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| Pantothenic Acid |
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What is it? |
| Derived from the Greek word pántothen, meaning "from all
quarters," this B VITAMIN
is indeed a "do everything, be everywhere" NUTRIENT.
It is part of the chemical makeup of coenzyme A and thus key to the
metabolism of CARBOHYDRATES, fats and
proteins. Pantothenic acid is also involved in making fatty acids, CHOLESTEROL,
acetylcholine (a form of CHOLINE),
a vitamin-like substance), steroid hormones and nerve regulators. It
occurs naturally in all plant and animal cells in concentrations ranging
from impressive to infinitesimal. RDA: None so far. The Food and
Nutrition Board of the National Research Council has set the Estimated
Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intake for adults at between 4 to 7
milligrams of pantothenic acid a day.
Deficiency Symptoms None known for humans. However, in lab animals deprived of pantothenic acid, biomedical researchers have noted muscle cramps, weakened immune systems and impaired adrenal activity. Precautions Refined wheat flours and canned fruits and vegetables will have lost more than half their pantothenic acid, frozen ones anywhere from 7 to 47 percent. This B vitamin also breaks down when exposed to dry heat, acid or alkaline solutions. Good Sources Organ meats, most fish and whole-grain cereals contain the most pantothenic acid but all food groups contribute their share. |
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