,Dexpanthnol, Dexpanthenolum, Pantthine, Panthenol, Panthnol, Pantothenate, Pantothnate, Pantothnate de


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Calcium, Pantothenol, Pantothenylol, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B-5, Vitamina B5, Vitamine B5.

Methodology

To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Databasemethodology (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/methodology.html).

ReferencesTo see all references for the Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) page, please go to

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/853.html.

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3. Webster MJ. Physiological and performance responses to supplementation with thiamin and pantothenic acid derivatives. Eur J Appl

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4. Haslam RH, Dalby JT, Rademaker AW. Effects of megavitamin therapy on children with attention deficit disorders. Pediatrics

198474:103-11.5. Lokkev ik E, Skovlund E, Reitan JB, et al. Skin treatment with bepanthen cream versus no cream during radiotherapy-a randomized,

controlled trial.Acta O ncol 199635:1021-6.

6. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin

B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline . Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at:

http://books.nap.edu/books/0309065542/html/.

7. Debourdeau PM, Djezzar S, Estival JL, et al. Life-threatening eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion related to vitamins B5 and H.Ann

Pharmacother 200135:424-6.

8. Brenner A. The effects of megadoses of selected B complex vitamins on children with hyperkinesis: controlled studies with long-term

follow-up. J Learn Disabil 198215:258-64.

9. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B

vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 199898:699-706.

10. Kastrup EK. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 1998 ed. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.

Last reviewed - 12/26/2012

This copyrighted, evidence-based medicine resource is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database disclaims any responsibility related to consequences of using any product. This monograph

should not replace advice from a healthcare professional and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

Copyright 1995 - 2013 Therapeutic Research Faculty, publishers ofNatural Medicines

Comprehensive Database, Prescribers Letter, Pharmacists Letter. All rights reserved.For scientific data on natural medicines, professionals may consult the Professional

Version ofNatural Medicines Comprehensive Database (http://www.naturaldatabase.com/).
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