Functions

Pantothenic acid plays a very important part in metabolism and stress resistance. Its major role is to combine with other molecules to form coenzyme A, a required compound for energy metabolism. It is also responsible for the synthesis of such substances as antibodies, fat, protein, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and porphyrin - the heme component of red blood cells. Since coenzyme A molecules form steroid molecules, pantothenic acid can be thought of as the precursor of cholesterol and all substances made from it such as bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin D. The target tissues for pantothenic acid include heart, brain, kidney, adrenal glands, and liver.

Uses

1. Physical/emotional stress

2. Aging

3. Arthritis, especially rheumatoid

4. Physical illness.

5. Malabsorption syndrome

6. Depression

7. "Burning Foot" Syndrome

8. Pregnancy and lactation

Deficiency

General deficiency symptoms include nerve and muscle disturbances, cardiovascular disorders, digestive disorders, susceptibility to infections, physical weakness, depression, and fatigue. It's a very uncommon deficiency because it is found in so many foods.

Antagonists

Copper is antagonistic. Factors decreasing availability include dry heat and food preparation in either acid or alkaline solution. In short, food processing and canning will eliminate it.

Co-factors

Nutritional factors promoting pantothenic acid function include biotin, folic acid, niacin, chromium, zinc, and vitamins C, B1, B2, and B12.

Drug Interactions

Sulfa drugs, sleeping pills, estrogen and alcohol may raise requirements for pantothenic acid.

Dose

The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for children is 3-5 mg/day and 5-10 mg/day for adults. However, RDA's are considered minimal amounts to prevent deficiency symptoms. Your naturopathic physician can prescribe a dose correct for you.

Toxicity

Risk is low, but at high doses may produce diarrhea, fluid retention, memory loss, drowsiness, depression and nausea.

Sources

Milligrams Pantothenic acid in 100 gram portion (approx 3 oz)

Yeast, brewer's 12

Yeast, tortula 11

Liver, calf 8

Liver, chicken 6

Kidneys, beef 3.9

Peanuts 2.8

Mushrooms 2.2

Soybean flour 2.0

Split peas 2.0

Perch 1.9

Pecans 1.7

Soybeans 1.7

Eggs 1.6

Oatmeal, dry 1.5

Sunflower seeds 1.4

Lentils 1.4

Cashews 1.3

Salmon 1.3

Wheat germ, toasted 1.2

Garbanzos 1.2

Black-eyed peas, dry 1.0

Cauliflower 1.0

Kale 1.0