Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B5 known also as pantothenic acid or the “anti-stress vitamin” is a member of vitamin B complex. Just like most of other B vitamins, pantothenic acid plays a role for producing energy by converting carbs we receive from foods into glucose. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which is absolutely essential for our healthy liver, eyes, hair, and skin, and also this natural component is vital for normal function of our nervous system. Fortunately, we can receive necessary amounts of pantothenic acid from what we eat as the food sources of vitamin B5 are numerous.

This vitamin is important for normalizing hormone secretion in the body. It helps control bad LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and lower the risks of blood clot formation, thus preventing such serious health conditions as heart attack, atherosclerosis, and so on. Proper amounts of vitamin B5 in your body stimulate metabolism and assist in fighting allergies. Some researches have shown that pantothenic acid can aid lowering arthritis pains. Also, this natural component can stimulate wound healing, prevent minor digestive disorders, low blood pressure, migraines, muscular cramps, muscular dystrophy, and so on.

Finally, proper amounts of vitamin B5 in the body are linked to more effective stress management, less effects of such symptoms as anxiety, nervous tension, fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. Daily doses of vitamin b5 recommended by the  Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), are the following: for babies and infants – 1.7-1.8 mg, for children below 8 – 3-4 mg, for teenagers – 4-5 mg, for adults – 5 mg, for pregnant and breastfeeding women – 6-7 mg.

Food sources of vitamin B5 include legumes, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, cauliflower,avocado, sunflower seeds, soybeans, egg yolks, corn, sweet potatoes, peanuts, whole-grain breads and cereals, and so on. It is necessary to remember that pantothenic acid is getting easily destroyed by cooking and canning, that is why it is recommended to use the mentioned food sources of vitamin B5 in unprocessed forms. Herbal sources of vitamin b5 include nettle, burdock root, yellow dock, alfalfa, and others.

However, it is also possible to receive proper amounts of pantothenic acid from various dietary and vitamin supplements. It is especially important for those people who suffer from chronic stresses or who are prone to various types of allergies. Vitamin B5 is much more effective when taken along with other key vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin E. Remember that though vitamin B5 is not considered toxic, an overdose of this vitamin can result in such side effects as water retention, mild digestive disorders, and others.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

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