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Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid refers a B-complex vitamin that is essential in humans due
to its involvement in the Kreb’s cycle of energy production. It is also necessary
in the creation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Involved in a variety
of growth, reproduction, and regular physiological functions for both humans
and animals, panthothenic acid is also essential in the production, transportation,
and the release of energy produced from fats. Additional functions includes:
its role in the synthesis of cholesterol, which is necessary in the manufacturing
of vitamin D and steroid hormones; and its role in the activation of adrenal
glands. When the human body metabolizes pantothenic acid, it produces pantethine
which has been cited as lowering blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL (low-density
lipoprotein) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
cholesterol levels. Pantethine also lowers triglycerides levels within the body.
Pantothenic literally means something that is found everywhere and consequently
pantothenic acid can be found in a variety of dietary sources. Most vegetables,
dairy, eggs, grain, and meat contain panthothenic acid although particularly
high concentrations of pantothenic acid can be found in: liver, salmon, and
yeast. Instances of panthotenic acid deficiency is rare, however it can be treated
through the availability of panthothenic acid as a nutritional supplement. Deficiencies
in panthothenic acid has been linked with such symptoms as fatigue, depression,
headache, personality changes, cardiac instability, abdominal pains, paresthesia
(burning sensations felt in the feet and/or hands), muscle weakness, sleep disturbances,
and cramps. Pantothenic Acid deficiency is usually linked to individuals that
abuse alcohol or other drugs, but is also associated with individuals who are
generally in ill health. If using nutritional supplements to solve panthothenic
acid deficiency, it is recommended that dosages of 300 mg of pantethine be taken
three times per day. These supplements should be complemented with vitamin B1,
vitamin B2, vitamin B3. The only known side effect to pantethine is diarrhea,
but this is only in instances of excessively high intake of pantethine.
Pantothenic acid has been cited as a source of medical treatment for a variety
of ailments. Pantethine, which panthothenic acid produces when it is metabolized
in the body, has been documented as an effective treatment of high cholesterol
and triglyceride levels within the body. As pantethine reduces LDL cholesterol
levels in the body, it aids in the prevention of heart disease which is associated
with high levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. Additionally, pantethine can
also be used as an alternative way to lower cholesterol for individuals with
diabetes that are unable to use niacin due to its potential side effects on
blood sugar regulation. Pantothenic acid has also been used in the treatment
of symptoms caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Individuals that suffer from rheumatoid
arthritis are often partially deficient in pantothenic acid, and a medical study
has shown that the intake of 2,000 mg of pantothenic acid per day for two months
led to the reduction of morning stiffness, disability, and pain. However, a
doctor should be consulted prior to the intake of such high levels of pantothenic
acid for those individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
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