Acide Pangamique, Ácido Pangámico, Calcium Pangamate, Calgam, Di-isopropylamine Dichloroacetate, Vitamin B15, Vitamine B15.
There is no standard chemical identity for pangamic acid. Formulations can include one or more of the following: sodium gluconate, calcium gluconate, glycine, diisopropylamine dichloroacetate, dimethylglycine, calcium chloride, dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, cellulose, or other chemical compounds.
Pangamic acid is the name given to a product originally claimed to contain D-gluconodimethyl aminoacetic acid, which was obtained from apricot kernels and later from rice bran. It is also referred to as vitamin B15, but pangamic acid is not generally recognized as a vitamin.
Research by Russian sports scientists focused attention on pangamic acid, but little, if any, research has been conducted in the US.
Natural sources for D-gluconodimethyl aminoacetic acid include brewer's yeast, whole brown rice, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Despite serious safety concerns, pangamic acid is used for improving exercise endurance; treating asthma and related diseases, skin conditions including eczema, lung problems, painful nerve and joint conditions, cancer, and arthritis; improving the oxygenation of the heart, brain, and other vital organs; and “detoxifying” the body. It is also used for treating alcoholism, hangovers, and fatigue; protecting against urban air pollutants; extending cell life; strengthening the immune system; lowering blood cholesterol levels; and assisting in hormone regulation.
How does it work?
Since there is no standard identity for the chemicals in pangamic acid, how it might work is unknown. Although pangamic acid is also called vitamin B15, there is no research that shows it is required by the body, as the term “vitamin” would suggest.
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowPossibly Ineffective for...
- Improving exercise endurance.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Asthma.
- Eczema and other skin conditions.
- Lung conditions.
- Painful nerve and joint problems.
- Alcoholism.
- Fatigue.
- High cholesterol.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Pangamic acid is considered UNSAFE. Chemicals found in some formulations of pangamic acid may cause cancer.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerKidney conditions: Pangamic acid can cause kidney stones and other kidney problems, making existing kidney disease worse. Don't use it.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Some types of pangamic acid contain calcium. Calcium might also affect the heart. Taking pangamic acid along with digoxin (Lanoxin) might increase the effects and side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).
Medications for high blood pressure (Calcium channel blockers)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Some medications for high blood pressure affect calcium in the body. These medications are called calcium channel blockers. Taking pangamic acid that contains calcium might decrease the effectiveness of these medications for high blood pressure.
Some medications for high blood pressure include nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DynaCirc), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others.
Water pills (Thiazide diuretics)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Some pangamic acid can contain calcium. Some "water pills" increase the amount of calcium in the body. Taking large amounts of calcium with some "water pills" might cause there to be too much calcium in the body. This could cause serious side effects including kidney problems.
Some of these "water pills" include chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Esidrix), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Zaroxolyn), and chlorthalidone (Hygroton).
The appropriate dose of pangamic acid depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pangamic acid. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.
FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs. Sec. 457.100 Pangamic Acid and Pangamic Acid Products Unsafe for Food and Drug Use. (CPG 7121.01). 1995. Available at: www.fda.gov/ora/compliance_ref/cpg/cpgdrg/cpg457-100.html (Accessed 16 July 1999).
Gray ME, Titlow LW. The effect of pangamic acid on maximal treadmill performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1982;14:424-7. View abstract.