Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

This is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B complex. It is involved in a number of essential functions in the body and is an essential part of coenzyme A (CoA), an important catalyst in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in energy production. It is essential for the production of cholesterol, steroids, and fatty acids and aids in the utilization of other vitamins, especially riboflavin. About 33% to 50% of panthothenic acid is lost in cooking and milling of whole grains into flour. It helps in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, adrenal support, and healthy joints. There is no toxic level for this vitamin as it is excreted in the urine. No RDA has been established for panthothenic acid, but 4 to 7 mgs is considered adequate. The richest sources of pantothenic acid are liver and other organ meats, whole grain bread and cereals, brewer's yeast, legumes, fish and poultry.

Specimen is 2.0 mL of washed heparinized RBCs. Collect the sample in a heparin tube. Centrifuge the tube, then wash the RBCs one time with normal saline. Protect from light and ship in amber plastic tube.

Doctors who wish to order kits, please call our lab directly to set up an account before ordering. 316-684-7784

Process time: 5 to 7 business days

Process method: The methodology is by HPLC. The procedure was developed in our laboratory.

CPT code: 84591

Special instructions: None

Rejection causes: Gross Hemolysis

Patient prep: None

Specimen volume: 1 mL Heparin RBC, washed 1x; light protected

Minimum volume: 0.3 mL

Collection container: Heparin tube

Transport container: Amber plastic transport tube

Transport instructions: Freeze

Normal values: The accepted normal range established in our laboratory is: 10 to 36 mg/dL.

Reference one: Fry, PC, Fox, HM, Tao, HG. Metabolic response to a panthothenic acid deficient diet in humans. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 1976, 22(4):339-46.

Reference two: Lacroix, B, Didier, E, Grenier, JF. Role of pantothenic and ascorbic acid in wound healing processes: in vitro study on fibroblasts. Int J Vitam Nutr Res., 1988, 58(4):407-13.

Reference three: Tahiliani, AG, Beinlich, CJ. Pantothenic acid in health and disease. Vitam Horm, 1991,46:165-228.