Vitamin
Pantothenic Acid (Calcium Pantothenate)
Also known as: vitamin B5, pantothenate, calcium pantothenate, pantothenic acid
A B-complex vitamin required for the synthesis of coenzyme A, which is critical for energy metabolism and synthesis of hormones, cholesterol, and amino acids. Calcium pantothenate is the stable supplemental form.
Primary uses
- Energy production
- Hormone synthesis
- Stress response support
- Wound healing
- Pantothenic acid deficiency prevention
How it works
- Precursor for coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis
- Essential for fatty acid oxidation
- Supports steroid hormone synthesis
- Involved in acetylation reactions
Dosage
- Typical range
- 5 mg daily (adequate intake); 5-100 mg daily for supplementation
- Timing
- With or without food
- With food
- No specific requirement
- Duration
- Safe for long-term use; water-soluble excess is excreted
- Special populations
- Athletes may benefit from higher intakes; bioavailability is high from supplemental forms
Forms
- calcium pantothenate· 70/100
- pantothenic acid· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Extremely rare at supplemental doses
- Diarrhea may occur at very high doses (>10 g daily)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pantothenic acid or calcium
Evidence notes
Strong evidence for deficiency prevention and essential metabolic functions. RCT evidence supports efficacy in normal supplemental ranges. Well-established biochemical role.
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
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