Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) supports metabolism and protects the heart, skin, and eyes. It builds coenzyme A and helps regenerate skin cells. Still, its potential benefits lack solid clinical evidence. Read on to learn the health benefits, sources, and dosage of pantothenic acid.<\/p>\n
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Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is involved in many different functions of the body. It helps convert food into energy by supporting the metabolism of carbs, protein, and fats. Additionally, it is important for the immune, nervous, and gastrointestinal system [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It is a precursor for coenzyme A (CoA), which enables many different enzymatic pathways [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Topically, pantothenic acid is used in cosmetic products and eye drops, due to its skin-regenerating properties.<\/p>\n Vitamin B5 is sold under many different names as a supplement: D-pantothenic acid, dexpanthenol, zinc pantothenate, and calcium pantothenate [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Proponents:<\/strong><\/p>\n Skeptics:<\/strong><\/p>\n In a pilot study of 50 children with allergic rhinitis, a nasal spray with D-panthenol (also included lactoferrin<\/a>, carboxymethyl-glucan and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate) effectively reduced the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A spray with dexpanthenol, an analog of pantothenic acid, reduced nasal obstruction, crust formation, and throat inflammation in 48 patients [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In 50 patients with chronic nasal and sinus inflammation (rhinosinusitis), a different spray with dexpanthenol reduced nasal discharge but not other symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n No valid clinical evidence supports the use of pantothenic acid for any of the conditions in this section. Below is a summary of up-to-date animal studies, cell-based research, or low-quality clinical trials which should spark further investigation. However, you shouldn\u2019t interpret them as supportive of any health benefit.<\/em><\/p>\n Pantethine (a derivative of Vitamin B5, 600-900 mg\/day for 16 weeks) slightly but significantly reduced total and LDL<\/a> cholesterol in a study of 120 adults [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The same group of researchers observed these results in a similar trial with 32 subjects [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, both trials were funded by the company that sells pantethine, which indicates a potential conflict of interest.<\/strong><\/p>\n In another study of 182 patients, different forms of vitamin B5 (300-500 mg\/day) supported the treatment of heart disease by improving metabolism and blood lipids [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Well-designed, unbiased clinical trials should investigate the effects of pantothenic acid and its derivatives on heart health.<\/p>\n<\/a>Snapshot<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Health Benefits of Pantothenic Acid<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Possibly Effective:<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>1) Nasal Congestion and Inflammation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Insufficient Evidence:<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2) Heart Disease<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n