Feasibility, Tolerability, Safety and Efficacy of a Pantothenic Acid Based Dietary Supplement
in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Facial Acne Blemishes
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135
pantothenic acid deficiency may be a factor in acne pa-
thogenesis [13]. Even though pantothenic acid is the
main ingredient in Pantothen, there are a number of other
vitamins that may contribute to a synergistic mechanism
of action. This could include the B-complex vitamins and/
or L-carnitine which has been recently shown to reduce
sebum secretion in a human sebaceous cell line [14].
This study also demonstrated improved quality of life
in subjects with facial blemishes as measured by the
Dermatology Life Quality Index. It has been well demons-
trated that adults with acne have reported reduced quality
of life with regard to dissatisfaction and patient bother
[2]. Moreover, it has been suggested that all studies of
acne include assessments of quality of life because such
assessements appear to be important correlates in meas-
uring the success of treatment [15].
The limitations of this study are that we tested feasi-
bility in subjects with heterogeneous lesions, had a small
sample size and no control group. Due to these factors
our exploratory findings cannot be directly attributed to
the administration of the study agent as it is possible that
volunteers improved because they made lifestyle or other
changes that were not reported in their follow up visits.
Strengths of our study include pilot analysis of feasi-
bility and safety that will enable us to better design and
power a larger study and examine potential mechanisms
of action of the study agent and dosage. Given the feasi-
bility, tolerability, safety and positive trend in improving
symptoms and quality of life, a larger randomized, pla-
cebo controlled study of Pantothen is warranted.
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