Vitamin B5 measurement is used to check hypovitaminosis and to monitor supplement therapy.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin. Pantothenic acid and its derivatives are found in all cells as an integral part of acylation vectors and coenzyme A (CoA). Coenzyme A is required for the synthesis of the necessary fatty acids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones, as well as acetylcholine and melatonin. Coenzyme A is an integral part of the Krebs cycle and the catabolism of fatty acids and proteins, the synthesis of heme, a component of hemoglobin, and the catabolism of certain drugs in the liver. Protein acetylation is thought to play an important role in cell division, DNA replication, and cell signaling.
Vitamin B5 deficiency mainly occurs in people who are on restrictive diets without pantothenic acid or patients taking the metabolic antagonist of vitamin B5, omega-methyl pantothenic acid. In these cases, symptoms of pantothenic acid deficiency include irritability, fatigue, sleep disorders, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, numbness and hallucinations, muscle cramps, gait disorders, hypoglycemia, and increased insulin sensitivity.
Vitamin B5 supplements often contain pantothenol, a relatively stable alcoholic derivative of pantothenic acid, which is rapidly converted to pantothenic acid after ingestion, while some other supplements may contain the pantothenic calcium salt. Pantethine, a bilateral form of pantothenic acid used as a cholesterol-lowering agent, is converted to vitamin B5 in the body.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
