Vitamin B15

Common Name: Vitamin B15
Synonym: Pangamic acid
CAS No.: 11006-56-7

Vitamin B15 is water-soluble but its essential requirement in the diet has not yet been proven. Research points to B15 aiding in lowering cholesterol blood levels, aid in protein synthesis, neutralize liquor cravings etc.

Vitamin B15 is associated with B17.This cyanide-containing substance releases cyanide only at a cancer site, thus destroying cancer cells while nourishing non-cancer tissue.

Vitamin B15 can is found in brewer's yeast, brown rice, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

Vitamin B15 - pangamic acid is required for:
Until further research is available, be careful of supplements containing pangamic acid, calcium pangamate, DMG or B15.

Food sources of vitamin B15:
Pangamic acid was first isolated in 1951 by Drs. Ernest Krebs, Sr. and Jr., from apricot kernels, along with laetrile, termed vitamin B17. At that time, as today, they were not sure whether it was essential to life. Pangamic acid is also found in whole grains such as brown rice, brewer's yeast, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and beef blood. Water and direct sunlight may reduce the potency and availability of B15 in these foods.It is present in brown rice, brewer's yeast, grains, as well as sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Functions:
Pangamic acid is mainly a methyl donor, which helps in the formation of certain amino acids such as methionine. It may play a role in the oxidation of glucose and in cell respiration. By this function, it may reduce hypoxia (deficient oxygen) in cardiac and other muscles. Like vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to lengthen cell life through its protection from oxidation. Pangamic acid is also thought to offer mild stimulation to the endocrine and nervous systems, and by enhancing liver function, it may help in the detoxification process.

Uses:
Although many of these uses are not proven, there have been reports of pangamic acid or DMG providing some benefits for a wide range of symptoms, diseases, and metabolic problems. It may be useful for such symptoms as headaches, angina and musculoskeletal chest pain, shortness of breath, insomnia, and general stress-to be used, of course, only after specific medical conditions are ruled out.

B15 has been shown to lower blood cholesterol, so it could provide some nutritional support for those with high serum cholesterol or cardiovascular problems or to reduce heart and blood vessel disease risks. It may also help improve circulation and general oxygenation of cells and tissues, so it may be used with any decreased cardiac or brain functions. Pangamic acid may be helpful in general for atherosclerosis and hypertension, America's most common diseases.

In Europe vitamin B15 has been used to treat premature aging, because of both its circulatory stimulus and its antioxidant effect. It is felt to be a helpful protectant from pollutants, especially carbon monoxide. Pangamic acid (and possibly DMG) support for anyone living in a large polluted city or with a high-stress lifestyle could be a wave of the future.

In Russia, a big use of pangamic acid has been for treating those with alcohol problems, possibly reducing the craving. It has been reported to diminish hangover symptoms when alcohol has been abused. B15 has also been used to treat fatigue, as well as asthma and rheumatism, and it may even have some antiallergic properties. Some child psychiatrists have reported good results using pangamic acid in disturbed children; it may help by stimulating speaking ability and other mental functions. B15 may also be useful in problems of autism.

More studies regarding all claims of the benefits of pangamic acid must be done, of course, to see which ones may be valid. But as of now, it certainly is a "vitamin" or supplemental nutrient with potential health benefits and research interest.

Deficiency and toxicity:
There are no known toxic effects from even high amounts of pangamic acid; 50?00 mg. (and even more) taken three times daily have revealed no side effects. There are reports of initial mild nausea with use of pangamates at high levels, but this only lasts a few days.There is limited information about deficiencies of pangamic acid. There are no clear problems when it is absent in the diet, though some diminished circulatory and oxygenation functions are possible. Decreased cell respiration-that is, decreased oxygen use by cells-may influence many other cellular functions which may lead to effects on the heart.

Requirements:
There is no RDA for pangamic acid. At the time of this writing, it is not legal to distribute B15 in the United States, though it was used as a supplement for some time in the 1970s. The most common form of pangamic acid was calcium pangamate, but currently it is dimethyl glycine (DMG), which may even be the active component that has been hailed in the Soviet Union. Pangamic acid or DMG, when used, is often taken with vitamin E and vitamin A. A common amount of DMG is 50?00 mg. taken twice daily, usually with breakfast and dinner. This level of intake may improve general energy levels, support the immune system, and is also thought to reduce cravings for alcohol and thus may be very helpful in moderating chronic alcohol problems.