Pantethine

Pantethine (bis-pantethine or co-enzyme pantethine) is a dimeric form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B₅). It is composed of two molecules of pantothenic acid linked by cysteamine bridging groups. The monomer of this compound is known as pantetheine and is an intermediate in the production of Coenzyme A by the body. Pantethine is considered the more biologically active form of vitamin B₅, but it is less stable, decomposing over time if it is not kept refrigerated. Most vitamin B₅ supplements are therefore in the form of calcium pantothenate, a salt of pantothenic acid.