Pantothenic Acid: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

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 applied to the skin: Pantothenic acid and its related chemicals are likely safe when used short-term.

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 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

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 Interactions.

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.

View References

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Pantothenic Acid - Uses, Side Effects, and More