Pantothenic Acid (B5)

Question 1

How is Pantothenic acid absorbed?

Answer 1

Present in foods as either pantothenic acid or coenzyme A (85%)

Pantothenic acid is cleaved from CoA in small intestine and absorbed actively or passively depending on conc.

Only 40-60% bioavailable

Question 2

What is the active form of Pantothenic acid?

Answer 2

Coenzyme A (CoA)

Pantothenic acid combines with a derivative of ADP and the amino acid cystine

Question 3

How is Pantothenic acid transported through the body?

Answer 3

Either freely or bound to RBCs

Question 4

What are the functions of Coenzyme A?

Answer 4

Essential for the formation of Acetyl CoA in all energy production pathways

Acetyl CoA is also the building block for production of cholesterol, bile and steroid hormones

Question 5

What occurs in a Pantothenic Acid deficiency

Answer 5

Very rare

Symptoms

• headaches
• burning feet
• fatigue
• impaired muscle coordination
• GIT disturbances

Question 6

What foods are good sources of Pantothenic Acid?

Answer 6

• Sunflower seeds
• Trout
• Turkey
• Yoghurt