Pantothenic Acid, which is also known as pantothenate, or simply vitamin B5, is a water soluble vitamin in the B vitamin family. It occurs naturally in the body and can be ingested through several food sources including meats, whole grains, vegetables such as broccoli, avocados, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes, egg yolks, milk, and yogurt.
Pantothenic Acid can also be purchased and taken as a nutritional supplement either by itself of as part of a multivitamin that contains it. It is often called pantothenol or calcium pantothenol when in its more stable, supplement form.
Pantothenic Acid’s main role in the body is to help in the formation of coenzyme-A, which helps to synthesize and metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and turn them into usable energy. Humans do not need large quantities of this in their diets to maintain a healthy body.
Most people get the vitamin B5 they require from daily food consumption. In fact, Pantothenic Acid deficiency cases are extremely rare and only seen in those who are highly malnourished. Symptoms include lack of energy, numbness in hands and feet, muscle cramping, hypoglycemia, headache, insomnia, and a burning sensation in the feet.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Pantothenic Acid Benefits With pantothenic acid being found in such a wide variety of foods some might wonder why anyone would require it in supplement form. Although most of these uses are unproven through research, there are many ailments for which Pantothenic Acid is said to help. Resul... more
With pantothenic acid being found in such a wide variety of foods some might wonder why anyone would require it in supplement form. Although most of these uses are unproven through research, there are many ailments for which Pantothenic Acid is said to help. Results have been better for relief of symptoms for some disorders than others. Here are several of the ways Pantothenic Acid is currently being used:
Orally ingested pantothenic acid has also been used to treat; alcoholism, allergies, baldness, asthma, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, yeast infections, heart failure, carpel tunnel syndrome, celiac disease, colitis, conjunctivitis, dandruff, depression, gray hair and other signs of aging, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, PMS, enlarged prostate, hypothyroidism, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
You can also purchase pantothenic acid in the form of a lotion called dexpanthenol for treatment of chronic itching, eczema, insect stings and bites, poison ivy, and diaper rash. It has also been used in this form to help prevent skin reactions in cancer patients caused by radiation therapy.
Due to its water solubility it is hard to overdose on pantothenic acid and there are very few side effects. In some cases where people have taken very high doses they have developed diarrhea as a result. Stopping supplementation or reducing the amount of the supplement seems to make this side effects go away. Doctors do warn that those with hemophilia should not take pantothenic acid as it may extend the time it takes the blood to clot.
There are no known drug interactions with pantothenic acid and when used in the correct dosage amounts it is safe for children and women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
The average recommended dose for an adult taking supplemental pantothenic acid is five milligrams. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding need slightly more. Below is a chart showing the recommended daily intake on average for people from birth through adulthood. Those taking supplements in addition to eating a healthy diet may exceed these dosages.
When purchasing pantothenic acid in supplement form you will see that the dosage amounts far exceed these average daily amounts in most cases. Over the counter pantothenic acid is sold in dosage amounts ranging from 5 to 250 milligram capsules. You can also purchase it in its active, and more potent, form which is known as pantethine. Pantethine is sold in supplement dosage quantities of 5 to 50 milligrams. Most people taking supplements for long term duration take between 5-100 milligrams of pantothenic acid a day. Amounts over 100 milligrams should only be taken for a short term duration when trying to battle an ailment such as chronic acne.
Visit the nutrition page to learn more about other supplements that may meet your specific needs. Or use the free supplement finder to locate and compare pantothenic acid supplements right now!
| Diarrhea |
| Blood Thinning |
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| Acne |
| ADD/ADHD |
| Anxiety |
| Arthritis |
| Athletic Performance |
| Autism |
| Chronic Headaches |
| Diabetes |
| Energy |
| Hair Health |
| Immunity |
| Lowering Cholesterol |
| Migraine Headaches |
| Mood |
| Skin Health |
| Stress |
| Wound Healing |