What is 'Vitamin B15' (Pangamic Acid)?
'Vitamin B15,' also known as pangamic acid or pangamate, was a term coined in the 1950s by Dr. Ernst T. Krebs Sr., who isolated a compound from apricot kernels. The name "pangamic" was derived from the Greek pan, meaning 'universal,' and gamic, meaning 'seed,' reflecting its supposed presence in seeds. Despite being marketed as a dietary supplement and promoted for a wide range of health benefits, it has never been officially classified as an essential vitamin. The scientific evidence supporting the health claims is mixed and often unreliable, leading to regulatory bans in some countries, most notably the United States in the 1970s.
The Relationship Between Pangamic Acid and Dimethylglycine (DMG)
Many supplements sold today as 'B15' actually contain dimethylglycine (DMG), a derivative of the amino acid glycine. DMG was sometimes promoted as an alternative to pangamic acid. While DMG is a real compound found naturally in some foods and can be used as a methyl donor in metabolic pathways, it is not pangamic acid, nor is it officially recognized as a vitamin. Some of the research into the effects of 'B15' has focused on DMG, and its potential roles in immune function, energy metabolism, and antioxidant activity have been studied, though results are often mixed.
Scientific Claims vs. Reality
Advocates of pangamic acid have made numerous claims, often based on early, unsubstantiated research, particularly from the former Soviet Union.
Commonly Claimed Benefits
- Improved athletic performance by enhancing oxygen utilization.
- Protection against air pollutants, including carbon monoxide.
- Enhanced immune system function.
- Support for liver health and detoxification.
- Relief for conditions like asthma, angina, and nerve pain.
- Anti-aging effects due to its antioxidant properties.
Scientific Consensus and Evidence
- Athletic Performance: Some animal studies and early human research suggested improved endurance, but robust clinical trials have not consistently validated these effects.
- Antioxidant Properties: Research on DMG has confirmed its antioxidant properties, showing it can protect cells from oxidative stress. However, this does not validate all claims made for pangamic acid.
- Immune System: Some studies have suggested DMG can stimulate the immune response, but clinical evidence is limited and mixed.
- Detoxification: There is little reliable evidence to support claims that pangamic acid or DMG effectively detoxifies the body or protects the liver.
- Other Conditions: Claims related to asthma, alcoholism, autism, and nervous system function are largely anecdotal or based on outdated, poorly designed studies, and have not been supported by modern, controlled clinical research.
Comparison: Pangamic Acid (B15) vs. Real B Vitamins
To understand why B15 is not a true vitamin, it's helpful to compare it to a recognized B vitamin, like B12.
| Feature | 'Vitamin B15' (Pangamic Acid/DMG) | Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Not recognized as a vitamin; often classified as a food substance. | An essential, water-soluble vitamin. |
| Regulation | Banned as a supplement in the U.S. and other countries due to insufficient evidence and potential safety issues. | Fully regulated and deemed safe for consumption by health authorities. |
| Function | Marketed for various benefits, but evidence is limited and inconsistent. | Critical for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. |
| Deficiency | No recognized deficiency state exists. | Deficiency can lead to serious health problems like megaloblastic anemia and nerve damage. |
| Evidence | Much of the supportive evidence is old, anecdotal, or from low-quality studies. | Efficacy and safety are well-established through rigorous, modern scientific research. |
Safety Concerns and FDA Actions
The most significant concern regarding pangamic acid is safety, given the lack of rigorous testing and the discovery that some formulations may contain carcinogenic compounds. The FDA acted against products containing pangamic acid in the 1970s, citing unproven claims and safety issues. The interchangeable use of the term 'vitamin B15' with different compounds adds to the confusion and potential risk for consumers. Without a standardized chemical identity and proper research, the true effects and dangers are unclear.
Conclusion: A Supplement with Questionable Standing
The question of what B15 is good for is met with skepticism in the modern scientific community. While its components, like DMG, may have some valid biochemical properties, the overall product promoted as 'Vitamin B15' lacks the scientific validation and regulatory approval of true vitamins. The extensive claims often associated with it are not supported by robust evidence. For consumers, it is wise to be cautious and seek counsel from a healthcare provider before considering such supplements, focusing instead on essential nutrients that have been proven safe and effective.
