Vitamin B5: Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid is found throughout living cells in the form of coenzyme A (CoA), which is vital to numerous biological reactions. Your body needs pantothenic acid to convert food (fat, carbohydrates, and proteins) into energy. It also helps inhealing wounds. Administration of pantothenic acid orally and the application of pantothenol ointment to the skin have been shown to accelerate the closure of skin wound and increase the strength of scar tissue.

Pantothenic acid is needed to make two crucial coenzymes: coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP). CoA is required for the sysnthesisi of essential fats, cholesterol, and steroid hormones, as well as the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the hormone of toxins. The acyl carrier protein (ACP), like CoA, is required for the synthesis of fatty acids. Fatty acids are a component of lipids, which are fat molecules essential for normal physiological function. These enzymes help you use fats and carbohydrates to make energy. You also need them for making some important hormones, I the production of healthy red blood cells, and for making vitamin D.

Pantothenic acid and biotin are found in sprouted whole-grain cereals and legumes, broccoli and broccoli sprouts, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables in the cabbage family.