Vitamins: Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic Acid Flashcards
1
Q
vitamin B5 – Pantothenic acid
A
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) is required to make coenzyme A (CoA) – the same CoA that forms acetyl-CoA (needed for ATP production).
- In this active form it is involved in hundreds of different reactions
- Synthesised by intestinal bacteria, but to as yet unknown level of absorption
- Theoretically, antibiotics may reduce synthesis
Pantothenic = from Greek for ‘found everywhere’ (i.e. found in many foods)
2
Q
Food sources
A
Richest food stores include:
* Shiitake mushrooms
* Avocados
* Nuts
* Seeds
* Fish
* Meat
However, it is found widely distributed in almost all foods – hence the name.
3
Q
Food prep
A
Sensitive to processing, cooking and freezing with up to 80% loss
4
Q
ATP production: functions and therapeutic uses
A
- Functions:
o Metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins
o Required for Acetyl CoA formation - Therapeutic uses:
o Fatigue
o Supporting energy production in increased need
5
Q
Fat metabolism: functions and therapeutic uses
A
- Functions:
o The synthesis and degradation of fatty acids - Therapeutic uses:
o Acne vulgaris (Sebum)
6
Q
Stress hormones: functions and therapeutic uses
A
- Functions:
o Acetyl-CoA = Neurotransmitters (i.e. increased GABA)
o A cofactor for stress hormones (used up quickly when stressed) - Therapeutic uses:
o Adrenal fatigue
7
Q
Antihistamine: functions and therapeutic uses
A
- Functions:
o Antihistamine properties - Therapeutic uses:
o Allergies
o Hayfever
8
Q
Deficiency
A
- Deficiency is rare.
- However, depletion may occur with a high alcohol use, prolonged stress and recent surgery
9
Q
Deficiency symptoms
A
- Burning sensation in feet and tender heels
- Fatigue
- Abdominal distress
10
Q
Toxicity
A
No known toxicity
11
Q
B5 pantothenic acid functions
A
ATP production
Fat metabolism
Stress hormones
Anti histamine
