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Calcium Pantothenate

Calcium Pantothenate

Aid Overall Health

The supplement calcium pantothenate goes by a variety of names. It is also known as calcium d-pantothenate, vitamin B5 and pantothenic acid.

The second part of its name, pantothenic acid, is a very apt name for this common and useful substance. Pantothenic is derived from the Greek word pantothen, which means “from every side.”

This water-soluble vitamin is found in all of the cells of the human body. It is produced in the intestines by bacteria. It performs a coenzyme role, being required by the body to metabolize carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.

According to drugs.com, the supplement is also used in the synthesis of steroids, acetylholine, porphyrins and other substances and may be required for normal epithelial function.

Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.

Summary

Proven Benefits of Calcium Pantothenate Calcium pantothenate is required to gain resistance to allergies, stress and shock. It is also needed for protection against cellular damage caused by radiation. Calcium pantothenate can help with the treatment or prevention of pantothenic acid d... more

Proven Benefits of Calcium Pantothenate

Calcium pantothenate is required to gain resistance to allergies, stress and shock. It is also needed for protection against cellular damage caused by radiation.

Calcium pantothenate can help with the treatment or prevention of pantothenic acid deficiency. Although such a deficiency is rare, it can result in problems like hypoglycemia, skin diseases and disorders or duodenal ulcers.

B vitamins are easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, except when someone has a malabsorption syndrome. Calcium pantothenate is lost when foods are boiled in water. Calcium pantothenate can be destroyed by heat, freezing, canning, or exposure to acids and alkalis like vinegar and baking soda.

To prevent deficiency symptoms from developing, one should take all of the B vitamins together. Some other important supplements besides the B complex vitamins should be taken along with calcium pantothenate, including sulfur, manganese, vitamin C and zinc.

Those who are suffering from allergies or stress, or those who do strenuous activity may need more calcium pantothenate, so the requirement might need to be increased. The vitamin B5 requirements may also need to be raised if someone is taking certain drugs including aspirin, diuretics, antacids, antibiotics and sleeping pills.

Sources of Calcium Pantothenate

The foods that are the most significant sources of vitamin B5 are egg yolks, yogurt, milk, cheese, nuts, wheat germ and whole grains. It must be remembered, however, that calcium pantothenate can be destroyed by heat or freezing and it comes out in cooking water. 

Proper preparation of your food is the key to preserving this vitamin. Calcium pantothenate is also in most multivitamins.

Recommended Dosage For Calcium Pantothenate

The National Institutes for Health states that the recommended daily dosages for calcium pantothenate are as follows:

  • Teenagers and adult men and women 14 years and older, 5 mg
  • Children 9-13 years, 4 mg
  • Children from 4-8 years, 3 mg
  • Children 1-3 years, 2 mg
  • Infants 7-12 months, 1.8 mg
  • Infants 0-6 months, 1.7 mg

Also pregnant women and breastfeeding women could take an elevated dose, 6 mg and 7 mg respectively.

Suspected Benefits of Calcium Pantothenate

Pantothenic acid has not yet been proven effective for treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The evidence regarding how useful pantothenic acid is in combination with large doses of other vitamins is conflicting.

For arthritis, developing research suggests calcium pantothenate does not reduce the symptoms of arthritis significantly in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of arthritis.

Calcium pantothenate is touted as being helpful with:

  • skin problems
  • alcoholism
  • allergies
  • hair loss
  • colitis
  • convulsions
  • dandruff
  • kidney disorders
  • headache
  • low blood pressure
  • muscular dystrophy
  • insomnia
  • asthma
  • depression
  • hyperactivity
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • multiple sclerosis
  • muscle cramps

No scientific studies exist which conclusive prove these claims. More evidence would be required to measure the effectiveness of calcium pantothenate for these uses.  

Calcium pantothenate not been proven to enhance the function of the immune system or treat reactions of the skin from radiation therapy, although these have been “suspected benefits” at one time or another.

There is some research which suggests that pantothenic acid, when combined with thiamine and pantethine, does not improve the strength of muscles or overall endurance in athletes.  

Side Effects of Taking Calcium Pantothenate

According to the National Institutes of Health, calcium pantothenate is “likely safe” in appropriate amounts, although too much can cause diarrhea. They also advise patients not to take pantothenic acid if they have hemophilia as it could extend the amount of time it takes for bleeding to stop.

With such minimal side effects, it might be worthwhile to take this supplement if you are suffering from any of the above listed conditions. You should always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement.

To locate and compare products containing calcium pantothenate, use the Supplement Finder now!
 

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions
Overdose May Cause Diarrhea
Calcium D-pantothenate, Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid
Metabolizes Protein, Fats, And Carbohydrates
Protects Against Radiation
Aids In Synthesis Of Substances Required For Normal Epitheal Function
Prevents Allergies
Prevents Stress And Shock