Vitamin B5

( Pantothenic Acid)
 Vitamin B5 ( Pantothenic Acid)
It is a peptide composed of D-Pantoic acid and β-Alanine
and is found as calcium salt or as alcohol
(Pantothenol). The biologically active form of Vitamin
B5 is coenzyme A (CoA).
RDA: 7-10 mg (4 Years and over)
3-5 mg (less than 4 Years)
Principal Sources in Food
Principal dietary sources of vitamin B5 include:
Food Serving size mg
Calf liver 100 g 7.9
Pea nuts 100 g 2.6
Pantothenic acid
Peas 100 g 2.1
Soybeans 100 g 1.9
Brown rice 100 g 1.7
lobster 100 g 1.7
Water melon 100 g 1.6
Egg 1, Avg size 0.9 Pantothenol
Brewer’s Yeast 10 g 0.7
 Functions of vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid is a part of CoA that acts as an intracellular
carrier for few carbons-groups and assists more than 100
pathways of intermediate metabolism including those of:
1. Synthesis of Sterols (Cholesterol and 7-
Dehydrocholesterol), Fatty acids, and Keto-
acids such as Pyruvic acid.
2. Energy production
3. Synthesis of vitamins A and D.
4. Biosynthesis of protein and amino acid by assisting
the formation of leucine, arginine, and
methionine.
5. It is essential for the formation of hemoglobin
and electron-carrying cytochrome proteins of
the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
6.Biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
 Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency
1.Paresthesias (It is a sensation of tingling,
pricking, or numbness of a person's skin)
and burning sensation in lower legs and
feets.
2. Joint and muscle aches
3. Fading of hair color
4. Anemia
5.Reduced immunity: impaired antibody response
6. Headache, depression, insomnia, and fatigue

Paresthesias Muscle aches Anemia Insomnia fatigue

 People at high risk of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

Pantothenic acid is widely prevalent in foods,

subclinical deficiency only may occur, usually in
conjunction with other B-vitamin deficiencies in
case of:
Chronic illness
Heavy alcohol consumption
During hypocaloric dieting for weight-
loss.
Uses of Pantothenic acid in Prevention and Therapy
1.Microcytic anemia (through its role in
hemoglobin synthesis in conjunction with
iron supplementation).
2.Lupus erythematosus: Calcium
pantothenate, alone or in conjunction
with vitamin E can help in treatment of
Lupus erythematosus and other
autoimmune disorders. Lupus erythematosus

3.Tiredness and fatigue as those associated

with subclinical pantothenic acid.
4.Arthritis: Pantothenic acid deficiencies Fatigue
are often found in patients with
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In
this case calcium pantothenate can be
effective. Arthritis
5.Wound healing after trauma or
operations.

6.Management of dyslipidemia Wound healing

(abnormal amount of lipids e.g.
cholesterol and/or fat, in the blood).

7. Diabetic neuropathy (kidney disease

or damage that can occur in people
with diabetes).

9. Dexapantothenol (vitamin B5
Formulation) is used topically in
treatment of burns and itching .
Vitamin B6
(Pyridoxine)
 Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
In 1934, a Hungarian physician, Paul Gyorgy
discovered a substance that was able to cure a skin
disease in rats (Dermititis acrodynia), this
substance he named vitamin B6.
Vitamin B6 converted in the body to its major active form:
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP). The activation
requires adequate zinc and riboflavin.
Total body stores of vitamin B6 are low (only about 150
mg) hence a steady supply of vitamin B6 is essential
to avoid its deficiency.
Chemically it is a pyridine derivative.
RDA
1.2 – 1.4 mg (Adult)
0.6 mg (Infants less than 1 year)
2.2mg (During pregnancy and lactation)
 Pyridoxol Pyridoxal

Pyridoxamine Pyridoxic Acid

DIFFERENT FORMS OF PYRIDOXINE

 Sources of Vitamin B6

Potatoes
Banana
Calf liver

Trout Spinach
Lentils
 Functions of Vitamin B6
PLP is a coenzyme involved in more than 100 metabolic
reactions in the body including:
Protein synthesis through interconversion of amino acids.
Conversion of tryptophan to niacin.
It helps in maintaing blood glucose within a normal
range. When caloric intake is low, vitamin B6 help to
convert stored carbohydrate to glucose to maintain
normal blood sugar levels.
Lipid metabolism: It is important in synthesis of lipids of
myelin sheath surrounding nerves and also in
production of polyunsaturated fatty acids of cell
membranes.
It helps in hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport by
red blood cells.
 Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Skin disorders: Dermatitis (skin inflammation), Stomatitis
(inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the
structures in the mouth), Glossitis (is inflammation or
infection of the tongue ), and Painful fissures and
cracks at the angles of the mouth and on the lips.
Abnormal brain-wave patterns, convulsions, and muscle
twitching.
Depression, irritability, anxiety, confusion, headache, and
insomnia.

Dermatitis Stomatitis Glossitis Abnormal brain- convulsion

wave patterns
Anemia and decreased antibody production

Possible increased risk of atherosclerosis due to

increased total cholesterol and LDL-
cholesterol in the blood, and reduced levels of
HDL-cholesterol.

Possible increased risk of calcium-oxalate kidney

stones.

Anemia Atherosclerosis Kidney stones.

People at high risk of vitamin B6 Deficiency
During rapid growth rate in childhood,
adolesence, and during lactation and
pregnancy; sharply increase in vitamin
B6 requirements.

High protein intakes increase vitamin B6

requirements.

Older people (little diets intake and less

efficient absorption).

Many common drugs (including oral

contraceptive pills and theophylline)
can reduce vitamin B6 stores.
People with chronic digestive problems
e.g. liver problems, diarrhea or irritable
bowel syndrome (poor vitamin B6 Liver
absorption).
People with other chronic diseases,
including asthma, coronary heart
disease, diabetes, kidney failure,
rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer of
the breast, bladder, and lymph nodes.
Individuals with a poor quality diet or an
inadequate B6 intake.
Alcohol consumption also promotes
the destruction and loss of vitamin B6
from the body.
 Uses of Vitamin B6 in Prevention and Therapy
1.Treatment and prevention of deficiency and for
people at high risk of deficiency of Vitamin B6.
2.Skin disorders (eruptions, acne etc.).

3. Reduction of the severity and frequency of bronchial

asthma.
4.Atherosclerosis and cardio-vascular disease (It
reduces tendency for platelets to clump together,
lowers LDL-cholesterol and raises HDL
cholesterol.
5. In certain anemia, alone or with iron and vitamin A.
6. In Pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting.
7. Premenstrual syndrome (It helps prevention of
mood swings, edema, acne, and breast
tenderness characteristic of PMS)

8. Arthritis (it helps in reduction of swelling and

inflammation in the joints of the fingers).

9. Nerve disorders e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome

(occurs when the median nerve,
which runs from the forearm into the
palm of the hand, becomes pressed or
squeezed at the wrist) and other forms of
nerve inflammation and neuropathy.
 Toxicity and side effects of vitamin B6

Very high doses (1000mg/day) for long time

peripheral nerve conditions: numbness in hands
and feet.

Doses of vitamin B6 not exceeding 500mg/day, or

higher doses for short periods (days to weeks), are
nontoxic in healthy persons.

Very high doses of vitamin B6 during lactation may

reduce milk production.
 Vitamin B6 –Drug Interaction
Drug class Examples Mechanism of
interaction

Hydrazines Iproniazid, React with pyridoxal and

Isoniazid, hydralazine PLP to form a hydrazone

Antibiotic Cycloserine Reacts with PLP to form

anoxime

L-DOPA l-3,4- Reacts with PLP to form

dihydroxyphenylalanine tetrahydroquinoline
Derivatives

Chelator Penicillamine Reacts with PLP to form

thiazolidine

Alcohol Ethanol Increased catabolism of

PLP, low plasma levels
VITAMIN B7
 Vitamin B7 (BIOTIN)

It is 2-Imidazolidinone tetrahydro-

thiophene-4- valeric acid.

Biotin is a cofactor required for

enzymes that are involved in
carboxylation reactions e.g.
acetyl-CoA carboxylase and
pyruvate carboxylase used in the
metabolism of carbohydrates,
lipids and amino acids

RDA: 100- 200 μg/day.

 Principal Sources of Vitamin B7

Calf liver Soybeans Whole wheat

Milk & Egg

Oat meal Mushrooms Avocado

 Functions of Vitamin B7
These functions are dependent on a biotin-containing
enzymes:
1.Glucose synthesis (The key initial step in
gluconeogenesis).
2.Fat metabolism (synthesis and breakdown of fatty
acids as well as the essential fatty acid metabolism such
as conversion of linoleic acid to various eicosanoids).
3.Amino acid metabolism (breakdown of amino acids,
such as threonine, isoleucine, and methionine, for use as
energy).
4.Cell division and growth (Biotin plays an important
role in DNA synthesis).
 Biotin Deficiency
Biotin is found in numerous foods and also is
synthesized by intestinal bacteria and
deficiency of this vitamin is rare.

Deficiencies are generally seen only after long

antibiotic therapies which deplete the
intestinal flora or with anticonvulsant therapy,
and excessive consumption of raw eggs (a
biotin antagonist). The egg white protein,
avidin, prevents intestinal absorption of the
biotin.
 BIOTIN DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Extreme exhaustion Drowsiness Muscle pain

Grayish skin color Depression Hair loss Loss of appetite

Uses of Vitamin B7 in Prevention and Therapy
Inherited syndromes of impaired biotin metabolism in
children.
Anticonvulsant therapy (Biotin supplements during chronic
anticonvulsant therapy reduce the risk of biotin
deficiency).
Diabetes (Biotin supplements help control blood glucose).
Dermatologic disorders e.g. Seborrheic dermatosis, acne, and
other forms of scaly skin rash can respond to biotin,
particularly when taken as part of a complete vitamin B
complex in conjunction with essential fatty acids
(omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids).
Hair and nail disorders: People with dry, brittle hair and
fingernails may benefit from biotin.
 VITAMIN B9
(FOLIC ACID)
 RDA: 200 μg/day
Therapy: 400 – 800 μg/day
It is a water soluble conjugate of pteridine base, p-
aminobenzoic acid and glutamic acid or
pteroylmonoglutamic acid.

Most of folate absorbed Principal Sources in Food

from the diet is converted to Principal dietary sources of biotin
the active form, include:
tetrahydrofolate (THF) Food Serving size μg
Calf liver 100 g 108
coenzyme. Soybeans 100 g 95
Brewer’s Yeast 10 g 92
N5-methyl-THF is the Wheat germ 100 g 270
major storage form in the Egg 1, Avg size 100
body (~50% in liver): needs Spinach 100 g 134
Broccoli 100 g 105
vitamin B12 to be active.
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF FOLIC ACID
 FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN B9
THF derivatives act as coenzymes for C1-transfer
(methyl, methylene, formyl or formimino group) during
biosynthetic reactions which helps the following
functions:
1. Production of RBCs through its role in creating
heme (the iron containing substance in
haemoglobin).
2. Production of WBCs.
3. Protein metabolism. It plays a central role in the
interconversion of amino acids such as glycine, serine
and methionine and the synthesis of structural and
functional proteins.
4. Production of nucleotides (ATP, GTP, and d
TMP) and thus nucleic acids: DNA and RNA
which are essential for growing and dividing
cells. Therefore, cells that rapidly turn over and
are replaced, such as blood cells and cells lining
the digestive tract, are particularly dependent on
THF.
5. Proper formation of the brain, spinal cord,
and nerve cells (CNS) in the embryo. Closure of
the neural tube in the fetus (in the 28th day of
pregnancy) cannot be completed without
Vitamin B9.
 Major Symptoms of Vitamin B9 Deficiency
1. The most pronounced effect of folate deficiency on
cellular processes is upon DNA synthesis (due to
an impairment in d TMP synthesis) arrest of
cell cycle of rapidly proliferating cells,
particularly, the RBCs resulted in occurrence
of megaloblastic anemia as for vitamin B12
deficiency (characterized by abnormally large
immature and dysfunctional erythrocytes) which
causes fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath,
decreased ability to concentrate.

2. Impairments in white blood cell development

and leukopenia reduce immune responses
to infection and/or cancer.
 3. Impaired cell growth in the digestive tract,
inflammation of tissues in the mouth, stomach, and
intestine reduced absorption of nutrients.

4. Impaired fetal growth and development, birth defects

such as Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) e.g. Spina bifida.

Megaloblastic anemia Leucopenia Neural Tube Defects e.g. Spina Bifida

(SB) SB occurs when two sides of the
spine fail to close and protect spinal cord
 People at High Risk of Vitamin B9 Deficiency
1. People who depend on processed food and neglect
whole grains and vegetables.
2. Smoking.
3. Many chronic diseases and health status such as
psoriasis, anemia, infections, cancer, fever, trauma,
surgery, or burns sharply increase folate requirements.
4. Liver disease interferes with folate metabolism and
increases excretion.
5. Rapid growth childhood, and adolescence.
6. Pregnancy.
7. Heavy alcohol consumption interferes with absorption,
impairs conversion to THF, and increases excretion.
8. Deficiency of ascorbic acid.
9. Deficiency of vitamin B12 impairs folate metabolism
and produces signs of folate deficiency.
 Uses of Folic Acid in Prevention and Therapy

1. Prophylaxis from birth defects:

Supplemental folate (400μg/day) days before
conception and during early pregnancy reduces the
risk of birth defects, particularly neural tube defects,
cleft lip and palate.

2. Atherosclerosis:
Folate help preventing atherosclerosis (heart attack,
and peripheral vascular disease) in people with
elevated homocysteine (THF with Vitamin B12
detoxify homocysteine to methionine).

3. Enhance immunity in case of infections.

4. Cancer:
Folate supplements may also reduce the risk of
colon cancer in people with inflammatory bowel
diseases. Folate + vitamin A can reduce the risk of
cervical dysplasia (abnormal changes in the cells
on the surface of the cervix) progressing to
cervical cancer. Folate + vitamin B12 can
reduce dysplasia in the lungs of smokers and
reduce the risk of lung cancer.

4. Psychiatric/nervous disorders:
Symptoms of dementia in elderly people may be
improved by folic acid supplementation. Folate
can be adjunctive therapy with lithium in the
treatment of manic- depressive illness.
 Folic Acid – Drug Interactions

Drugs reduce folate level e.g.

Aspirin
oral contraceptive pills
Antacids
Anticonvulsant
antibiotics.

Folic acid antagonists e.g.

Methotrexate
 VITAMIN B12
(Cobalamin, Antipernicious anemia factor)
 Vitamin B12
1. Vitamin B12 is a family of related compounds
containing a cobalt atom (cobalamins).
2. The two dietary forms of vitamin B12 are available
and they are known as methylcobalamin (meth yl-
B12) and 5- deoxyadenosylcobalamin (coenzyme-
B12).
3. Synthetic forms of vitamin B12 are known as
hydroxy-cobalamin and cyanocobalamin (not occur
naturally in foods).
4. Structure of B12 is very complicated and based on a
corrin ring, similar to porphyrin ring found in heme,
chlorophyll, and cytochrome.
A B

D C

Vitamin B12
5. The central metal ion is cobalt (Co) which
coordinates with nitrogens of corrin ring and that
of dimethylbenzimidazole group.

6. The sixth coordination can be : CN- (in

Cyanocobolamin), HO- (in Hydroxycobalamin),
CH3 (in Methylcobalamin, Me-B12),
deoxyadenosyl group (Adenosylcobalamin, Ado-
B12 = coenzyme-B12).

7. Very small amounts of vitamin B12 are stored in

our bodies, about 90% of which (2–5 mg) is
stored in the liver and is sufficient for 2 years.
 Sources of vitamin B12
The intestinal flora produces the vitamin required for man and
animals. Vitamin B12 can be obtained from animal diet only.

Principal Sources in Food

Principal dietary sources of vitamin Required Daily
B12 include: Amount (RDA)
Food Serving size μg Age μg/day
Calf liver 100 g 60 1-3 0.9
Egg 1, Avg size 1 4-8 1.2
Beef 100 g 2 9 – 13 1.8
Milk 1, large glass 0.4 14 – 18 2.4
Hard Cheese 30 g 0.6 >18 2.4
Mussels 100 g 8
 Absorption of vitamin B12

 Vitamin B12 in food is bound to protein.

 HCl of the stomach releases the free vitamin B12.

 Once released, vitamin B12 combines with

glycoprotein intrinsic factor (IF) secreted by the
parietal cells of stomach to form a complex which can
be absorbed from ileum.
 Functions of Vitamin B12

1. Essential with folic acid in RBCs maturation (it

protects against Pernicious anemia).

2. Folate metabolism. Vitamin B12 is vital in

activation of folate to the active THF. In vitamin B12
deficiency, tissue stores of folate are “trapped” as
inactive methylated forms, and a functional folate
deficiency results.

3. Protein metabolism: Act as coenzyme with THF in

the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine.
4. It is vital in fat metabolism.

5. Helps maintain the antioxidant status by

maintaining glutathione in the reduced form.

6. Nervous system (It is vital in synthesis of

myelin sheath of neurons).

7. Cell replication. It is essential with THF in

synthesis of nucleic acids.
 People at High Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
1. Eldery people: Gastric secretion and intrinsic factor is
diminished. Both are required for optimum vitamin B12
absorption.
2. People suffering from chronic gastritis with atrophy of
the parietal cells that produce intrinsic factor.
3. Intestinal diseases e.g. chronic enteritis with diarrhea
reduce absorption of vitamin B12.
4. Liver disease impair vitamin B12 status (as the liver is the
site of vitamin B12 storage and the site of production of
specific transport proteins).
5. Strict vegetarian diets (devoid of animal products).
6. Cigarette smoking impairs vitamin B12 status.
 Major Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
1. Pernicious Anemia: It is a case of
megaloblastic anemia caused by atrophic
gastritis and parietal cell loss and
characterized by neuropathy: ease fatigue,
weakness, shortness of breath, decreased
ability to concentrate, and peripheral nerve
damage.

2. Neurological changes such as numbness and

tingling in the hands and feet (due to
diminished myelination).
3. Difficulty in maintaining balance,
depression, confusion, dementia, poor
memory.
4. Reduced platelet production (increase risk of
abnormal bleeding).

5. Impaired white blood cell development

reduces immune responses to infection and/or
cancer.

6. Impaired cell replication leads to atrophy and

inflammation of mucous membranes in the
mouth, tongue and GIT, reduced absorption of
nutrients, constipation, anorexia, and weight
loss.
 Uses of Vitamin B12 in Prevention and Therapy
1. Treat and prevent deficiency conditions and pernicious
anemia (a condition in which the body can't make enough
healthy red blood cells).
2. In combination with folate to treat megaloblastic anemia.

3. Treatment of psychiatric/nervous disorders e.g. dementia

and memory loss, particularly in the elderly people.
4. It is helpful with folate in prevention and therapy of
atherosclerosis associated with high levels of blood
homocysteine.
5. It is helpful with folate to reduce smoking-induced
precancerous cells in the lungs reducing risk of lung
cancer.
6. Reduction of peripheral nerve disorders e.g. neuropathy in
diabetics, trigeminal neuralgias and traumatic nerve
injuries.
7. Large doses (5- 10 g IV) of Hydroxycobalamin used in
cyanide poisoning where it combine with cyanide ion to
form harmless Cyanocobalamin.

In pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 should be given as

IM injection (100 to 1000 μg of cyanocobalamin for 5
days followed by 100 to 1000 μg each month) till
correction of blood picture.
 Vitamin B12 – Drug Interaction
Some Drugs interfere with its absorption such as:
Alcohol
p-aminosalicylic acid
Colchicine
Neomycin
Cholestyramine
Anticonvulsants (Phenytoin)
Metformin

H2 blockers include cimetidine, proton pump

inhibitors e.g. omeprazole reduce secretion of
gastric acid and pepsin reduce isolation and
absorption of protein-bound (dietary) vitamin
B12.
THANX