Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B 5) (Systemic)
Brand Names : vitamin B 5, calcium pantothenate
Category- Nutritional supplement, vitamin
DescriptionVitamins
(VYE-ta-mins)
are compounds
that you must
have for growth and health. They
are needed in only small amounts and are usually available in the foods that
you eat. Pantothenic acid (pan-toh-THEN-ik
AS-id) (vitamin B 5
) is needed
for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
No problems have been found that are due to a lack of pantothenic acid
alone. However, a lack of one B vitamin usually goes along with a lack of
others, so pantothenic acid is often included in B complex products.
Claims that pantothenic acid is effective for treatment of nerve damage,
breathing problems, itching and other skin problems, and poisoning with some
other drugs; for getting rid of or preventing gray hair; for preventing arthritis,
allergies, and birth defects; or for improving mental ability have not been
proven.
This vitamin is available without a prescription in the following dosage
forms:
Oral
-
Calcium pantothenate
-
Pantothenic acid
-
Capsules (U.S.)
-
Oral solution (U.S.)
-
Tablets (U.S.)
-
Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
Importance of DietPantothenic acid is found in various foods including peas and beans (except
green beans), lean meat, poultry, fish, and whole-grain cereals. Little pantothenic
acid is lost from foods with ordinary cooking.
Vitamins alone will not take the place of a good diet and will not provide
energy. Your body also needs other substances found in food—protein,
minerals, carbohydrates, and fat.
The daily amount of pantothenic acid needed is defined in several different
ways.
For U.S.—
-
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the amount of vitamins
and minerals needed to provide for adequate nutrition in most healthy persons.
RDAs for a given nutrient may vary depending on a person's age, sex, and physical
condition (e.g., pregnancy).
-
Daily Values (DVs) for nutrients are used on food and dietary supplement
labels to indicate the percent of the recommended daily amount of each nutrient
that a serving provides. DVs replace the previous designation of United States
Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDAs).
For Canada—
-
Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) are used to determine the amounts
of vitamins, minerals, and protein needed to provide adequate nutrition and
lessen the risk of chronic disease.
Because lack of pantothenic acid is so rare, there is no RDA or RNI for
this vitamin. The following daily intakes are thought to be plenty for most
individuals:
-
Infants and children—
-
Birth to 3 years of age: 2 to 3 milligrams (mg).
-
4 to 6 years of age: 3 to 4 mg.
-
7 to 10 years of age: 4 to 5 mg.
-
Adolescents and adults—4 to 7 mg.
Brand Names
Other commonly used names are vitamin B
5
and calcium pantothenate
.
Generic name product may also be available in the U.S.
† Not commercially available in Canada.
|
Set Homepage
Email Page
Favorites
