Pantothenic acid and biotin

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Food Sources

Recommendations

Side Effects

Pantothenic acid and biotin

Definition:

Pantothenic acid and biotin are water-soluble vitamins, which means that they cannot be stored by the body and must be replenished every day. They help the body break down and use food. They are part of the B vitamin complex.

Alternative Names:

Diet - pantothenic acid/biotin

Function:

Pantothenic acid is essential for the metabolism of food. It is essential in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed by the body for the proper functioning of its cells' membranes, particularly in the brain.

Biotin is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates (like the other B vitamins), and in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.

Review Date: 10/27/2004
Reviewed By: Kevin Pho, M.D., Attending, Internal Medicine, Boston VA Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.