Pantethine is a naturally occurring chemical linked to pantothenic acid in the body. It has been linked with increasing certain chemicals in the body, which reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Pantethine and pantothenic acid are not the same, so don’t confuse them with each other. However, pantethine is made from pantothenic acid, i.e., Vitamin B5.
Pantethine supplements are actively used to improve cardiovascular health and increase good cholesterol levels.
In this article, we’ll explore more about the health benefits and side effects of pantethine supplements.
Table of Contents
What Are Pantethine Supplements Taken For?
Pantethine is a direct precursor to Coenzyme A that boosts the healthy metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Pantethine supplements are a popular source of nutrients that boost cardiovascular health and build healthy platelet cell membranes.
Pantethine directly affects the normal formation of HDL cholesterol since it promotes the functioning of the enzyme responsible for cholesterol regulation.
Triglycerides get stored in the body as fuel. Pantethine boosts liver metabolism with fatty acids, promoting a natural triglyceride metabolism. Pantethine is an excellent weight management and fitness source if combined with a healthy diet and proper exercise.
Pantethine is also known for the formation of healthy blood cell membranes. It incorporates long-chain omega-3 oils such as DHA within the structure of cell membranes. Overall, pantethine supplements boost metabolism and promote healthy cell formation.
Pantethine Benefits
Since pantethine is sourced from pantothenic acid, it has multiple benefits.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Research has shown that pantethine breaks down triglycerides stored in the body and converts them to fuel. Moreover, good cholesterol or HDL levels in the body increase with the intake of pantethine, while bad cholesterol or LDL levels decrease. A study revealed that consuming pantethine for 16 weeks lowered LDL and reduced users’ risk of coronary heart diseases. [1]
Boosts Testosterone
While little research has been conducted, certain studies reveal that pantethine can improve male testosterone levels. A study on rats showed that those fed with pantothenic acid had improved testosterone and sperm motility compared to those without. [2]
Fatty Liver and Hypertriglyceridemia
Since pantethine is related to breaking down triglycerides, researchers have tested it on those with fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia. In a study, 16 patients with these conditions for over 6 months were administered pantethine.
After the study concluded, 9 patients no longer had a fatty liver, and visceral fat deposited due to hypertriglyceridemia had also significantly reduced. Hence, pantethine can improve both of these conditions. [3]
Pantethine vs. Pantothenic Acid
Pantethine is a biologically active form of vitamin B5. It is a derivative of the vitamin, which is then double-bonded with sulfur to form these supplements. This bonding allows pantethine to have a biological activity that B5 doesn’t have. The main difference is that pantothenic acid is a vitamin, while pantethine is a vitamin derivative. [4]
While pantethine supplements lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides, pantothenic acid supplements have no such effect. Pantothenic acid, on the other hand, is associated with treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Athletes also use it to boost sports performance and reduce overall stress. Moreover, pantothenic acid is also good for skin and hair, so it is used to fight acne and other skin ailments.
Pantethine for Testosterone
A study based on rats revealed that pantethine was essential for boosting testosterone and sperm motility. However, further detailed research needs to be conducted regarding this. [5][6]
Pantethine for Sleep
While pantethine directly doesn’t promote or affect sleep, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid helps with adrenal and sleep problems. A daily dosage of vitamin B5 between 500mg and 1000mg reduces cortisol levels in the body leading to better sleep.
What Is Pantethine Used For?
Pantethine has multiple uses for the body since it is a derivative of vitamin B5, an important nutrient. However, pantethine has mainly been used to improve cholesterol levels and promote a healthy lifestyle. Studies show that pantethine breaks down the triglycerides found in the body and converts them to the energy that fuels the body.
Moreover, pantethine is also used as an active supplement to boost heart health since it reduces cholesterol levels significantly. Pantethine supplements also build healthy cell membranes.
Pantethine for Cholesterol
Pantethine supplements are used to reduce cholesterol levels. These supplements contain Coenzyme A, essential for breaking down bad cholesterol or LDL levels. It also boosts chemicals in the body that produce good cholesterol or HDL. Hence, you can use pantethine to reduce cholesterol levels.
Studies have also revealed that patients with fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia can consume pantethine. In these situations, pantethine breaks down the fat stored and improves the health of these patients.
Pantethine Side Effects
There are no significant side effects associated with consuming pantethine supplements. People can take up to 1000 mg of pantethine daily for 48 weeks without harm. Some might face slight side effects, including nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Pantethine can slow blood clotting. Those with bleeding disorders have a high risk of bleeding out when taking pantethine supplements. If you have surgery scheduled, you should stop consuming pantethine at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
To avoid health complications, you should consult your healthcare provider before consuming pantethine supplements.
Pantethine Hair Loss
While pantethine itself isn’t associated with benefiting hair health or stopping hair loss, the main vitamin, B5, or pantothenic acid, is shown to improve hair health. Vitamin B5 encourages healthy hair growth, nourishes and strengthens hair follicles, and stops hair loss.
Bottomline
Pantethine supplements are important and can be consumed daily to improve overall health. Consumers feel energized after a pantethine intake since it boosts overall metabolism.
Moreover, it is also beneficial for reducing cholesterol levels, especially for those with fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia. Nonetheless, further research will reveal other benefits of this vitamin derivative.
FAQs
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Evans, M., Rumberger, J. A., Azumano, I., Napolitano, J. J., Citrolo, D., & Kamiya, T. (2014). Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B5, favorably alters total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in low to moderate cardiovascular risk subjects eligible for statin therapy: a triple-blinded placebo and diet-controlled investigation. Vascular health and risk management, 10, 89–100. https://doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S57116
- YAMAMOTO, T., JAROENPORN, S., PAN, L., AZUMANO, I., ONDA, M., NAKAMURA, K., WATANABE, G., & TAYA, K. (2009). Effects of pantothenic acid on testicular function in male rats. The Journal of veterinary medical science, 71(11), 1427–1432. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.001427
- Osono, Y., Hirose, N., Nakajima, K., & Hata, Y. (2000). The effects of pantethine on fatty liver and fat distribution. Journal of atherosclerosis and thrombosis, 7(1), 55–58. https://doi.org/10.5551/jat1994.7.55
- Shibata, K., Kaneko, M., & Fukuwatari, T. (2013). D-pantethine has vitamin activity equivalent to d-pantothenic acids for recovering from a deficiency of D-pantothenic acid in rats. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 59(2), 93–99. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.59.93
- YAMAMOTO, T., JAROENPORN, S., PAN, L., AZUMANO, I., ONDA, M., NAKAMURA, K., WATANABE, G., & TAYA, K. (2009). Effects of pantothenic acid on testicular function in male rats. The Journal of veterinary medical science, 71(11), 1427–1432. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.001427
- Hrubša, M., Siatka, T., Nejmanová, I., Vopršalová, M., Kujovská Krčmová, L., Matoušová, K., Javorská, L., Macáková, K., Mercolini, L., Remião, F., Máťuš, M., Mladěnka, P., & On Behalf Of The Oemonom (2022). Biological Properties of Vitamins of the B-Complex, Part 1: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5. Nutrients, 14(3), 484. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030484
