Pantesin® Lowers LDL in 16 Weeks

PRINCETON, N.J.A biologically active derivative of vitamin B5 (as Pantesin® from Kyowa Hakko USA), significantly lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in a new study that involved 120 subjects with low to moderate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (Nutr Res. 2011 Aug;31(8):608-15). This study gives further credence for manufacturers that add Pantethine to dietary supplements aimed at heart health.

The North American study subjects ate a therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) diet fore weeks before randomization (baseline) and maintained the diet throughout the 16-week study period. At baseline, subjects were randomized in a triple-blinded manner to either pantethine (600 mg/d for eight weeks, and 900 mg/d for the remaining eight weeks) or an identically labeled, nonbiologically active placebo (n=60 per group).

The researchers, led by John Rumberger, Ph.D., former professor of medicine and consultant in the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, found sustaining a TLC diet and supplementing with Pantesin for 16 weeks demonstrated significant (P<0.005) and sustained reductions in total cholesterol (6 mg/dL, 0.16 mmol/L, 3-percent reduction), LDL cholesterol (4 mg/dL, 0.10 mmol/L, 4-percent reduction) and apolipoprotein B (4 mg/dL, 0.04 g/L, 5-percent reduction) compared to placebo plus the TLC diet.

Although the absolute magnitude of these effects was small, the researchers noted these results are noteworthy as prior studies have shown that, for each 1 mg/dL (0.026 mmol/L) reduction in LDL, there is a concomitant 1-percent reduction in overall future CVD risk.

"Pantesin works at the cellular level and helps maintain balanced cholesterol levels," Rumberger said. "In addition, Pantesin helps maintain healthy blood lipid levels that are already within the normal range."

They also found pantethine supplementation was safe.

KGK Synergizes Contract Research Division worked with Rumberger on this clinical trial.