Pangamic acid

A compound once considered a vitamin

Overview

Chemical structure of Pangamic acid

Pangamic acid, also known as vitamin B15, is a compound that was once thought to be a vitamin. It was first isolated from apricot kernels and was believed to have various health benefits, including enhancing oxygen utilization, improving circulation, and detoxifying the body. However, its status as a vitamin is not recognized by modern science.

Chemical Structure

Pangamic acid is chemically described as a diisopropylamine salt of gluconic acid. Its structure includes a gluconate moiety linked to a dimethylglycine (DMG) component. The compound is often associated with calcium pangamate, which is a related salt form.

Historical Context

Pangamic acid was first introduced in the 1950s by Russian scientists who claimed it had numerous health benefits. It was marketed as a dietary supplement and was popular in alternative medicine circles. However, subsequent research failed to substantiate these claims, and it is not recognized as an essential nutrient.

Controversy and Regulation

The use of pangamic acid as a supplement has been controversial. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it as a treatment for any medical condition. The FDA has also issued warnings about products labeled as containing pangamic acid, citing concerns about their safety and efficacy.

Current Understanding

Today, pangamic acid is not considered a vitamin or an essential nutrient. Research has not demonstrated any significant health benefits, and it is not included in the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) or Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by health authorities.

Related Compounds

Pangamic acid is often associated with dimethylglycine (DMG), a compound that is sometimes marketed as a dietary supplement. DMG is a derivative of the amino acid glycine and is believed by some to have health benefits, although scientific evidence is limited.

See Also

• Vitamin B complex
• Dietary supplement
• Alternative medicine

Related pages

• Vitamins
• Nutritional supplement
• Food and Drug Administration