Its name is derived from the Greek pantothen meaning "from everywhere" and small quantities of pantothenic acid are found in nearly every food, with high amounts in whole grain cereals, legumes, eggs, meat, and royal jelly.
It is
commonly found as its alcohol
analog, the provitamin panthenol,
and as calcium pantothenate. The
dimeric form Pantethine is
considered to be the more active
form of the vitamin in the body,
but is unstable at high
temperatures or when stored for
long periods, so calcium
pantothenate is the more usual
form of vitamin B5 when it is
sold as a dietary supplement.
Another form of pantothenic acid called panthoderm is added to
skin creams and lotions for soothing cuts, scrapes, and mild burns (some believe
that Vitamin B5 helps wounds heal more quickly by stimulating the cells to
grow).
Pantothenic acid deficiency is exceptionally rare and has not been thoroughly
studied. In the few cases where deficiency has been seen (victims of starvation
and limited volunteer trials), nearly all symptoms can be reversed with the
return of pantothenic acid.
Symptoms of deficiency are similar to other vitamin B deficiencies. Most are
minor, including fatigue, allergies, nausea, and abdominal pain. In a few rare
circumstances more serious (but reversible) conditions have been seen, such as
adrenal insuffiency and hepatic encephalopathy.
Gopalan's Burning Foot Syndrome Severe Burning of the sole with lightening pain
was reported in tests conducted on volunteers.
