Vitamin B5 are also known as pantothenic acid. Structurally it is composed of alanine and pantothenic acid joined together by peptide bond.

DATS of Vitamin B5

DATS (DIGESTION, ABSORPTION, TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE) OF VITAMIN-B5 pantothenic acid

Sources:

The term “panto” means “everywhere”. Like its name this vitamin is almost present in every plant and animal sources. Meat, egg, egg yolk, cereals, potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, avocados etc. are good sources of vitamin B5.

In supplements it is present in the form of calcium pantothenate or as pantothenol an alcoholic form of this vitamin.

RDA (recommended dietary allowances):

The recommended dietary allowances are different for the individuals of different age groups. RDA for males, females and children are:

Gender

RDA

Men

5 micro gram

Women

5 micro gram

Children

1.8 micro gram

 

Functions of vitamin B5 in Human body:

Vitamin B6 performs many important roles in human body these are:

  • The main function of this vitamin is the synthesis and resynthesis of CoA.
  • Help to fight with allergies.
  • Also helpful in the production of ATP by breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
  • Helps in the maintenance of health skin, muscles and nerves.

DATS (digestion, absorption, transportation and storage) of vitamin B5:

Digestion:

In foods pantothenic acid is present in free form or bound form. About 85% of the pantothenic acid is present in bound form as a component of CoA. During digestive process CoA is hydrolyzed in lumen in several steps to pantothenic acid by several phosphatases and pyro phosphatases.

Absorption:

Pantothenic acid is thought to be absorbed principally in the jejunum by passive diffusion when present in higher concentration. However, if the concentration is low than it is absorbed through sodium dependent multi vitamin transporter (SMVT) a transporter shared by several vitamins.

Pantothenol the alcoholic form of this vitamin is also absorbed by passive diffusion and are converted to pantothenate.

Transportation:

From the intestinal tissues this vitamin is fetch into the portal blood for the usage of other cells. The uptake of pantothenic acid by tissues like liver, kidney, heart and adrenal glands are SMVT dependent whereas uptake by other tissues occurs through facilitated diffusion.

Storage:

As vitamin B5 is a water soluble vitamin and it does not store in human body. However, a required concentration of this vitamin is present in liver, kidneys, muscles, brain, heart and adrenal glands.

Deficiency:

Deficiency of vitamin B5 leads to burning feet syndrome. It is characterized by burning sensation in the feet’s and numbness of the toes. This syndrome can be corrected with calcium pantothenate administration. its absorption is diminished in the people with excessive alcohol intake.

Toxicity:

No toxicity found in humans. However high levels can may cause intestinal distress, water retention etc.