Pantothenic Acid

Also indexed as:Calcium Pantothenate, Pantethine, Vitamin B5
Pantothenic Acid: Main Image

How to Use It

Most people do not need to supplement with pantothenic acid. However, the 10–25 mg found in many multivitamin supplements might improve pantothenic acid status. So-called primitive human diets provided greater amounts of this nutrient than is found in modern diets. Most cholesterol researchers using pantethine have given people 300 mg three times per day (total 900 mg).

Where to Find It

Liver, yeast, and salmon have high concentrations of pantothenic acid, but most other foods, including vegetables, dairy, eggs, grains, and meat, also provide some pantothenic acid.

Possible Deficiencies

Pantothenic acid deficiencies may occur in people with alcoholism but are generally believed to be rare.

Best Form to Take

Calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5) is the most commonly used form of supplemental pantothenic acid for oral administration. Dexpanthenol (also called D-pantothenyl alcohol or D-panthenol) is the most commonly used injectable form of pantothenic acid. There has been no research comparing the effectiveness of these different forms of vitamin B5.2

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.