WHY PANTOTHENIC ACID (B5)? 

Pantothenic acid, also known as provitamin B5, is a precursor to the creation of Coenzyme A, which is required for reactions that generate energy from the breakdown of fats and fatty acids, carbohydrates and proteins. Coenzyme A is also involved in the synthesis of essential fats, cholesterol, steroid hormones, vitamins A and D, acetylcholine*, melatonin and for a component of hemoglobin called heme**(1).

*a neurotransmitter that motor neurons of the nervous system release to activate muscles 

**hemoglobin is necessary to carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PANTOTHENIC ACID- VITAMIN B5?

Beauty:

A 2011 study found that in vitro deficiency in pantothenic acid inhibited the proliferation in human keratinocytes* and induced expression of differentiation markers in skin fibroblasts** (1). In other words, this means that suboptimal pantothenic acid levels within the human body can decrease the speed of skin repair and prolong inflammation.

Additionally, mice studies have revealed that participants deficient in pantothenic acid went onto develop skin irritation and graying of fur, both of which were reversed once administered provitamin B5; further human evidence is needed to confirm these preliminary findings, but evidence suggests that pantothenic acid contributes to overall skin care and hair health (2). 

*Keratinocytes constitute 90% of the cells of the outermost layer of the skin; by preventing their growth, the regeneration of new, healthy skin is delayed 

**differentiation markers cause skin cells to become detached from their basement membrane; dermal fibroblasts are responsible for generating connective tissue and allowing the skin to recover from injury 

Heart Health:

Preliminary studies have suggested that pharmacologic doses of pantethine, a pantothenic acid derivative, may have a cholesterol lowering effect. In a 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, daily pantethine supplementation significantly improved lipid parameters in 120 individuals at low-to-moderate risk of cardiovascular disease. Pantethine was also found to be significantly more effective than a placebo in lowering the concentration of LDL-C (bad cholesterol) (1).

OUR SOURCE

Our Pantothenic Acid (B5) is obtained from quinoa sprouts germinated with b-complex. During the germination process of the quinoa, the b-vitamins are incorporated into the quinoa seeds and available in their free form; they are also available in their biologically active form, allowing for proper absorption.

FAQS 

What are symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency?

Pantothenic acid deficiency has been tested experimentally by administering a pantothenic acid kinase inhibitor* and a pantothenic acid-deficient diet. Participants in this experiment experienced headache, fatigue, insomnia, stomach/intestinal disturbances and numbness in the hands and feet (1). However, pantothenic acid deficiency in modern humans is rare and typically only observed in circumstances of poor nutrition.

*prevents the regulation of coenzyme A concrenation, thereby cutting off pantothenic acid from serving its main function in the human body

Is a vitamin B5 supplement good for skin care and acne?

There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin B5 can help reduce acne blemishes. A 2014 study randomly assigned 48 subjects to either the study agent (a pantothenic acid-based supplement) or to a control (a placebo) for 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, there was a significant reduction in both total legion count and mean reduction in inflammatory lesions among those who took the study agent vs the placebo. Overall, vitamin B5 was found to be well-tolerated, safe and effective in reducing acne lesions (1).

Sources

1.  “Office of Dietary Supplements - PantothenicAcid.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2 Mar. 2020, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-HealthProfessional/
2. Kobayashi D, Kusama M, Onda M, Nakahata N. The effect of pantothenic acid deficiency on keratinocyte proliferation and the synthesis of keratinocyte growth factor and collagen in fibroblasts. J Pharmacol Sci. 2011;115(2):230-234.  (PubMed) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21258175/
3. “Office of Dietary Supplements - Biotin.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 19 Feb. 2020, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/#h5.
4. Rumberger JA, Napolitano J, Azumano I, Kamiya T, Evans M. Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B(5) used as a nutritional supplement, favorably alters low-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in low- to moderate-cardiovascular risk North American subjects: a triple-blinded placebo and diet-controlled investigation. Nutr Res. 2011;31(8):608‐615. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2011.08.001 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21925346/
5. Hodges RE, Ohlson MA, Bean WB. Pantothenic acid deficiency in man. J Clin Invest. 1958;37(11):1642-1657.  (PubMed) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1062846/
6. Yang M, Moclair B, Hatcher V, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a novel pantothenic Acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2014;4(1):93‐101. doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0052-3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24831048/