10.1.8 Pantothenic Acid

10.1.8 Pantothenic acid

Pantothenic acid is formed by combination of pantoic acid and ß-alanine. Coenzyme A (CoA) is the coenzyme of pantothenic acid. It also forms a component of the acyl carrier protein (ACP).

Pantothenic acid

Functions: The thiol group acts as a carrier of acyl radicals in both CoA and ACP. This occurs with CoA in reactions of the citric acid cycle, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, acetylation reactions, and cholesterol synthesis. ACP participates in reactions concerned with fatty acid synthesis. It is customary to abbreviate the structure of the free (ie, reduced) CoA as CoA-SH, in which the reactive SH group of the coenzymes is designated.

Deficiency: Deficiency of pantothenic acid is rare. This is because the substance is widely distributed in foods.

RDA

Infants :1-2mg

Children :4-5mg

Adult (males& female) :5-10mg

Pregnant& Lactating women :10-15mg

Sources

Richest Sources : Liver, kidney

Good sources : Milk, meat, eggs and leafy vegetables

Fair sources : Fruits and vegetables.

Last modified: Saturday, 12 November 2011, 10:16 AM