Main functions of pantothenic acid

Pantothenic acid is one of the essential B vitamins for the human body. As the most extensive B vitamins in the human body, it participates in physiological activities such as fat, protein, and carbohydrates, and plays an important role in human health.

Pantothenic acid is commonly found in daily foods, such as: duck liver, wheat bran, avocado, seaweed, tomatoes, etc.

Main physiological function

Pantothenic acid derivatives are the active substances of coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein. They are involved in the biosynthesis of fats and membrane phospholipids, the production of cholesterol and bile salts, the synthesis of vitamins A and D, and the production of porphyrin and corrin ring.

Acetyl-CoA participates in the acetylation of ethanol, ammonia, carbohydrates and amino acids to produce neurotransmitters, liver detoxification substances, glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are conducive to DNA stability and reduce cell damage caused by oxygen free radicals.

As the active substance of acetyl carrier protein, it participates in the physiological activities of binding and transferring acyl groups.

The harm of pantothenic acid deficiency and overdose

Deficiency: Because pantothenic acid is ubiquitous in animal and plant foods, it is quite rare for people to suffer from dietary nutrient deficiency except for long-term consumption of semi-synthetic diets lacking pantothenic acid or use of pantothenic acid anticaking agents.

Severe deficiency will cause symptoms such as fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort, mood disorders, fever in hands and feet, numbness, decreased insulin sensitivity, and decreased antibody production.

Overdose: People have a good tolerance for pantothenic acid, and occasionally have mild diarrhea.