Vitamin B15 (Pangamic Acid)

WHAT IS PANGAMIC ACID (B15)?

Pangamic acid or pangamate is often referred to as vitamin B15, though it isn’t officially recognized as a vitamin because it does not meet the qualifications for one and no deficiency profile has been established. Originally, the name pangamic acid was used to reference a substance called “D-gluconodimethyl aminoacetic acid”, which is naturally present in apricot kernel seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, brewer's yeast, and brown rice.

Pangamic Acid is a water-soluble substance that was (and still is) marketed as a potent antioxidant. It was used as a supplement in the U.S. and Canada until the 1970s when it was banned over unproven claims and amid growing safety concerns.

Though few studies exist on pangamic acid, it is recommended for a wide range of conditions including the treatment of skin conditions such as; eczema and psoriasis, alleviating nerve, and joint pain conditions, improving exercise tolerance, helping to oxygenate the heart, brain, and other organs, and protecting the liver from alcohol and other hepatotoxins. Pangamic acid is also said to bolster the body's natural detoxification processes, protect the body's cells against air pollution, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol, and help balance hormones.

Today, vitamin B15 can be purchased in calcium pangamate form in certain countries including Russia and certain European countries. Dimethylglycine (DMG) is sometimes recommended as a substitute for vitamin B15 because it is believed to combine with gluconic acid to form pangamic acid once ingested. DMG; however, is not to be confused with pangamic acid, as it is not banned in North America, and is classified as vitamin B16, not B15.

FINAL WORD

No universal dosing schedule has been established for pangamic acid supplements. The appropriate dose will likely be dependent on a few factors such as; health status, age, weight, and the intended application.

Vitamin B15 is not appropriate for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Likewise, those with kidney conditions should not take pangamic acid as it can cause the formation of kidney stones and may worsen existing kidney disorders.

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