Pantothenic acid is an essential, water-soluble B vitamin involved in fatty acid metabolism, and the synthesis and maintenance of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is a vital component in numerous enzyme reactions responsible for the synthesis of vitamin A, vitamin D, proteins, amino acids, steroids, phospholipids, and other essential biochemical compounds.

      Among the vitamins of the B complex, pantothenic acid is among those for which there has been only little research. The most recent National Academy of Sciences DRI study (see following table) which has reviewed all of the current scientific literature, has recommended a daily intake for this vitamin of approximately half of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s previously established RDI of 10 mg.

      Pantothenic acid is found in virtually all plant and animal cells to some degree. Sources that appear to have the greatest concentration include chicken, beef, potatoes, oat cereals, tomatoes, liver, kidney, yeast, egg yolk, broccoli and whole grains. The highest concentrations of this vitamin are derived from fresh products; freezing or canning, and the refining in processed foods (especially grains) has been shown to decrease their content of this vitamin.

      Deficiency in pantothenic acid is quite uncommon, and has only been reported in experimental studies in individuals on diets almost devoid of this vitamin. The wide range of symptoms observed in these studies were variable in type and severity, and included restlessness and irritability, malaise, fatigue, difficulty in sleeping, various gastrointestinal disturbances, and some neurological effects such as muscle cramps, numbness, and problems with gait, among others.

      Pantothenic acid is generally found in most multivitamins and in supplemental vitamin B complex mixtures, typically in amounts not exceeding the current U.S. FDA reference daily intake of 10 mg.
      Although supportive research has been minimal, it has been suggested that pantothenic acid ingested with other vitamins of the B complex enhances the absorption of the vitamin. These studies, however, are too few in number, and their statistical significance too little to establish any direct relationship of the effect.

      The most recent National Academy of Sciences DRI study indicates there have been no reports of adverse effects from high intakes of pantothenic acid, even at levels as high as 900 mg/day reported in one study. Although another report suggested possible liver toxicity in children with intakes of 1200 mg/day of this vitamin, in combination with other vitamins of the B complex, it was not possible to isolate pantothenic acid as the causative factor from this study alone.
      As a result of these findings, no Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) was established for this vitamin (see Reference Values table).