1.5.4.e. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

“From everywhere” or “from all sides,” reflecting its widespread occurrence in living things

What does the name pantothenic acid mean?

1. Chick Anti-Dermatitis Factor

2. Filtrate Factor

What older names were used for pantothenic acid?

Milligrams (mg) or micrograms (µg)

In what units is pantothenic acid measured?

Coenzyme A (CoA)

Pantothenic acid is an essential component of what major coenzyme?

Component of coenzyme A for acetylation and energy-metabolism reactions

What is the principal biochemical role of pantothenic acid?

Acetylation reactions

Pantothenic acid is required for what type of reactions involving active acetate?

Keto acids and fatty acids

Pantothenic acid is involved in the oxidation of which compounds?

Lipids

Pantothenic acid is required for the synthesis of which major nutrient class?

Acetylcholine

Pantothenic acid is involved in the synthesis of which neurotransmitter?

Porphyrin ring

Pantothenic acid is needed for synthesis of what ring structure important in hemoglobin?

The porphyrin ring is an integral component of hemoglobin

Why is the porphyrin-related function of pantothenic acid important?

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

Pantothenic acid is essential for the metabolism of which macronutrients?

Normal growth, healthy skin, and integrity of the central nervous system

Besides metabolism, what general body functions require adequate pantothenic acid?

Small intestine

Where is pantothenic acid absorbed?

Yes

Is pantothenic acid readily absorbed?

Liver and kidneys

Where are the limited stores of pantothenic acid mainly found?

Coenzyme A

In what bound form is pantothenic acid present in blood and tissues?

Yes

Can pantothenic acid be synthesized by intestinal bacteria?

No — it is widespread in foods and is also synthesized to some extent in the intestine

Is pantothenic acid deficiency commonly seen with an ordinary diet?

Antivitamins

Pantothenic acid deficiency has mainly been produced experimentally through what substances?

Pantol taurine and phenyl-pantothenate

What antivitamins are listed as capable of producing experimental pantothenic acid deficiency?

Insomnia

What sleep disturbance may occur in pantothenic acid deficiency?

Muscle cramps and poor muscle coordination

What muscular symptoms may occur in pantothenic acid deficiency?

Tingling sensation

What sensory symptom may occur in the extremities with pantothenic acid deficiency?

Burning feet syndrome

What characteristic foot symptom is associated with pantothenic acid deficiency?

Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting

What gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in pantothenic acid deficiency?

4–7 mg/day

What daily pantothenic acid intake is considered sufficient for an adult man according to the text?

Up to about 15 mg/day

Approximately how much pantothenic acid may be supplied by a mixed diet?

Liver

What is the highest food source of pantothenic acid listed in the text?

Other glandular organs, meats, eggs, milk, cheese, and legumes

What foods are major sources of pantothenic acid after liver?

Present in varying amounts in virtually all animal and plant foods

How widely distributed is pantothenic acid in foods?

Shiitake mushroom

Which mushroom is specifically highlighted as an excellent source of pantothenic acid?

1 cup

Approximately how much shiitake mushroom supplies 100% of the DRI for pantothenic acid according to the text?

1½ cups

Approximately how much of other mushrooms supplies 100% of the DRI for pantothenic acid according to the text?