VITAMIN B-5 PANTETHINE ACID
Updated Feb. 05th, 2024
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.
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.
How can I take pantethine?
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.
Ozempic has been HUGE for diabetes but I've noticed from reading many of your articles that natural solutions have benefits for blood sugar regulation, glucose homeostasis, and diabetes, in addition to often less severe side effects. Pantethine indeed has side effects but also many additional health promoting effects and, like other natural approaches holds promise. I am very excited to see more natural products be explored in diabetes treatment and prevention, which will be interesting!!
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for enjoying our articles. While those with diabetes should seek help from their healthcare practitioner when choosing a protocol that best suits their needs, as mentioned in this article, pantethine has been shown to have particularly beneficial effects on the cholesterol levels of diabetics. Depending on the patients health profile, there are many natural ways to help manage blood sugar levels. Some of these can be found here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ13bsV3vEM
Stay healthy & well.
I didn't know that pantethine acid is made of two vitamin B5 molecules instead of 1 (pantothenic acid) and is, resultantly, more biologically active. This makes sense and thank you for the information! :) I'll keep this in mind the next time I purchase a vitamin B supplement that has vitamin B5 in it.
FYI: there is a typo in this article; totally understandable with the sheer amount of content you put out.
Hello Rachel,
We are thrilled you enjoyed learning new information about Vitamin B5 and can make better informed decisions when shopping for supplements and caring for your health. Thank you for you note, we have made that update ;) When looking at the B vitamins, it's important to take them in the unique ratio your body needs, often times a b complex supplement is best to ensure this delicate balance is kept. You can find quality brands of b complex supplements here, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/vitamin-b/b-complex.html
Have a health day!