Pantothenic acid
(Vitamin B5)

Pantothenic acid (formally known as Vitamin B5) is a B-complex vitamin that is essential for energy metabolism, normalising blood sugar levels and in the manufacturing of antibodies, cholesterol, haemoglobin (found in red blood cells) and some hormones.

Pantothenic acid is found in most foods and is named after the Greek word 'Pantothen' which means ‘from everywhere’. The exception is very refined foods that have little or no trace of the vitamin. A deficiency in pantothenic acid has not been reported in humans which is mainly due to the large available of the vitamin in food but could also be partly explained by intestinal bacteria which manufacture the vitamin and reduce the demand for oral consumption.

Despite the fact that no recommended dietary intake has been set for pantothenic acid the recent Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand has set an adequate intake level for all ages which is summarised below.

Recommended Dietary Intake for Pantothenic Acid

Please refer to the following definitions when interpreting these recommendations:

RDI-Recommended Daily Intake
The average daily intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of nearly all (97-98%) health individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.

AI-Adequate Intake (used when an RDI cannot be determined)
The average daily nutrient intake level based on observed or experimentally-determined approximations or estimates of nutrient intake by a group (or groups) of apparently healthy people that are assumed to be adequate.

UL-Upper Limit of Intake
The highest average daily nutrient intake level likely to pose no adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increases above the UL, the potential risk of adverse effects increases.

RECOMMENDATIONS BY LIFE STAGE AND GENDER – Pantothenic Acid

The safe upper level of intake for pantothenic acid cannot be estimated as there are no adverse events that have been associated with pantothenic acid consumption as food or through supplements.

Source: National Health and Medical Research Council. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra 2006, copyright Commonwealth of Australia reproduced by permission.

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