It means “It’s everywhere.” Apparently they named it this because it can be found in a number of sources.
Good sources: Liver, broccoli, and egg yolks.
DRI: 4-5 mg/d. No RDA has been set.
Functions: It is the precursor to Co-enzyme A (CoA) as in acetyl CoA or succinyl CoA (see glycolysis or Kreb’s cycle).
Component of coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein (ACP), which facilitates metabolism of two- carbon units (acetyl groups) in the Krebs cyle
Coenzyme A is a cofactor in over 70 enzymatic pathways
ACP is cofactor to fatty acid synthase, which is required for fatty acid elongation
Essential to the production of energy from food in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) via itsrole in transfer of acetyl groups for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
Acetyl groups are involved in synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin (hemoglobin), phospholipids (cell membranes)
Coenzyme A is involved in coenzyme Q10 synthesis
Coenzyme A is needed for prostaglandin synthesis
Coenzyme A is needed for acetylcholine synthesis
Coenzyme A is needed for melatonin synthesis
Coenzyme A is needed for pyruvate degradation
Coenzyme A is required for phase II detoxification of xenobiotics and several drugs by the liver
ACP is needed for sphingolipid production, makes the myelin sheath around nerves
Modulates protein structure, gene expression and cell signaling via coenzyme A activity
Increases activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat cells
May reduce hunger during calorie restriction
Modifies action of several enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis
Favorably alters LDL (low density lipoprotein) metabolism to less atherogenic type
Raises HDL (high density lipoproteins)
Lowers triglycerides
Lowers plasma beta-thromboglobulin thus reducing hyperaggregation (blood viscosity)
Full benefit of B5 supplements for blood lipid improvement may take up to four months
Deficiency may lower progesterone production
Animal studies show B5 deficiency lowers testosterone
Favorably impacts adrenal cortex function and physiological response to different stressors(surgical, cold, radiation, etc)
Deficiency causes impaired adrenal function and morphological changes to adrenal glands
Increases release of corticosterone in response to adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) hormone
Improves oxygen utilization and reduces lactic acid accumulation in athletes
Animal studies suggest that deficiency in B5 causes gray hair
Vitamin B5 and vitamin C have sparing effects on each other
Deficiencies: Not well characterized in humans. Tingling in hands, fatigue, head aches, and N/V
Toxicities: None known
