pantothenic acid

Question 1

structure of pantothenic acid

Answer 1

Pantothenic acid is formed by a combination of pantoic
acid and β-alanine.

Question 2

Active form of pantothenic acid

Answer 2

Active forms of pantothenic acid are:
* Coenzyme-A (CoA-SH)
* Acyl carrier protein (ACP)

Question 3

source of pantothenic acid

Answer 3

Eggs, liver, yeast, wheat germs, cereals, etc. are important sources of pantothenic acid, although the vitamin
is widely distributed.

Question 4

Functions of pantothenic acid

Answer 4

• Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme-A (CoASH) and acyl carrier protein (ACP). The thiol (-SH) group
  of CoA-SH and ACP acts as a carrier of acyl groups.
• Coenzyme-A participates in reactions concerned with:
  – Reactions of citric acid cycle
  – Fatty acid synthesis and oxidation
  – Synthesis of cholesterol
  – Utilization of ketone bodies.
• ACP participate in reactions concerned with fatty
  acid synthesis.

Question 5

Nutritional Requirement

Answer 5

The RDA of pantothenic acid is not well established. A
daily intake of about 5–10 mg is advised for adults.

Question 6

Deficiency Manifestations

Answer 6

No clearcut case of pantothenic acid deficiency has been
reported (becuase the substance is widely distributed in
foods) except in malnourished prisoners of war in the
far East in 1940s, where neurological condition, known as
the burning feet syndrome, was reported. As these people were
severely malnourished and were deficient in other
vitamins as well, it is not possible to attribute this
specific effect to pantothenic acid deficiency.
Clinical signs observed in experimentally induced
deficiencies are:
* Paresthesia (abnormal tingling sensation)
* Headache
* Dizziness
* Gastrointestinal malfunction.