Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) is a precursor of the coenzymes involved in more than 100 different metabolic pathways, including energy metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, and the synthesis of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, porphyrins, and hemoglobin.
Yeast and mushrooms are excellent sources of pantothenic acid, known as the "anti-stress" vitamin because it enhances the immune system's activity and improves the body's ability to withstand stressful conditions.
Pantothenic Acid/Yeast Polypeptide is a protein and Vitamin B5 complex that solves vitamin stability and delivery issues, providing a functional ingredient for hair and skin care applications. It is a cream-to-light brown powder with a slight characteristic odor.
Thanks to the low molecular weight yeast proteins (polypeptides) in the complex, Vitamin B5 is more stable and preserves its biological activity. The complex is water-dispersible and can be easily incorporated into hair and skin care applications, as solubility and protein complexation are crucial for vitamin utilization. The ingredient's absorption is significantly increased, facilitating infiltration into the dermal structures, and the potential for toxicity or irritation is almost eliminated.Pantothenic Acid/Yeast Polypeptide is often used in hair care products because it makes hair more manageable, softer, and shinier.
Production method
The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Brewer's/Baker's yeast) is finely milled into a powder and dispersed in water. The water-insoluble fraction is removed by filtration, leaving the soluble components in solution.
Pure, commercially available Vitamin B5 is then introduced and allowed to react with the excess water-soluble constituents of the yeast extract in a fermentation vessel under mildly elevated temperature.
The reaction is monitored by HPLC assay and proceeds until no free Vitamin B5 remains detectable in the mixture. At this endpoint, the process is terminated. The resulting Pantothenic Acid/Yeast Polypeptide suspension is concentrated under vacuum and subsequently spray-dried to yield a free-flowing powder.
