What is Pangamic Acid?
Pangamic acid is the primary name for the substance marketed as vitamin B15. It is a chemical compound originally claimed to be a new vitamin, but scientific consensus, particularly in the West, has never supported this claim. The compound was first isolated in 1951 from apricot kernels by biochemist Ernst T. Krebs, Sr. and his son, Ernst T. Krebs, Jr., who also promoted the compound known as 'laetrile' or vitamin B17. The name "pangamic" was derived from the Greek words pan (meaning 'universal') and gamic (meaning 'seed'), as it was believed to be present in many types of seeds.
The chemical identity of pangamic acid has been inconsistent and ambiguous over the years, with different formulations being sold under the same name. In some instances, it has been identified as d-gluconodimethyl aminoacetic acid, an ester derived from gluconic acid and dimethylglycine (DMG), but this has not been scientifically validated. The lack of a consistent chemical identity, coupled with unsupported health claims, led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to deem products labeled as "pangamic acid" and "vitamin B15" unsafe and unidentifiable for food or drug use.
Controversy and Scientific Scrutiny
Vitamin B15 is one of several substances, including 'vitamin B17' (amygdalin), that have been marketed as essential nutrients without proper scientific backing. The controversy surrounding vitamin B15 is rooted in several issues:
- Lack of Evidence: No accepted scientific evidence has established the nutritional properties of pangamic acid or identified a deficiency disease in humans or animals, which is a requirement for a compound to be classified as a vitamin.
- Safety Concerns: Research into some formulations of pangamic acid has raised safety concerns. Studies have found certain components, such as diisopropylamine dichloroacetate, to be potentially mutagenic, meaning they could cause cancer.
- Variable Composition: The compounds sold as pangamic acid have varied greatly, often containing different chemicals. The FDA has reported seizing products labeled as vitamin B15 or calcium pangamate that did not contain the claimed substance.
- Unsubstantiated Claims: The marketing of vitamin B15 has included unsubstantiated claims of treating or preventing a wide range of ailments, from heart disease and alcoholism to improving athletic performance.
Alleged Benefits vs. Scientific Reality
Historically, supporters of pangamic acid have made numerous claims about its therapeutic effects. The following list outlines some of the purported benefits often cited in alternative medicine, contrasted with the lack of reliable scientific support:
- Improved Oxygen Utilization: Claims were made that vitamin B15 could enhance oxygenation of the heart, brain, and other vital organs, leading to better endurance and less fatigue during exercise. Robust clinical evidence in controlled human studies is lacking to support this.
- Cardiovascular Health: It was alleged that pangamic acid could help alleviate symptoms of angina, treat atherosclerosis, and lower cholesterol levels. Animal studies provided some indication of cholesterol-lowering effects, but human trials have not provided reliable conclusions.
- Detoxification: Some sources promoted pangamic acid as a detoxifying agent, helping the body get rid of pollutants and supporting liver function. This claim is anecdotal and not supported by rigorous research.
- Immune Support: The compound was thought to have an immunostimulating effect. Limited research has provided inconsistent and anecdotal evidence regarding this.
Comparison of Key Compounds
| Feature | Pangamic Acid ('Vitamin B15') | Dimethylglycine (DMG) | True B Vitamins (e.g., B12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status as a Vitamin | Not a true vitamin | Not a vitamin | Officially recognized as essential nutrients |
| Chemical Identity | Inconsistent and ambiguous | Defined chemical compound | Well-defined chemical structures |
| Regulatory Status | FDA-banned/unapproved in the US | Sold as a dietary supplement | Approved and regulated |
| Origin | Promoted from apricot kernels | Often found as a component of pangamic acid | Natural sources vary depending on the vitamin |
| Anecdotal Uses | Athletic endurance, detoxification | Immunity, endurance | Wide range of metabolic functions |
| Reliable Evidence | Insufficient/unreliable | Some limited research, mostly preclinical | Extensively researched and validated |
Common Sources of Pangamic Acid
Despite the controversy, pangamic acid is claimed to be found naturally in various foods, including:
- Apricot kernels
- Brewer's yeast
- Whole brown rice
- Sesame seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
It is important to note that the presence and concentration of pangamic acid in these foods have not been consistently verified, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its nutritional significance. For example, some commercially sold supplements claiming to be B15 have been found to contain little to no actual pangamic acid.
The Role of Dimethylglycine (DMG)
Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a compound that is often confused with or marketed as a form of vitamin B15, or as an alternative. While DMG is one of the components claimed to be part of pangamic acid, it is a distinct compound and is sometimes classified separately as 'vitamin B16'. DMG has been promoted as a supplement with potential benefits, such as immune support and enhanced endurance, and unlike pangamic acid, it is not banned in North America. Nevertheless, the scientific evidence for its efficacy in humans is also limited and ongoing.
Conclusion
Another name for vitamin B15 is pangamic acid, though it is not a scientifically recognized vitamin. Its history is marked by controversy, a lack of consistent chemical identity, and unsubstantiated health claims, which led to regulatory action in several countries, including the United States. While some traditional and alternative medicine practices continue to reference its alleged benefits, the scientific community widely regards it as a quack remedy. Instead, established vitamins and proven nutrients should be the focus of any dietary regimen. Any claims of 'miraculous' health benefits from unproven supplements like vitamin B15 should be treated with extreme caution and skepticism. For reliable nutritional guidance, it is best to rely on recognized vitamins and evidence-based medicine rather than controversial compounds. The US FDA's stance on unidentifiable and unsafe dietary supplements serves as a strong cautionary note to consumers.
