Why Your Body Needs Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Derived from the Greek word pántothen, meaning "from all quarters," this B
Vitamin is indeed a "do everything, be everywhere" nutrient. It is part of the chemical
makeup of Coenzyme A. It is also known in other forms - Calcium Pantothenate and
Panthenol. The RDA for adults is 7 milligrams.
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is needed for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins,
and fats. Pantothenic acid is part of the vitamin B complex and plays a number of
essential metabolic roles in the human body, including some of those related to the
production of adrenal gland hormones and the production of energy. It has become
increasingly popular as a nutritional supplement, widely used for its alleged abilities to
boost energy, increase athletic performance, alleviate arthritis, restore color and luster
to hair and, in general, rejuvenate. Deficiencies in humans can result in abdominal
distress, vomiting, cramps, burning pain in the heels, "burning feet syndrome", fatigue,
insomnia. Signs of reduced immunity to some infectious agents have also been noted in
pantothenate deficiency.
However few problems have been found that are due to a lack of pantothenic acid alone.
A lack of one B vitamin usually goes along with a lack of others, so pantothenic acid is
often included in B complex products.
Pantothenic acid as coenzyme A is closely involved in adrenal cortex function and has
come to be known as the "antistress" vitamin. It supports the adrenal glands to increase
production of cortisone and other adrenal hormones to help counteract stress and enhance
metabolism. Through this mechanism, pantothenic acid is also thought to help prevent aging
and wrinkles. It is generally important to healthy skin and nerves. Through its adrenal
support, vitamin B5 may reduce potentially toxic effects of antibiotics and radiation.
Vitamin B5 has also been used after surgery when there is paralysis of the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract to stimulate GI peristalsis. It has been helpful in many cases
for people who grind their teeth at night, a problem called bruxism. Other conditions
treated by this vitamin are nerve disorders such as neuritis, epilepsy, and multiple
sclerosis and various levels of mental illness and alcoholism. Of course, the
effectiveness may vary in all these situations according to amount supplemented, length of
time used, and individual responsiveness. Sound research to support the use of pantothenic
acid in many of these treatments or for its energy-enhancing or antiaging effects is
lacking, although some research has shown positive results from the use of calcium
pantothenate in reducing arthritis symptoms of joint pain and stiffness.
Pantothenic acid is found in various foods including peas and beans (except green beans)
, lean meat, poultry, fish, and whole-grain cereals. Little pantothenic acid is lost from
foods with ordinary cooking.
Vitamins alone will not take the place of a good diet and will not provide energy. Your
body also needs other substances found in food--protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and
fat.
A great deal of research in the past two decades has centered on the roles that B
vitamins may play in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancers, and various
psychiatric or mental disorders. Particularly intriguing for researchers has been the
finding that consumption of folate and vitamin B6 can reduce elevated levels of
homocysteine in the blood. This finding is potentially important, because lower
homocysteine concentrations seem to be associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular
disease.
Along with its needed effects, a dietary supplement may cause some unwanted effects.
Although pantothenic acid does not usually cause any side effects, check with your health
care professional if you notice any unusual effects while you are taking it. There are few
known toxic effects, but very large doses have been known to produce lack of co-ordination
in movement and impairment of sensation. It is destroyed by heat, caffeine and alcohol.
- Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B 5 ). Medline Plus. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Elson M. Haas, M.D. Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and
Nutritional Medicine, Celestial Arts
- Roy M. Pitkin. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6,
Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Public Briefing April 7,
1998
Derived from the Greek word pántothen, meaning "from all quarters," this B
Vitamin is indeed a "do everything, be everywhere" nutrient. It is part of the chemical
makeup of Coenzyme A. It is also known in other forms - Calcium Pantothenate and
Panthenol. The RDA for adults is 7 milligrams.
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is needed for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins,
and fats. Pantothenic acid is part of the vitamin B complex and plays a number of
essential metabolic roles in the human body, including some of those related to the
production of adrenal gland hormones and the production of energy. It has become
increasingly popular as a nutritional supplement, widely used for its alleged abilities to
boost energy, increase athletic performance, alleviate arthritis, restore color and luster
to hair and, in general, rejuvenate. Deficiencies in humans can result in abdominal
distress, vomiting, cramps, burning pain in the heels, "burning feet syndrome", fatigue,
insomnia. Signs of reduced immunity to some infectious agents have also been noted in
pantothenate deficiency.
However few problems have been found that are due to a lack of pantothenic acid alone.
A lack of one B vitamin usually goes along with a lack of others, so pantothenic acid is
often included in B complex products.
Pantothenic acid as coenzyme A is closely involved in adrenal cortex function and has
come to be known as the "antistress" vitamin. It supports the adrenal glands to increase
production of cortisone and other adrenal hormones to help counteract stress and enhance
metabolism. Through this mechanism, pantothenic acid is also thought to help prevent aging
and wrinkles. It is generally important to healthy skin and nerves. Through its adrenal
support, vitamin B5 may reduce potentially toxic effects of antibiotics and radiation.
Vitamin B5 has also been used after surgery when there is paralysis of the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract to stimulate GI peristalsis. It has been helpful in many cases
for people who grind their teeth at night, a problem called bruxism. Other conditions
treated by this vitamin are nerve disorders such as neuritis, epilepsy, and multiple
sclerosis and various levels of mental illness and alcoholism. Of course, the
effectiveness may vary in all these situations according to amount supplemented, length of
time used, and individual responsiveness. Sound research to support the use of pantothenic
acid in many of these treatments or for its energy-enhancing or antiaging effects is
lacking, although some research has shown positive results from the use of calcium
pantothenate in reducing arthritis symptoms of joint pain and stiffness.
Pantothenic acid is found in various foods including peas and beans (except green beans)
, lean meat, poultry, fish, and whole-grain cereals. Little pantothenic acid is lost from
foods with ordinary cooking.
Vitamins alone will not take the place of a good diet and will not provide energy. Your
body also needs other substances found in food--protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and
fat.
A great deal of research in the past two decades has centered on the roles that B
vitamins may play in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancers, and various
psychiatric or mental disorders. Particularly intriguing for researchers has been the
finding that consumption of folate and vitamin B6 can reduce elevated levels of
homocysteine in the blood. This finding is potentially important, because lower
homocysteine concentrations seem to be associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular
disease.
Along with its needed effects, a dietary supplement may cause some unwanted effects.
Although pantothenic acid does not usually cause any side effects, check with your health
care professional if you notice any unusual effects while you are taking it. There are few
known toxic effects, but very large doses have been known to produce lack of co-ordination
in movement and impairment of sensation. It is destroyed by heat, caffeine and alcohol.
- Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B 5 ). Medline Plus. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Elson M. Haas, M.D. Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and
Nutritional Medicine, Celestial Arts
- Roy M. Pitkin. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6,
Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Public Briefing April 7,
1998
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