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).
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Component of coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein (ACP), which facilitates metabolism of two- carbon units (acetyl groups) in the Krebs cyle
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Coenzyme A is a cofactor in over 70 enzymatic pathways
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ACP is cofactor to fatty acid synthase, which is required for fatty acid elongation
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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
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Acetyl groups are involved in synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin (hemoglobin), phospholipids (cell membranes)
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Coenzyme A is involved in coenzyme Q10 synthesis
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Coenzyme A is needed for prostaglandin synthesis
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Coenzyme A is needed for acetylcholine synthesis
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Coenzyme A is needed for melatonin synthesis
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Coenzyme A is needed for pyruvate degradation
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Coenzyme A is required for phase II detoxification of xenobiotics and several drugs by the liver
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ACP is needed for sphingolipid production, makes the myelin sheath around nerves
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Modulates protein structure, gene expression and cell signaling via coenzyme A activity
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Increases activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat cells
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May reduce hunger during calorie restriction
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Modifies action of several enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis
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Favorably alters LDL (low density lipoprotein) metabolism to less atherogenic type
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Raises HDL (high density lipoproteins)
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Lowers triglycerides
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Lowers plasma beta-thromboglobulin thus reducing hyperaggregation (blood viscosity)
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Full benefit of B5 supplements for blood lipid improvement may take up to four months
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Deficiency may lower progesterone production
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Animal studies show B5 deficiency lowers testosterone
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Favorably impacts adrenal cortex function and physiological response to different stressors(surgical, cold, radiation, etc)
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Deficiency causes impaired adrenal function and morphological changes to adrenal glands
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Increases release of corticosterone in response to adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) hormone
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Improves oxygen utilization and reduces lactic acid accumulation in athletes
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Animal studies suggest that deficiency in B5 causes gray hair
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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