Pantothenic acid sources, health benefits and uses

Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is a viscous hygroscopic oil that is chemically unstable. It is usually found in supplements such as calcium pantothenate which is a solid and highly water soluble salt. It is one of the water soluble B-vitamins and an essential component of coenzyme A. It makes up pantetheine together with mercaptoethylamine. Pantetheine and adenosine-3′, 5′-diphosphate combine to give coenzyme A (CoA), which is important for the synthesis of fatty acids, polyketides, terpenoids, and steroids.

It is essential for cellular metabolism and production of hormones, neurotransmitters, phospholipids, porphyrin, antibodies, and sterols such as cholesterol.

It can found in yeast extract and organ meats such as heart, brain, liver and kidney. It is commonly found in dietary sources such as dairy products, pulses, legumes, eggs, vegetables, and whole grain cereals.

Medicinal uses for pantothenic acid

Pantethine may help reduce triglycerides or fats in the blood in people who have high cholesterol, according to studies. Other studies discovered that it helped lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good ones.

Vitamin B5 has been found to be moisturizing for the skin, although researchers are not sure why it works. Studies also suggested that it may speed wound healing, especially after  surgery, which may be particularly true if it is combined with vitamin C.

Pantothenic acid might also improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on preliminary evidence. A study found that people with RA may have lower levels of vitamin B5 in their blood than healthy people, and the lowest levels were linked with the most severe symptoms. Other studies discovered that calcium pantothenate improves morning stiffness and pain, which are symptoms of RA.

Pantothenic acid also helps in reducing stress. Based on research, coenzyme forms of pantothenic acid may allow individuals to sustain adaptive response and minimize some of the systematic effects of stress.

Body systems supported by pantothenic acid

Pantothenic acid is good for the heart. It helps balance and lower cholesterol levels in the body by converting carbohydrates and fats into glucose. It may also help lower high blood pressure and prevent heart failure. It was effective in treating a young boy with dilated cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) according to a clinical report. Pantothenic drugs, such as calcium pantothenate and pantethine were effective in treating patients with coronary heart disease and stable angina of effort, based on a clinical study.

Vitamin B5 is also essential for liver function because high concentrations of CoA in the liver help the body get rid of the toxic substances people are exposed to.

Pantothenic acid was also proven to improve the quality of hair and prevent hair loss.

The nutrient helps treat respiratory problems. An improvement and prevention of further asthma attacks were shown when pantothenic acid in the form of Dexpanthenol in “Myer’s Cocktail” — magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C— was supplied to a five-year-old boy who had asthma for two years.

It was also proven to be an effective treatment for nasal congestion and rhinorrhea, based on a clinical study. It also effectively reduced all considered symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as nasal congestion, based on a pilot study in children with allergic rhinitis.

The nutrient, along with the other minerals and vitamins, was effective in against asthmatic bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Where to learn more

• The B Vitamins: Their Individual Roles and Greatest Dietary Sources
• Facts About B Vitamins You Need to Know (Recipe Included)
• Low vitamin B increases inflammation and causes oxidative stress: Eat these foods to boost your levels
• Reduction in Stress Can Save You from the Flu
• Best strategies to boost your B vitamin levels

Summary

Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, can help prevent hair loss, inflammation, and heart diseases. It helps support liver health, skin health, and heart health.

Sources include:

CHM.Bris.ac.uk

UMM.edu

SelfHacked.com