What is "pantethine"

n. (context chemistry English) A dimeric form of pantothenic acid, composed of two molecules of pantothenic acid linked by cysteamine bridging groups.

Pantethine (bis-pantethine or co-enzyme pantethine) is a dimeric form of pantetheine, which is produced from pantothenic acid (vitamin B) by the addition of cysteamine. Pantethine is composed of two molecules of pantetheine linked by a bridging disulfide. Pantetheine is an intermediate in the production of Coenzyme A by the body. Most vitamin B supplements are in the form of calcium pantothenate, a salt of pantothenic acid, with doses in the range of 5 to 10 mg/day. In contrast, pantethine is sold as a dietary supplement for lowering blood cholesterol and triglycerides at doses of 500 to 1200 mg/day