Pantetheine is a precursor to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and is involved in the synthesis of coenzyme A, which plays a vital role in cellular metabolism. Its use to "support the adrenal glands" primarily stems from traditional and naturopathic health practices rather than robust scientific validation. Historical claims suggest that pantothenic acid and its derivatives, like pantetheine, may help maintain adrenal function, particularly under stress, because the adrenal glands require coenzyme A for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones such as cortisol. Some early animal studies from the mid-20th century observed adrenal atrophy in pantothenic acid–deficient animals, fueling the idea that supplementation could "support" adrenal health.

However, there is a lack of direct clinical evidence in humans linking pantetheine supplementation specifically to improved adrenal gland function or stress resilience. Most modern research focuses on pantetheine’s potential lipid-lowering effects rather than on endocrine or adrenal outcomes. Therefore, while the use of pantetheine for adrenal support is rooted in tradition and some extrapolation from basic science, it is not strongly supported by contemporary clinical research.