Vitamins for Mental Health, Vitaminb5 - Information and benefits
Mental Health > Supplements: Vitaminb5
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and Pantethine
Other names
D-pantothenic acid, calcium pantothenate
Summary
Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is found in many foods. Because of this, a natural deficiency does not occur. Pantothenic acid is converted to coenzyme A and is used for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein in energy production. It is necessary for adrenal gland function and is considered an "anti-stress" vitamin. It improves exercise tolerance, and is useful in treating the symptoms of arthritis, allergies, and fatigue.
Pantethine, a similar compound is used to lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Vitamin B5 is extremely safe and there are no side effects, toxicities or interactions with drugs, foods, or other supplements. Pantothenic acid is so abundant in nature that a natural deficiency has not been identified. If a pantothenic acid deficiency is artificially created, the major symptom is "burning foot syndrome." Other symptoms include numbness and shooting pains in the feet, fatigue, headache, inflammation, and an increased susceptibility to infection.
Uses
The primary uses of pantothenic acid are to support the function of the adrenal gland and to decrease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis including pain, inflammation and stiffness. It may also be useful for sports related injuries. When used with other B vitamins, Vitamin B5 may improve exercise tolerance and delay the onset of fatigue. It can aid in wound healing and has been used to treat allergies. It has also been used for ulcerative colitis, aid in the production of red blood cells, and support the immune system during infections.
Pantethene, the stable form of pantetheine (an active form of pantothenic acid but not pantothenic acid itself) is used to lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Pantothenic acid does not have this effect.
Proposed Mechanism of Action
Pantothenic acid is found in foods as coenzyme A. It is converted to pantothenic acid during digestion, absorbed, taken up by the cells, and made back into coenzyme A. Coenzyme A is needed for the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is also involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and vitamin D.
Side Effects / Precautions
Extremely large doses of pantothenic acid have caused diarrhea.
Interactions
No interactions have been identified.
Symptoms of Deficiency
Pantothenic acid is so abundant in nature that a natural deficiency has not been identified. If a pantothenic acid deficiency is artificially created, the major symptom is "burning foot syndrome." Symptoms include numbness and shooting pains in the feet. Fatigue, headache, inflammation, and insomnia may be early signs of deficiency. There is also an increased susceptibility to infection.
Symptoms of Toxicity
Vitamin B6 is very safe and no toxicity has been identified.
Dosage and Administration
Pantothenic acid is usually supplemented as calcium pantothenate. Ten milligrams of calcium pantothenate is equivalent to 9.2 milligrams of pantothenic acid. No recommended daily allowance has been established but a daily dose of 4-7 milligrams is considered to be safe and adequate. Higher amounts are used therapeutically. Pantothenic acid, 250 milligrams twice daily will support the adrenal glands and treat allergies. Two grams daily is needed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Pantethine is used to lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides. The dose is 300 milligrams three times a day. Panthethine is expensive compared to niacin or inositol hexaniacinate, other natural cholesterol lowering agents. For this reason, it should be reserved for use in those with diabetes since it does not affect the control of blood sugars as niacin does.
Food Sources
The highest concentrations of pantothenic acid are found in brewer's yeast, torula yeast, calf liver, peanuts, mushrooms, soybeans, peas, nuts, broccoli, oranges and sunflower seeds. It is also found in eggs, potatoes, salt water fish, pork and milk.
Significant amounts are lost by processing food, including cooking, freezing, and canning.
Other Supplements to Consider
Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin, hydroxycobalamin)
Folic acid
Inositol
Carnitine
Coenzyme Q10
Niacin
Inositol hexaniacinate