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

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