Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is water-soluble and is used to make neurotransmitter acetylcholine and works in the Kreb’s cycle of energy production. It also helps release, produce, and transport energy from fats. Pantothetic acid also plays a crucial role in synthesizing cholesterol and in activating adrenal glands. A byproduct of pantothenic acid, Pantethine, has shown to lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.
Suggested Dosage
Supplementation of pantothenic acid is not generally necessary. 10-25 mg are found in most multivitamin supplements. Researchers using pantethine to treat cholesterol usually give patients 300 mg three times daily.
Brown WV. Niacin for lipid disorders. Postgrad Med 1995;98:185–190.
Debourdeau PM, Djezzar S, Estival JL, et al. Life-threatening eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion related to vitamins B5 and H. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:424–425.
Fidanza A. Therapeutic action of pantothenic acid. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1983;suppl 24:53–64.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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