Vitamin B5 | D-calcium pantothenate

Vitamin B5 | D-calcium pantothenate

Properties: Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, stimulates the secretion of substances that support signal transmission between the cells of the human nervous system. When neuronal communication improves so does our intellectual performance. What is more, vitamin B5 upregulates the activity of acetylcholine in the brain. This is especially important in the context of our key cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration, and the speed of information processing. Additionally, the optimal level of acetylcholine is crucial to maintain a good mood. This neurotransmitter might also be involved in the ability to empathize with others. Thus, pantothenic acid, by stimulation of the cholinergic pathways, can efficiently stabilise various aspects of our psyche.  

Apart from the psyche, vitamin B5 also has the potential to stabilize our diurnal cycle. As it turns out, it plays a role in the production of melatonin – the hormone responsible for the regulation of sleep cycle. In other words, melatonin is necessary to fall asleep. Due to transformations that vitamin B5 undergoes in the organism, the secretion of melatonin increases which makes us feel sleepy in the evening and full of energy in the morning. Therefore, it is especially recommended for those who have irregular sleep patterns. Last but not least, vitamin B5 has a beneficial influence on the cardiovascular system. There, it serves a very important function, as it lowers the blood cholesterol level and prevents the formation of lipid deposits in blood vessels. In this way, vitamin B5 provides an efficient support to atherosclerosis prophylaxis. 

Summing up, pantothenic acid is a supplement that benefits the entire organism. First and foremost, it improves our intellectual performance and stimulates secretion of important hormones. On top of that, it helps to prevent infections and cardiovascular diseases. Clearly, vitamin B5 provides multiple benefits to our body and mind. Let’s make sure that enough of it circulates throughout them!

Occurrence: Vitamin B5 is widely present in nature, both in animal and plant-based products. Its rich sources include: mushrooms, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, whole milk, avocados, oranges, bananas, melons, broccoli, potatoes, soybeans, sunflower seeds, whole grains and royal jelly.

Biochemistry: Vitamin B5 is actually a compound made from different substances: pantothenic acid, panthein (beta-aminoethane of a thiol derivative of pantothenic acid), panthenol (D-pantothenic alcohol – not found in nature but biologically active in the human body), coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein (ACP). The pantothenic acid molecule is composed of a beta-alanine and 2,4-dihydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyric acid residue. It can exist as one of the two enantiomers: R or S. In its free form, this compound is a thick oily liquid with a yellowish color, exhibiting hygroscopic properties. Its sodium and calcium salts are highly water-soluble. Panthenol is also a liquid, but can form crystals too. It has excellent water-solubility, and in solutions it is much more stable than pantothenic acid. Its crystalline salts are resistant to the effects of light and air but are hygroscopic.

Fun fact: The name “pantothenic acid” stems from the Greek word pantothen, which literally translates to “omnipresent”. In 1933 American biochemist Roger Williams discovered vitamin B5 and named it so in order to highlight the fact that high amounts of this compound exist in nature.