Is Folic Acid The Same As Pantothenic Acid?

The B complex vitamins are a group of water-soluble nutrients that are generally not stored well in your body. They are often found together in foods, and many of them only work well when other B vitamins are present. The primary function of B vitamins is to serve as cofactors for enzymes in your cells. Pantothenic acid and folic acid are members of the vitamin B complex. Even though some of their functions are similar, they are different nutrients.

Vitamin B Overview

The B vitamins are important participants in cellular energy production. They help to catalyze the conversion of carbohydrates to energy, and they are instrumental in fat and protein metabolism. The health of your nervous system and the normal production of DNA and RNA for your cells depend on B vitamins. These vitamins are needed in larger amounts whenever you are physically or mentally stressed. Because they do not remain in your tissues for appreciable lengths of time, you need to include B vitamins in your diet every day.

Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5, is present in all living cells, where it functions as part of a ubiquitous molecule called coenzyme A, or CoA. As a carrier for other molecules, CoA is essential for carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, the synthesis of cholesterol and steroid hormones, the manufacture of cell membrane components and the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout your body. Due to its role in fat metabolism, CoA has drawn attention as a potential target for anti-obesity therapies, according to a 2011 "Current Pharmaceutical Design" review.

Folic Acid

Folate, or vitamin B-9, received its name from the Latin word "folium," because this nutrient is found in abundance in the foliage of kale, beets, spinach and other leafy greens. One of folic acid's most important roles is in the production of DNA and RNA, which are vital for cellular growth and division. Folic acid acts in concert with vitamin B-12 to form healthy blood cells. Folate also serves to balance your brain function by supplying methyl groups for the metabolism of neurotransmitters. A 2008 report in "Alternative Medicine Review" revealed that folate deficiency not only contributes to depression, but it impairs your ability to respond to antidepressant medications.

Considerations and Recommendations

Pantothenic acid and folic acid are both B vitamins, and they are often found together in foods. However, they are distinctly different nutrients. Daily folic acid requirements vary from 65 mcg to 600 mcg, depending on your age, gender and pregnancy status. Pantothenic acid needs vary from 1.7 mg for infants to 7 mg for lactating females. Supplements containing single B vitamins are commercially available, as are various combinations of B complex vitamins.