Vitamin B5 - pantothenic acid - information page

Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, as well as the "anti-stress vitamin" is part of the B group vitamins and classified as a water-soluble vitamin. This nutrient can be manufactured in the body by the intestinal flora.

on this page

• Vitamin B5 - pantothenic acid - is required for
• Deficiency of vitamin B5
• Dosage
• Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
• Best used with
• When more may be required
• Enemy of vitamin B5
• Other interesting points
• Food sources of vitamin B5
• Vitamin B5 contained in the following Zest for Life products

Vitamin B5 - pantothenic acid - is required for

Vitamin B5 plays an important role in the secretion of hormones, such as cortisone because of the role it plays in supporting the adrenal gland. These hormones assist the metabolism, help to fight allergies and are beneficial in the maintenance of healthy skin, muscles and nerves.

Pantothenic acid is also used in the release of energy as well as the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates. It is used in the creation of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and hemoglobin.

Some are of the opinion that pantothenic acid is also helpful to fight wrinkles as well as graying of the hair.

Deficiency of vitamin B5

With Vitamin B5 in short supply symptoms like fatigue, headaches, nausea, tingling in the hands, depression, personality changes and cardiac instability have been reported.

Frequent infection, fatigue, abdominal pains, sleep disturbances and neurological disorders including numbness, paresthesia (abnormal sensation such as "burning feet" syndrome), muscle weakness and cramps are also possible indications that this nutrient is in short supply.

Biochemical changes include increased insulin sensitivity, lowered blood cholesterol, decreased serum potassium, and failure of adrenocorticotropin to induce eosinopenia.

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.

No recommended dosage but 10 - 100 mg is indicated.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

It does not appear to be toxic in high dosage, although diarrhea, digestive disturbances and water retention have been reported on dosage exceeding 10 g a day.

Taking 1,500 mg a day over an extended period may cause sensitivity to the teeth.

Best used with

It is most effective when taken with the B group vitamins, Vitamin A, vitamin C and Vitamin E.

When more may be required

People under stress, prone to allergies, consuming alcohol or eating too many refined foods might develop a shortage of this vitamin.

Enemy of vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid can be lost in cooking - particularly with roasting or milling, as well as when exposed to acids like vinegar, or alkali such as baking soda. It is also destroyed to a large degree in canning.

Other interesting points

Do not add soda to the water when cooking vegetables - it will destroy the pantothenic acid.

Food sources of vitamin B5

Beef, brewer’s yeast, eggs, fresh vegetables, kidney, legumes, liver, mushrooms, nuts, pork, royal jelly, saltwater fish, torula yeast, whole rye flour, and whole wheat.

Vitamin B5 contained in the following Zest for Life products

• Millenium 2000 - Slimming and weight-loss capsules

• Hair, Nail & Skin supplement - multi nutrient capsules

• Click here to view our full product range.

Our products

	Adaptogens. Balance and help us cope with stresses.
	Anti-aging supplement. Helps to fight the signs and symptoms of ageing.
	Antioxidants. Fight ageing, degenerative disease and free radicals.
	Apple cider vinegar capsules with Gotu Kola. The trusted folk remedy.
	BodyGuard. Immune boost formula.
	Enzymes. Required for metabolic processes.
	Millenium 2000. Slimming capsules to make dieting easy.
	OystaCal. The best organic and bio-available calcium.
	Phytosterols. Plant chemicals to boost your system.
	Hair, Skin and Nail Formula. The best formula for improving your looks.
	Vitalyze. Your high-energy boost to live life with vigor and stress-buster.
	Vuka 2000. The most advanced sexual supplement.

Nutritional information

Here are some information page on which you can read more about a specific nutrient and the role it plays in our general well-being. Please note - We do not use or sell all of these compounds but include the information for the benefit of our clients and visitors. To visit our selection of vitamin products please click here.