Vitamin B15

The history of the discovery of vitamin B15 (pangamic acid) is extremely interesting. It was first discovered in bovine liver in 1950 by scientist Tompäma, and later synthesized from apricot kernels by American Krebs; hence its name (from Greek pan – everywhere, gami – seed

Neither vitamin deficiency nor hypervitaminosis B15 have been described in humans, although its preparations are used in medicine for some diseases associated with metabolic disorders (in particular, transmethylation reactions). Pangamic acid preparations have a good therapeutic effect in fatty degeneration of the liver and some forms of oxygen starvation.

General information about vitamin B15

Pangamic acid is the scientific name for vitamin B15. This vitamin is not considered a vitamin-like substance, as it is not so necessary for the body, but it is successfully used instead of medications.

Chemically, pangamic acid is an ester of gluconic acid and dimethylglycine.

Pangamic acid has a molecular weight of 281. Salts of pangamic acid crystallize well.

In medical practice, salts of pangamic acid are used. A complex compound of pangamic acid with arginine is known, which was used in medical practice. At present, the function of pangamic acid is unclear, there is no information on what the human and animal body needs for this substance. There is also no information on the manifestations of deficiency of this vitamin in the body. It is possible that the need is covered by any diet, since the estimated need of the human body is 2 mg per day. The vitamin properties of pangamic acid need to be confirmed, there is also no data on coenzyme functions.

Calcium pangamate was used in cardiovascular diseases, believing that it would be effective due to its antihypoxic effect and lipotropic action. Good results were obtained in atherosclerosis. The drug causes positive biochemical changes, which indicate a decrease in tissue hypoxia. Improvements in the well-being of patients, a decrease in the frequency of complaints of pain in the heart and other manifestations of cardiovascular insufficiency were noted. Calcium pangamate has a positive effect on lipid metabolism in patients with atherosclerosis: the level of cholesterol and P-lipoproteins decreases, the content of lecithin and albumin increases. Vitamin B15 reduces or completely eliminates cardiovascular insufficiency, has a stimulating effect on the respiration of the heart muscle, which was confirmed by direct measurements during heart surgery.
Pangamic acid with fairly pronounced positive results was used for geriatric purposes. However, the effect was mainly associated with the effect on the course of atherosclerosis. Along with favorable cardiological changes, increased performance and normalization of sleep were observed. Other researchers noted an increase in the production of steroid hormones, which was judged by the increased amount of 17-ketosteroids and 17-oxycorticosteroids excreted in the urine. Calcium pangamate had a normalizing effect on the level of hormones in the blood. With an increased content, a decrease was observed, and with a decreased content, an increase to the norm. At the same time, the condition of the subjects improved.

Very favorable data were obtained when using calcium pangamate in the complex therapy of obliterating endarteritis. The pain syndrome decreased or disappeared, the skin temperature in the distal parts of the extremities increased, which indicated an improvement in blood circulation in the affected extremity.

Vitamin B15 is a donor of methyl groups, so it was used in the treatment of liver diseases - cirrhosis and hepatitis. Under the influence of calcium pangamate, pigment metabolism was normalized, the bilirubin content in the blood decreased, and jaundice decreased. An increase in the antitoxic function of the liver and a number of other positive changes were noted. It turned out to be effective in moderate hepatitis and ineffective in cirrhosis of the liver. Improvement in the excretory function of the liver and protein synthesis was noted. Improvement in pigment metabolism was observed quite regularly, while normalization of liver enzyme activity was not always achieved. Withdrawal syndrome was stopped faster when this vitamin was included in the complex. Positive results were noted when assessing both the dynamics of hematological symptoms and the general condition of patients.

Thus, calcium pangamate finds quite a wide application in clinical practice. However, not all aspects of its application have been studied with sufficient completeness. The largest amount of material has been accumulated in relation to cardiovascular diseases and the liver, which is consistent with experimental data on the decoding of the mechanism of action of vitamin B15.

How much vitamin B15 do you need per day?

You should consume 25-150 g of vitamin B15 per day.

The beneficial effects of vitamin B15 on the body

Vitamin B15 has special lipotropic properties. Thanks to them, fat does not accumulate in liver tissue, and methyl groups help process nucleic acids, creatine, phospholipids and other important biological substances.

Vitamin B15 can reduce the level of fats and cholesterol in the body, stimulates the production of hormones from the adrenal glands, has a beneficial effect on tissue respiration, as it is a strong antioxidant, and promotes oxidative processes in the body.

Pangamic acid can remove toxins from the body, reduce cravings for alcohol, prevent liver cirrhosis and relieve fatigue. It stimulates the production of antibodies, lines blood vessels in atherosclerosis, has a beneficial effect on the heart and, thanks to its cytoprotective properties, prevents degenerative liver damage.

Vitamin B15 activates the body's bioenergetic processes. In case of alcohol, chemical or drug poisoning, pangamic acid will help neutralize toxic substances and remove them from the body. Thanks to it, protein synthesis occurs, the amount of creatine phosphate in muscles and glycogen in the liver increases. Vitamin B15 is considered an anti-inflammatory and antihyaluronidase agent.

Interaction of vitamin B15 with body elements

This vitamin interacts well with vitamins A and E.

Signs of Vitamin B15 Deficiency

If there is a deficiency of pangamic acid in the body, then the supply of oxygen to cells may be disrupted, heart problems may appear, and a person may become very tired. Signs of vitamin B15 deficiency also include premature aging, the occurrence of endocrine diseases, and nervous disorders.

Signs of excess vitamin B15 in the body

In old age, an excess of vitamin B15 can cause heart problems, insomnia, headaches, progression of adynamia and tachycardia.

Foods containing vitamin B15

To restore your body's vitamin B15 levels, eat watermelon or pumpkin, liver, apricot kernels, wild rice and almonds, wheat, barley, and buckwheat. All of these foods contain vitamin B15.