Pantothenic Acid Benefits

What are pantothenic acid benefits? What is pantothenic acid and what happens when there is pantothenic acid deficiency?

Pantothenic acid is also known as vitamin B5 and pantothenate. And just like all the other B vitamins, it is soluble in water. Water soluble vitamins are easily dissolved and excreted in the urine. Some of the top vitamin B5 foods include chicken liver, egg yolk, wheat bran, sunflower seeds, whey powder, shiitake mushrooms, fresh vegetables and avocados.

Pantothenic acid is involved in the production of adrenal hormones in the adrenal glands. It also plays a role in the formation of antibiotics to help the body fight against bacterial infection and reproduction. Upon ingestion, the body will convert vitamin B5 into coenzyme A which is a molecule that has a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and the release energy. It helps synthesize red blood cells and acetycholine which is a neurotransmitter.

Vitamin B5 is also recognized as an anti-stress vitamin. This is one of the reasons why it is used as one of the remedies to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, anxiety, depression and irritability. It will also benefit women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome and those who experience chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some athletes and active people include vitamin B5 supplement to gain a high energy level and to remain alert.

One of the other pantothenic acid benefits is in the treatment of acne and reducing excessive sebum. Taking vitamin B5 supplement daily can help control and eliminate acne. Using a topical cream containing pantothenic acid at the same time is also helpful as it helps reduce pores.

Even though there is no scientific evidence, pantothenic acid is also used to assist in treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms, provide relief for rheumatoid arthritis, manage cholesterol levels and speed up wound healing.

Vitamin B5 deficiency is rare if you can acquire 5mg of pantothenic acid in your diet or include vitamin B complex as a dietary supplement. Pregnant women will need 7mg and women who breastfeed required 6mg. But if there is a pantothenic acid deficiency, the symptoms include burning sensation on the feet, fatigue, irritability, muscle cramps, numbness and hypoglycemia.

Pantothenic acid side effects are also rare since vitamin B5 is water soluble. But a high overdose can result in edema, severe fatigue, diarrhea, joint pain, dehydration and gastrointestinal problems.

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