Pantothenic acid deficiency
Pantothenic acid deficiency is so rare that it has
only been seen in humans in severely malnourished
prisoners of war in Asia after World War II and in
research volunteers who were given a pantothenic-free
diet. The main symptoms these groups experienced
were burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet and
fatigue. This symptoms disappeared when pantothenic
acid was added to their diet.
Precautions
Large doses of pantothenic acid taken over a long
period are well tolerated. The only negative side effect
reported is mild diarrhea.
Interactions
There are no known interactions between panto-
thenic acid and drugs or herbal supplements. Using
oral contraceptives may mildly increase the body’s
need for pantothenic acid.
Complications
No complications are expected related to panto-
thenic acid. Deficiency occurs only with severe starva-
tion. Excess intake is well tolerated.
Parental concernsParents should have few concerns about panto-
thenic acid. Healthy children get enough of this vita-
min in their diet and are unlikely to need or benefit
from supplementation.ResourcesBOOKS
Berkson, Burt and Arthur J. Berkson.Basic Health
Publications User’s Guide to the B-complex
Vitamins. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publica-
tions, 2006.
Gaby, Alan R., ed.A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Inter-
actions Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition: Improve
Your Health and Avoid Side Effects When Using Com-
mon Medications and Natural Supplements Together.
New York: Three Rivers Press, 2006.
Lieberman, Shari and Nancy Bruning.The Real Vitamin and
Mineral Book: The Definitive Guide to Designing Your
Personal Supplement Program. 4th ed. New York:
Avery, 2007.
Pressman, Alan H. and Sheila Buff.The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. 3rd ed. Indianapolis,
IN: Alpha Books, 2007.
Rucker, Robert B., ed.Handbook of Vitamins. Boca Raton,
FL: Taylor & Francis, 2007.KEY TERMS
B-complex vitamins—A group of water-soluble vita-
mins that often work together in the body. These
include thiamine (B 1 ), riboflavin (B 2 ), niacin (B 3 ),
pantothenic acid (B 5 ), pyridoxine (B 6 ), biotin (B 7 or
vitamin H), folate/folic acid (B 9 ), and cobalamin (B 12 ).
Coenzyme—Also called a cofactor, a small non-
protein molecule that binds to an enzyme and cata-
lyzes (stimulates) enzyme-mediated reactions.
Dietary supplement—A product, such as a vitamin,
mineral, herb,aminoacid,orenzyme,thatisintended
tobeconsumedinadditiontoanindividual’sdietwith
the expectation that it will improve health.
Enzyme—A protein that change the rate of a chem-
ical reaction within the body without themselves
being used up in the reaction.
Fatty acids—Complex molecules found in fats and
oils. Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that the body
needs but cannot synthesize. Essential fatty acids are
made by plants and must be present in the diet to
maintain health.Hormone—A chemical messenger that is produced
by one type of cell and travels through the blood-
stream to change the metabolism of a different type
of cell.
Neurotransmitter—One of a group of chemicals
secreted by a nerve cell (neuron) to carry a chemical
message to another nerve cell, often as a way of trans-
mitting a nerve impulse. Examples of neurotransmit-
ters include acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine.
Steroid—A family of compounds that share a similar
chemical structure. This family includes the estrogen
and testosterone, vitamin D, cholesterol, and the
drugs cortisone and prendisone.
Vitamin—A nutrient that the body needs in small
amounts to remain healthy but that the body cannot
manufacture for itself and must acquire through diet.
Water-soluble vitamin—A vitamin that dissolves in
water and can be removed from the body in urine.Pantothenic acid