Pantethine is made up of two pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) molecules and is considered to be a more biologically active form of vitamin B5. Unfortunately, it is also less stable than pantothenic acid and will degrade over time if not kept refrigerated. Unlike other forms of vitamin B5, pantethine is the only form that has been shown to have blood lipid and cholesterol balancing properties.

Top Health Benefits of Vitamin B-5 Pantethine Acid

Cholesterol and Blood Lipids

Pantethine has been shown to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol while raising the levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. This effect is especially seen in individuals with diabetes. It has also been shown to slightly lower triglyceride levels. All of these effects were seen in people with moderate to severe dyslipidemia(cholesterol and lipid imbalances).

Use in Diabetes and Kidney Failure

Vitamin B5, in the form of pantethine, has been shown to have particularly beneficial effect to the cholesterol levels of diabetics, over and above the benefits to others experience dyslipidemia. Interestingly, pantethine also appears to correct blood lipid problems that occur in people undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure.

Taking Pantethine Acid

The benefits of pantethine seem to be outside of its ability to be a precursor for vitamin B5. Because pantethine is not very shelf stable, generally vitamin B5 is supplemented using the calcium pantothenate form. For its cholesterol-balancing benefits, pantethine is supplemented between 300 and 1200 mg per day.

Important Information

Supplementation of pantethine may cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. It may also slow blood clotting so avoid use if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinning medication.Supplementation should be stopped at least 1 week prior to surgery for the same reason.