Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamins
Overview
- Pantothenic acid, commonly called vitamin B5, is a water-soluble B-vitamin.
- It serves as a precursor for coenzyme A (CoA) and the synthesis of acyl-carrier protein.
- Its primary purpose is to facilitate the enzymatic conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy.
- It supports the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones.
Chemistry
- Pantothenic acid (IUPAC: (2R)-2,4‑dihydroxy‑3‑[(3‑hydroxy‑4‑methyl‑2‑oxopentyl)amino]‑4‑oxobutanoic acid) has the molecular formula C₉H₁₇NO₅, a molecular weight of 219.24 g/mol.
- The molecule consists of a β-hydroxy-acid moiety linked via an amide bond to a pantoic acid backbone (a 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-butanoic acid) and a terminal β-hydroxy-acid side chain.
- It contains two hydroxyl groups, a carboxylate, and an amide, conferring high water solubility (≈ 30 g/L at 25 °C).
- Pantothenate salts (e.g., calcium or sodium pantothenate) are the common pharmaceutical forms, improving stability and bioavailability.
- The molecule is chiral; the biologically active is the (R)-enantiomer.
Sources & Quality
- Naturally, pantothenic acid is abundant in animal liver, kidney, eggs, and dairy, and in plant foods such as mushrooms, avocados, and whole grains.
- Commercially, it is extracted from fermentation of Corynebacterium or Bacillus species, or chemically synthesized from β-alanine and pantoic acid intermediates.
- High-purity calcium pantothenate is produced by neutralizing pantothenic acid with calcium carbonate, yielding a stable, water-soluble powder.
- Quality metrics for supplements include ≥ 99 % purity, absence of heavy metals (≤ 10 ppm lead), and verification of the (R)-enantiomer through chiral chromatography.
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification and third-party testing (e.g., USP, NSF) help ensure consistent potency and safety.
Where to Buy Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
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