Q: What is the difference between pantethine and pantothenic acid (calcium pantothenate) and can pantethine be used for adrenal support?

A: Pantothenic acid is a single molecule whereas pantethine is a double molecule. Panthethine consists of two molecules of pantothenic acid, which are also attached to molecules of cysteamine. Cysteamine is believed to play the primary role in the cardiovascular support properties of pantethine, and pantothenic acid primarily serves as a stable carrier for cysteamine. When digested, pantethine is hydrolyzed into cyteamine and two molecules of pantothenic acid. In addition to cardiovascular health, panthethine may be helpful for supporting similar applications as calcium pantothenate, including adrenal support.