pantothenic acid

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is an essential water-soluble vitamin for various physiological functions. It plays a vital role in energy metabolism. It synthesizes coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP), necessary for numerous biochemical reactions. 

Mechanism of Action: 

• Coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis: pantothenic acid is a critical component in the synthesis of CoA. This coenzyme is involved in several metabolic pathways. CoA is essential for oxidizing fatty acids, producing energy from carbohydrates, and synthesizing essential compounds like cholesterol, steroid hormones, and neurotransmitters. 

• Acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthesis: pantothenic acid is also required to synthesize ACP, a protein involved in fatty acid synthesis. During its elongation, ACP carries the growing fatty acid chain and helps produce various cellular components like cell membranes, signaling molecules, and energy storage molecules. 

Spectrum of Activity: 

pantothenic acid is involved in a wide range of physiological processes. It has a broad spectrum of activity within the body. Some key areas where pantothenic acid is essential include: 

• Energy metabolism: pantothenic acid metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It aids in breaking down these macronutrients to produce energy that the body can utilize. 

• Cellular growth and development: pantothenic acid is necessary for synthesizing lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, essential for cellular growth, repair, and development. It supports the average growth and development of various tissues and organs. 

• Neurotransmitter synthesis: pantothenic acid synthesizes neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which is crucial in proper nerve cell communication and cognitive function. 

• Hormone synthesis: pantothenic acid synthesizes steroid hormones, such as cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone, which regulate various physiological processes in the body. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Contact dermatitis 

Diarrhea 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

• Allergy or hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to pantothenic acid or other components of pantothenic acid supplements should avoid its use. 

• Kidney disease: High doses of pantothenic acid may be contraindicated in severe kidney dysfunction or kidney failure. This is because the kidneys excrete pantothenic acid, and high doses may increase the workload on the kidneys. 

• Bleeding disorders: pantothenic acid may have an antiplatelet effect, which can interfere with blood clotting. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should exercise caution when taking high doses of pantothenic acid. 

• Interactions with other medications: pantothenic acid may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics, anti-seizure, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking any medications to ensure no potential interactions. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Insufficient data available 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.   

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Diabetes: pantothenic acid may affect blood sugar levels, and individuals with diabetes or hypoglycemia should use caution when taking high doses of pantothenic acid. Monitoring blood sugar levels closely and working with a healthcare professional to adjust any necessary medication dosages is essential. 

Gastrointestinal issues: High doses of pantothenic acid may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea or stomach upset, in some individuals. If you experience gastrointestinal discomfort, you should lower the dosage or consult a healthcare professional. 

Interactions with other supplements: pantothenic acid can interact with other supplements, particularly those that contain biotin. It is essential to be mindful of the total intake of pantothenic acid and biotin, as excessively high doses of either may interfere with the absorption and utilization of the other. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency: Long-term, high-dose pantothenic acid supplementation may mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. pantothenic acid and vitamin B12 have separate bodily functions, and it’s essential to maintain adequate levels of both vitamins. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The vital pharmacodynamic aspects of pantothenic acid: 

• Coenzyme A (CoA) Formation: pantothenic acid is a precursor for synthesizing Coenzyme A (CoA), which is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions. CoA functions as a cofactor in various metabolic pathways, particularly those related to energy metabolism, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy production. 
• Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP) Formation: pantothenic acid is also required to synthesize Acyl Carrier Protein (ACP), a protein involved in fatty acid synthesis. ACP carries the growing fatty acid chains during elongation and is a critical component in synthesizing lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. 
• Energy Metabolism: pantothenic acid metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, a critical step in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle). It generates energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Pantothenic acid also contributes to the synthesis of ATP through the electron transport chain. 
• Coenzyme Functions: As a CoA component, pantothenic acid acts as a coenzyme for several enzyme-catalyzed reactions. CoA is essential for the activity of enzymes involved in metabolizing fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. It plays a vital role in synthesizing various compounds, including cholesterol, steroid hormones, neurotransmitters, and specific cellular building blocks. 
• Gene Expression Regulation: pantothenic acid has been found to influence gene expression, particularly genes related to lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. It modulates the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, oxidation, and storage, thereby affecting lipid metabolism and overall energy balance. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

pantothenic acid is absorbed in the small intestine through passive diffusion and active transport mechanisms. It is primarily absorbed as free pantothenic acid. Still, it can also be absorbed as part of Coenzyme A (CoA) or other pantothenate derivatives. Absorption efficiency is generally high, and dietary pantothenic acid is readily absorbed.  

Distribution 

Once absorbed, pantothenic acid is transported in the blood plasma. It is distributed widely throughout the body and can cross cell membranes. Pantothenic acid is taken up by various tissues, including the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, and muscle tissues, which participate in various metabolic processes.  

Metabolism 

pantothenic acid undergoes minimal metabolism in the body. It is primarily phosphorylated to form Coenzyme A (CoA), an essential coenzyme involved in numerous metabolic reactions. pantothenic acid is converted to CoA through enzymatic reactions, including phosphorylation by the enzyme pantothenate kinase.  

Elimination and Excretion 

pantothenic acid and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine. After fulfilling their metabolic functions, pantothenic acid and CoA are degraded into small, water-soluble compounds. The kidneys filter these compounds, eliminating them from the body through urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Oral supplementation: The most common way to take pantothenic acid is through oral supplementation. Pantothenic acid is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid formulations. These products can be over-the-counter in pharmacies, health food stores, and online. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions or consult a healthcare professional.  

Dietary intake: pantothenic acid is naturally present in various foods. Incorporating pantothenic acid-rich foods into your diet is another way to ensure an adequate intake. Foods rich in pantothenic acid include organ meats (such as liver and kidney), egg yolks, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, avocados, and some vegetables (such as broccoli and sweet potatoes). Consuming a balanced diet that includes these foods can help meet your pantothenic acid needs. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: pantothenic acid 

Why do we use pantothenic acid? 

The leading roles and benefits of pantothenic acid are 

• Energy production: pantothenic acid is an essential component of coenzyme A (CoA), which is involved in various metabolic reactions. CoA is crucial in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, converting them into usable energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). pantothenic acid supports energy production and helps maintain overall cellular energy levels. 
• Synthesis of essential molecules: pantothenic acid is required to synthesize important molecules in the body. It is involved in the production of CoA, which is necessary for synthesizing fatty acids, cholesterol, and other lipids. CoA also synthesizes acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for proper nervous system function. 
• Skin health: pantothenic acid is known for its benefits to the skin. It plays a role in maintaining healthy skin by supporting the production of skin cells and promoting wound healing. It is often included in skin care products and supplements targeted for skin health. 
• Red blood cell production: pantothenic acid is involved in the formation of red blood cells. It aids in the synthesis of heme, a component of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen in the bloodstream. Adequate levels of pantothenic acid are necessary for the production and function of healthy red blood cells. 
• Hormone production: pantothenic acid is required to synthesize certain hormones, including steroid hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. These hormones regulate various bodily functions, including stress response, metabolism, and reproductive health.