Ongoing controversy has surrounded vitamin B15, or pangamic acid, in determining the compound's structure and its classification as a vitamin. Although not readily available in the United States, vitamin B15 is marketed as an antioxidant that stimulates cellular respiration. However, little evidence has been determined regarding any beneficial biochemical or physiological function of vitamin B15 as a vitamin or a drug.
Where To Buy Vitamin B15
The United States infers that Vitamin B15 is pangamic acid; while Russia infers that Vitamin B15 is calcium pangamate. But not the same calcium pangamate listed above! In Russia, it is believed to be a combination of the calcium salt of pangamic acid (calcium pangamate), calcium gluconate and N, N-dimethylglycine (DMG), which they call Calgam.
History
Pangamic acid was isolated from apricots seeds in 1938 by Ernst Krebs and trade named B15 in 1943. It was described as having many detoxifying medical functions, including benefits to the skin, respiratory tract, nerves and joints. Vitamin B15 was used as a supplement in the U.S. until the 1970s, when it was banned from distribution. While many therapeutic uses of vitamin B15 are unproven, other countries continue to use vitamin B15, including Russia and some European countries, in the calcium pangamate form, appearing as dimethyl glycine, or DMG. In Russia, pangamic acid is used to increase athletic performance, reduce alcohol cravings and help reduce heart disease, senility and autism. In Europe, pangamic acid is used as an anti-aging agent and to protect against air pollution.
Federal Approval
Commercially available pangamic acid products are not standardized and may contain indiscriminate amounts of gluconic acid, glycine, diisopropylamonium dichloroacetate and other materials. Because the chemical composition varies from product to product and insufficient evidence exists to show that vitamin B15 is effective for medicinal use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved B15 and repeatedly seizes pangamic tablets. Vitamin B15 is also prohibited for distribution in Canada.
Function
Pangamic acid might serve as a methyl donor to help form certain amino acids. Vitamin B15 may play a role in glucose oxidation and cell respiration, says Elson M. Haas, M.D. and founder and director of the Preventative Medical Center of Marin. The claim is it may help hypoxia by increasing oxygen to the heart and other muscles. With vitamins C and E, vitamin B15 may act as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidation. Pangamic acid is also thought to stimulate the nervous system and promote liver function, which may contribute to detoxification.
Sources
Food sources of pangamic acid include beef blood, whole grains such as brown rice, brewer's yeast, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and apricot seeds. Dimethyl glycine is sometimes used as a substitute for vitamin B15 because it is thought to combine with gluconic acid to form pangamic acid in the body. As with any supplements, before taking pangamic acid consult your physician regarding medical conditions or drugs you are taking.
Vitamin B-16, also known as dimethylglycine, N,N-Dimethylglycine, dimethylamino acetic acid, N-methylsarcosine or DMG, is more of a dietary supplement than a vitamin. Vitamin B-16 is a derivative of the amino acid glycine. Medically, vitamin B-16 is not a true vitamin because a lack of B-16 does not lead to any ill effects in your body. Manufacturers of vitamin B-16, however, claim that it can improve athletic performance, stimulate your immune system and help treat autism, epilepsy and mitochondrial disease. You should not use or take vitamin B-16 to treat a specific medical condition without consulting with a medical professional.
Description of Vitamin B-16
Vitamin B15 Benefits Dmg
Vitamin B-16 is a derivative of the amino acid glycine; it has a similar chemical structure to a water-soluble vitamin. The structural formula of vitamin B-16 is (CH3)2NCH2COOH. In your body, your small intestine absorbs vitamin B-16, and then your liver converts it into other useful metabolites. Vitamin B-16 also functions as a building block to DNA, amino acids, neurotransmitters and hormones.
Dmg Vitamin B15
Uses of Vitamin B-16
Manufacturers of vitamin B-16 supplements claim that as a supplement, vitamin B16 can enhance your immune system, stimulant neurological functions and help to manage autism and epilepsy. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, vitamin B-16 enhances immune responses in humans and animals by improving oxygen utilization during hypoxia, a medical condition in which your body does not receive sufficient oxygen. Vitamin B-16 can also reduce lactic acid build-up in your blood during stressful events helping to prevent seizures. However, the use of vitamin B-16 as a medical supplement remains controversial, as currently available studies do not confirm the medical benefits of vitamin B-16.
Benefits of Vitamin B-16
Vitamin B-16 is a methyl donor. Methyl donors facilitate your body in the production of brain chemicals and thus, can improve sexual enjoyment, mood, energy, well-being, alertness, concentration and visual clarity. According to 'The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book,' vitamin B-16 is an effective energy booster and a stamina-enhancing and cardiovascular-building nutrient. Additionally, vitamin B-16 can provide protection against infectious agents in your body and can optimize performance for athletes and active individuals.
Sources of Vitamin B-16
Dmg B15 Health Benefits
Physiologically, vitamin B-16 is a byproduct of choline. It circulates in your body in small amounts for only seconds at a time. You can find vitamin B-16 naturally in both animal and plant cells and in certain foods including liver, beans and cereal grains. Additionally, you can find vitamin B-16 in the outer coating of rice, brewer's yeast, grain and many types of seeds. This vitamin is also sold in supplement form. However, you should speak with a medical professional prior to taking any health supplement including vitamin B-16.
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