Understanding the Benefits of Taking B15 (Pangamic Acid)

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Though not officially recognized as a vitamin, pangamic acid, or B15, has been promoted as a supplement with a range of health benefits since its discovery in the 1950s. The claims surrounding B15 are extensive, covering everything from improved athletic performance to detoxification and antioxidant effects.

Quick Summary

Pangamic acid, referred to as vitamin B15, is not a true vitamin but is promoted as a supplement for various health purposes. It is often linked to benefits like improved athletic endurance, enhanced oxygen utilization, antioxidant protection, and liver support.

Key Points

Not a True Vitamin: Despite the name, pangamic acid (B15) is not recognized as a true vitamin by the FDA and lacks an established role as an essential nutrient.
Associated with Athletic Performance: Historically, B15 has been promoted for enhancing athletic endurance by improving oxygen utilization and reducing fatigue, though evidence is limited.
Antioxidant and Detoxification Claims: It is believed to have antioxidant properties and support liver detoxification, but these effects require more scientific validation.
Controversial and Unregulated: Due to inconsistent composition and insufficient research, the safety and effectiveness of B15 are controversial, and it is banned for sale in certain countries like the US.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) is an Alternative: DMG, a component often found in B15 supplements, is sometimes used as a related alternative and has been subject to more modern research.
Consult a Professional: Always consult a healthcare provider before taking B15 or any supplement, especially due to regulatory warnings and inconsistent product quality.

What is Vitamin B15 (Pangamic Acid)?

Vitamin B15, or pangamic acid, is a somewhat controversial and scientifically understudied substance first isolated in the 1950s from apricot kernels. The term "pangamic" derives from the Greek words pan (universal) and gamic (seed), reflecting its initial identification in seeds. A key component of many formulations sold as B15 is dimethylglycine (DMG), an amino acid that can function as a methyl donor in metabolic pathways. Unlike other B vitamins, pangamic acid is not recognized as an essential nutrient by regulatory bodies like the FDA, and its true chemical identity can vary between commercial products. The lack of a standardized composition and robust human trials in Western countries has led to ongoing debate about its efficacy and safety.

Purported Benefits and Mechanisms

Supporters of B15 highlight several potential health benefits, largely based on anecdotal evidence and earlier research from Eastern Europe, particularly Russia.

Enhanced Athletic Performance and Endurance: Pangamic acid has been linked to improving athletic endurance by increasing oxygen metabolism and reducing lactic acid buildup in muscles. This allows athletes to train harder and longer, experiencing less fatigue.
Antioxidant and Anti-aging Properties: With its potential antioxidant effects, B15 is thought to protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, a process that is implicated in aging.
Liver Support and Detoxification: Some sources suggest B15 aids liver function and detoxification, helping to protect the liver from toxins like alcohol and environmental pollutants. DMG, a component of B15, can support glutathione synthesis, a critical antioxidant pathway in the liver.
Cardiovascular Health: It is believed to support the cardiovascular system by improving circulation, reducing cholesterol levels, and assisting in the oxygenation of the heart and other vital organs.
Immune System Modulation: B15 may stimulate the immune system and enhance the body's response to viruses and bacteria. Studies have explored DMG's ability to boost the immune response.

The Scientific Controversy and Safety Concerns

The promotional claims around B15 are met with skepticism by many in the scientific and medical community. The core issue lies in the lack of credible, controlled human studies to validate its purported benefits. The FDA has previously seized and banned products marketed as B15, citing a lack of established identity and concerns over safety. Some early studies on certain formulations of pangamic acid raised potential safety concerns, including carcinogenicity. Therefore, caution is advised when considering this supplement, and professional medical advice is essential.

Sources of Pangamic Acid

While supplements are the primary way people consume B15, it is also naturally found in some food sources, although in lower concentrations. These food sources include:

Apricot kernels
Brewer's yeast
Whole brown rice
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Cereal grains

Comparison: Pangamic Acid vs. Dimethylglycine (DMG)


Feature	Pangamic Acid (B15)	Dimethylglycine (DMG)
Status	A chemical compound, not a true vitamin.	An amino acid and metabolic intermediate.
Regulation	Not recognized or approved as a supplement by the FDA in the US.	Generally not prohibited in North America.
Composition	Can vary widely; often mixtures containing DMG.	A distinct chemical compound, sometimes marketed as B16.
Evidence	Primarily based on anecdotal accounts and older, often methodologically flawed studies.	More recent studies have explored its effects, particularly on immunity and endurance.
Legal Status	Banned for sale in the US; remains available in some regions like Russia and Europe as calcium pangamate.	Available as a dietary supplement in many countries.

Conclusion

The claims surrounding the benefits of taking B15 are largely based on historical usage and early, often limited, research. While anecdotal reports suggest advantages in areas like athletic performance, immune function, and detoxification, a lack of consistent scientific evidence and regulatory approval in many regions warrants a cautious approach. The substance is not a true vitamin, and its quality and composition can be inconsistent in commercial supplements. Consumers should consult a healthcare provider before considering B15 supplementation, especially given past safety concerns and regulatory actions. For those interested in potential benefits like oxygen utilization or antioxidant support, exploring well-studied and approved alternatives like DMG may be a more reliable option.

Learn more about the controversy and lack of scientific evidence surrounding pangamic acid from the FDA here.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pangamic acid is a chemical compound that is sometimes called vitamin B15, but it is not officially recognized as a vitamin by regulatory bodies like the FDA. It was first isolated from apricot kernels in the 1950s and has since been promoted as a supplement with various health benefits.

Proponents of B15 suggest a range of benefits, including improved athletic endurance, enhanced oxygen utilization, antioxidant protection, liver detoxification, and immune system support. However, these claims are largely based on anecdotal reports and limited studies.

The safety of vitamin B15 is questionable due to a lack of rigorous scientific evidence and concerns about the varying composition of products sold under this name. Some formulations have been associated with safety concerns, and the FDA has banned its sale in the US.

Pangamic acid is naturally present in some foods, such as apricot kernels, brewer's yeast, whole brown rice, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

No, DMG is not the same as B15. DMG is an amino acid that is a structural component of pangamic acid and is sometimes used as a supplement or alternative. Some modern research has focused on DMG, with some studies suggesting modest benefits for immune function and endurance.

B15 is controversial because its effectiveness and safety have not been sufficiently proven through credible human studies. The lack of a standard chemical identity for 'pangamic acid' means commercial products can contain different, unverified ingredients, and some past formulations have raised safety concerns.

Due to the lack of strong scientific evidence and regulatory warnings, you should consult with a healthcare professional before considering a B15 supplement. They can help you evaluate the risks and potential benefits based on your individual health needs.