Chapter 5

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Gianfranco Calogiuri

Abstract

Pantothenic acid is widely distributed in numerous foodstuffs and it is essential for normal epithelial function and as a component of coenzyme A, which serves as a cofactor for a variety of enzyme-catalyzed reactions highly important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, steroid hormones, and many others. However, panthotenic acid is chemically unstable, thus the stereoisomer of the alcoholic analog, dexpathenol is truly used in cosmetics or multivitamins. Although it is a hydrosoluble vitamin, its derivatives are largely used in cosmetics, moistures, hair products and regenerative emulsions for skincare, for that reason the risk of skin irritancy or sensitization is stronger than other hydrosoluble vitamins and allergic contact dermatitis to panthotenic acid and its derivatives are described in literature, whereas immediate-type reactions like anaphylaxis and contact urticaria occur less frequently.

Total Pages: 36-43 (8)

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