What is pantothenic acid?
		
                  Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs 
                    to the family of B-complex vitamins. Besides being present 
                    in a number of food sources, it is also produced in the human 
                    body by bacteria in the intestines. Since it is not stored 
                    in body fat, after the body uses what it needs, any excess 
                    pantothenic acid is excreted via urine or sweat.
                  Why do 
                    we need it?
                  Pantothenic acid provides an essential role in cellular metabolism 
                    and participates in the release of energy from carbohydrates, 
                    fats, and proteins. It is also essential for the synthesis 
                    of cholesterol, steroids and fatty acids, and aids in the 
                    utilization of other vitamins, especially riboflavin.
                  Studies have shown pantothenic acid to reduce blood cholesterol 
                    levels in diabetic patients. Other studies have shown it to 
                    stimulate the adrenal glands and increase the production of 
                    cortisone and other adrenal hormones important for healthy 
                    skin and nerves. Pantothenic acid may also play a protective 
                    role against hair loss and rheumatoid arthritis.
                  How much 
                    pantothenic acid should I take?
                  According to the National Academy of Sciences, the recommended 
                    daily allowance (RDA) for pantothenic acid is as follows:
                  
                    - Adult men: between 4-7 milligrams/day
- Adult women: between 4-7 milligrams/day
- Children aged 7-10: between 4-5 milligrams/day
- Infants: 3 milligrams/day
- Pregnant/lactating women: between 4-7 milligrams/day
What are 
                    some good sources of pantothenic acid?
                  Whole grains, beans, milk and eggs are considered excellent 
                    sources of pantothenic acid. Other sources include broccoli, 
                    cabbage, and white and sweet potatoes. 
                  
What can 
                    happen if I don't get enough pantothenic acid? 
                  
Because pantothenic acid is produced naturally by the body, 
                    deficiency is rare. Symptoms of deficiency include upset stomach, 
                    increased risk of upper respiratory infections, fatigue, irritability, 
                    burning sensations in the feet and sleep disorders. 
                  
What can 
                    happen if I take too much?
                  
Because it is water-soluble, the body usually excretes any 
                    excess pantothenic acid through sweat or urine. However, very 
                    high dosages (>6 grams per day) may cause diarrhea in humans 
                    and have been shown to cause liver damage in rats.
                 
	
		
		  References
                  
                    - Fry PC, Fox HM, Tao HG. Metabolic response to a pantothenic acid 
		    deficient diet in humans. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1976;22(4):339-46.
- Tahiliani AG, Beinlich CJ. Pantothenic acid in health and 
                    disease. Vitam Horm 1991;46:165-228.
- Borets VM, Lis MA, Pyrochkin VM, Kishkovich VP, Butkevich 
                    ND. Therapeutic efficacy of pantothenic acid preparations 
                    in ischemic heart disease patients. Vopr Pitan Mar/Apr 1987;(2):15-7.
- Fidanza A. Therapeutic action of pantothenic acid. 
                    Int J Vit Nutr Res 1983;suppl 24:53Ð67 (review).
- Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th ed. Washington, 
                    D.C.: National Academy Press, 1989.
- American Herbal Products Association. Botanical 
                    Safety Handbook. CRC Press, 1997.