Pantothenic acid

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Pantothenic acid, also known as Vitamin B5, is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and fatty acid metabolism, playing a role in energy production.

The recommended daily intake for adult men in Japan is 5mg, and no health risks from excessive intake of pantothenic acid have been reported, so there is no established upper limit for safe intake. Pantothenic acid is found in various food ingredients, and if you are eating a regular diet, it is unlikely to be deficient. Pantothenic acid deficiency is very rare.

Functions of Pantothenic Acid

• Involved in energy metabolism
• Helps reduce cholesterol and improve platelet count
• Enhances defense mechanisms against stress

Pantothenic acid does not directly exert its effects; instead, it facilitates various bodily functions. For example, simply consuming more pantothenic acid will not directly improve energy metabolism, nor will it necessarily lower cholesterol levels by taking pantothenic acid alone.

Pantothenic Acid in Energy Drinks

Pantothenic acid is thought to act alongside sugars and other ingredients in energy drinks for energy metabolism, but the effects may not be as significant as expected.

It is known that consuming caffeine or alcohol can deplete pantothenic acid. While energy drinks contain pantothenic acid, it’s unlikely that they are specifically formulated to replenish it, as pantothenic acid deficiency is not a common or severe issue. Therefore, there is no need to deeply consider pantothenic acid as a special ingredient in energy drinks.