Overview
Pantothenic acid is vitamin B5. It is widely found in both plants and animals including meat, vegetables, cereal grains, legumes, eggs, and milk.
Pantothenic acid helps the body utilize carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. It is also important for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin B5 is available as D-pantothenic acid, as well as dexpanthenol and calcium pantothenate, which are chemicals made in the lab from D-pantothenic acid.
People most commonly use pantothenic acid for pantothenic acid deficiency. Dexpanthenol, a chemical similar to pantothenic acid, is used for skin irritation, nasal swelling, wound healing, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Effective for
- Pantothenic acid deficiency. Taking 5-10 mg of pantothenic acid by mouth daily prevents and treats pantothenic acid deficiency.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Skin damage caused by radiation therapy (radiation dermatitis). Applying dexpanthenol, a chemical similar to pantothenic acid, to irritated skin does not seem to reduce skin damage caused by radiation therapy.
There is interest in using pantothenic acid for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Pantothenic acid is likely safe for most people. The recommended amount for adults is 5 mg per day. Larger amounts (up to 1 gram) seem to be safe for most people. But taking larger amounts increases the chance of side effects such as diarrhea.
When applied to the skin: Pantothenic acid and its related chemicals are likely safe when used short-term.
When given as a nasal spray: Dexpanthenol is possibly safe when used short-term.
When applied into the eye: Dexpanthenol is possibly safe when used short-term.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Pantothenic acid is likely safe for most people. The recommended amount for adults is 5 mg per day. Larger amounts (up to 1 gram) seem to be safe for most people. But taking larger amounts increases the chance of side effects such as diarrhea.
When applied to the skin: Pantothenic acid and its related chemicals are likely safe when used short-term.
When given as a nasal spray: Dexpanthenol is possibly safe when used short-term.
When applied into the eye: Dexpanthenol is possibly safe when used short-term.
Pregnancy: Pantothenic acid is likely safe when taken by mouth. The recommended intake is 6 mg daily during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: Pantothenic acid is likely safe when taken by mouth. The recommended intake is 7 mg daily during breast-feeding.
Children: It is likely safe for children to take pantothenic acid by mouth and apply pantothenic acid to the skin.
Interactions ?
We currently have no information for PANTOTHENIC ACID (VITAMIN B5) overview.
Dosing
Pantothenic acid is widely found in foods, including meat, vegetables, cereal grains, legumes, eggs, and milk. It's recommended that adults consume 5 mg pantothenic acid daily. During pregnancy, 6 mg should be consumed daily; when breastfeeding, 7 mg should be consumed daily. Recommended amounts for children depend on age.
In supplements, pantothenic acid is typically used together with other B vitamins in vitamin B complex formulations. Dexpanthenol, a chemical similar to pantothenic acid, is available in makeup, hair products, ointments, creams, gels, nasal sprays and eyedrops. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Next
You Might Also Like
Gene Mutations in NSCLC
Treating Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Living With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Lung Cancer Stealing Your Appetite? Why It Happens
View More
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
