November 4, 2013
It means “It’s everywhere.” Apparently they named it this because it can be found in a number of sources.
Good sources: Liver, broccoli, and egg yolks.
DRI: 4-5 mg/d. No RDA has been set.
Functions: It is the precursor to Co-enzyme A (CoA) as in acetyl CoA or succinyl CoA (see glycolysis or Kreb’s cycle).
- Component of coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein (ACP), which facilitates metabolism of two- carbon units (acetyl groups) in the Krebs cyle
- Coenzyme A is a cofactor in over 70 enzymatic pathways
- ACP is cofactor to fatty acid synthase, which is required for fatty acid elongation
- Essential to the production of energy from food in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) via itsrole in transfer of acetyl groups for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
- Acetyl groups are involved in synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin (hemoglobin), phospholipids (cell membranes)
- Coenzyme A is involved in coenzyme Q10 synthesis
- Coenzyme A is needed for prostaglandin synthesis
- Coenzyme A is needed for acetylcholine synthesis
- Coenzyme A is needed for melatonin synthesis
- Coenzyme A is needed for pyruvate degradation
- Coenzyme A is required for phase II detoxification of xenobiotics and several drugs by the liver
- ACP is needed for sphingolipid production, makes the myelin sheath around nerves
- Modulates protein structure, gene expression and cell signaling via coenzyme A activity
- Increases activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat cells
- May reduce hunger during calorie restriction
- Modifies action of several enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis
- Favorably alters LDL (low density lipoprotein) metabolism to less atherogenic type
- Raises HDL (high density lipoproteins)
- Lowers triglycerides
- Lowers plasma beta-thromboglobulin thus reducing hyperaggregation (blood viscosity)
- Full benefit of B5 supplements for blood lipid improvement may take up to four months
- Deficiency may lower progesterone production
- Animal studies show B5 deficiency lowers testosterone
- Favorably impacts adrenal cortex function and physiological response to different stressors(surgical, cold, radiation, etc)
- Deficiency causes impaired adrenal function and morphological changes to adrenal glands
- Increases release of corticosterone in response to adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) hormone
- Improves oxygen utilization and reduces lactic acid accumulation in athletes
- Animal studies suggest that deficiency in B5 causes gray hair
- Vitamin B5 and vitamin C have sparing effects on each other
Deficiencies: Not well characterized in humans. Tingling in hands, fatigue, head aches, and N/V
Toxicities: None known