Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid

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Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, is essential to all life and is a component of coenzyme A (CoA), a molecule that is necessary for numerous vital chemical reactions to occur in cells.

Pantothenic acid is essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as for the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Pantothenic acid is known as the “antistress” vitamin and is used to relieve fatigue and stress and the many problems induced by stress.

Deficiency

Pantothenic acid deficiency is exceedingly rare and likely only occurs only in cases of the most severe life-threatening known as the “antistress” vitamin and is used to relieve fatigue and stress and the many problems induced by stressmalnutrition.  However a recent study into eating habits showed the average person to be only getting 50% RDA.

Because vitamin B5 is needed to release energy from carbohydrates and fats, its deficiency is often related to low energy-related symptoms. These symptoms include fatigue, listlessness, and sensations of weakness. One rare symptom of B5 deficiency is called “burning foot syndrome.” In this condition, numbness and tingling, together with burning and shooting pain in the feet, have been attributed to B5 deficiency. While other B vitamins (like B1 and B3) help lessen the symptoms of burning foot syndrome, B5 is required to end the burning sensation. This condition, while very rare, helps point out the strong interdependence of the B vitamins and is the reason that many researchers believe B5 deficiency symptoms are primarily symptoms of overall B vitamin deficiency, not deficiency of B5 alone.

Sources of Vitamin B5

The name pantothenic acid comes from the Greek word pantos, meaning “everywhere,” referring to its wide distribution in most plants and animals. Rich food sources include meats, liver, kidney, fish/shellfish, chicken, vegetables, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, sunflower seeds legumes, yeast, eggs, and milk. However, freezing and canning may lead to a loss of much of the pantothenic acid content. Whole grains are also a good source, although refining may degrade much of the pantothenic acid content.

Function of Vitamin B5

Release of Energy from Carbohydrates and Fats

When found in its CoA form, vitamin B5 plays a pivotal role in helping release energy from sugars, starches, and fats. Most of this energy release occurs in the energy production factories found in every cell called the mitochondria. Increased levels of vitamin B5 in the blood of marathon runners, for example, has led to interest in this vitamin as a potential aid in physical training, where sustained energy release from the mitochondria is critical.

Adrenal Support

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.

Production of fats

While the CoA form of vitamin B5 is important for releasing energy stored as fat, it is equally important for the creation of fat. Two basic types of fats – fatty acids and cholesterol – both require the CoA form of B5 for their synthesis. Sphingosine, a fat-like molecule that is constantly involved in the delivery of chemical messages inside our cells, also requires B5 for its synthesis.

Changing the shape and function of proteins

Vitamin B5, in the form of CoA, can be used to help acetylate proteins, thereby protecting them from chemical breakdown. The attachment of acetyl groups to proteins can be important for other reasons, however. Sometimes this chemical process can dramatically change the function of a protein. For example, sometimes the acetylation of a protein can pave the way for its conversion into a hormone. This process is especially well-researched in relationship to the body’s adrenal glands, where stress-related hormone production requires participation of vitamin B5.

When more may be required

Vitamin B5 may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following health conditions:

  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • “Burning foot” syndrome
  • Cataracts
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • General fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood)
  • Insomnia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

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.

Dosage

The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

RDA: 5mg, although 100 – 500mg is usually used in supplementation.

Vitamins B12, folate, and biotin are required for proper use of vitamin B5 in the body’s biochemical pathways. In addition, vitamin C appears to help prevent B5 deficiency.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

Pantothenic acid intake many times higher than the RDA is apparently without demonstrable toxicity. Nevertheless, At very high supplemental doses of 2 or more grams per day, intake of vitamin B5 can cause mild diarrhea. The fact that much lower doses of this vitamin (in the 500 milligram range) have also been used to treat constipation lends credence to this association with diarrhea.

No detrimental drug reactions have been reported for vitamin B5.