pantotenat

Pantotenat, also known as pantothenic acid in its acidic form, is a water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B5). It occurs naturally in many foods and is also available as pantothenate salts, such as calcium pantothenate, used in supplements and fortification.

In the body, pantotenat is a precursor of coenzyme A (CoA) and the acyl carrier protein. CoA is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and for the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids and acetyl groups, which supply energy to cells. The biosynthetic pathway begins with pantothenate phosphorylation by pantothenate kinase, a key regulatory step in CoA production. Plants and microbes can synthesize pantotenat de novo, while animals rely on dietary intake.

Dietary pantotenat is widely distributed. Rich sources include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, legumes, mushrooms, and many vegetables. Because it is water-soluble, pantotenat is not stored in large amounts and needs regular dietary replenishment.

Recommended intake for adults is an adequate intake around 5 mg per day. In healthy individuals, high-dose pantotenat supplementation has not shown clear additional benefits. Deficiency is rare in developed countries but can occur with severe malnutrition or long-term neglect of a varied diet. Symptoms of deficiency may include fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, numbness or burning sensations in hands and feet, and gastrointestinal upset in some cases.

Pantotenat has a low potential for toxicity; no established upper intake level exists in many guidelines, though extremely high doses can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals.