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Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) supplementation in rheumatological diseases: A systematic reviews
- Authors:
- Jozélio Freire De Carvalho
- Ana Teresa Amoedo Martinez
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Affiliations:
Research Center for Chronic Non‑Communicable Diseases (NUPEC), School of Nutrition, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia 40110‑040, Brazil, Department of Rheumatology, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Bahia 44036‑900, Brazil
Copyright: ©
De Carvalho
et al.
This is an open access article distributed under the
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Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY
4.0].
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Article Number:
1
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Published online on:
December 3, 2025
https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2025.53
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Abstract
Pantothenic acid (PA), the dietary precursor of coenzyme A, plays a central role in mitochondrial metabolism, lipid regulation, and the synthesis of steroid hormones and neurotransmitters. Although PA has been traditionally applied in areas, such as wound healing and immunomodulation, its potential therapeutic relevance in rheumatology has not been well characterized. The aim of the present systematic review was to provide an updated overview of the clinical effectiveness, safety and research gaps related to PA supplementation in rheumatic diseases. A structured search was performed across the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SciELO and LILACS databases for human studies published between 1966 and July 2024. Eligible articles investigated PA supplementation in patients with rheumatic diseases and reported clinical outcomes. Key data relating to population characteristics, dosage, treatment duration, outcomes and adverse effects were extracted. A total of seven studies involving 183 participants were included: Two focused on osteoarthritis (OA), one on fibromyalgia (FM) and four addressing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PA was administered using heterogeneous regimens, generally in combination with other micronutrients, at doses ranging from 12.5 mg to 12 g/day and over variable follow‑up durations. Clinical improvement was reported in the majority of studies, particularly in cutaneous lupus, in which the substantial resolution of lesions was frequently observed. Benefits in fatigue in SLE and pain reduction in OA and FM were also noted. Adverse events were rare and predominantly mild. On the whole, available clinical evidence suggests that PA supplementation may provide symptomatic benefit in selected rheumatic diseases, with a favorable safety profile. However, current data remain limited by small sample sizes, the lack of standardized protocols and frequent co‑supplementation. Well‑designed randomized clinical trials, particularly in SLE and OA, are required to determine therapeutic efficacy, optimal dosing and the mechanistic pathways involved.
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