MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pantothenic acid and biotin

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Pantothenic acid and biotin

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Function	Food Sources Side Effects Recommendations

Alternative names

Diet - pantothenic acid/biotin

Definition Return to top

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 are used for the breakdown and utilization by the body of food and are part of the B vitamin complex.

Function Return to top

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.

Food Sources Return to top

Pantothenic acid and biotin are found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including the following:

Eggs
Fish
Milk and milk products
Whole-grain cereals
Legumes
Yeast
Broccoli and other vegetables in the cabbage family
White and sweet potatoes
Lean beef

Side Effects Return to top

There are no known deficiencies of either pantothenic acid or biotin. Large doses of pantothenic acid do not produce symptoms other than (possibly) diarrhea. There are no known toxic symptoms associated with biotin.

Recommendations Return to top

There are no established "recommended daily allowances" for either of these vitamins.

Update Date: 1/19/2003

Updated by: Steven Angelo, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. 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 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.