Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Dr. Peter Osborne

Vitamin B5, otherwise known as pantothenic acid or pantothenate is a water soluble B-vitamin that is critical for normal function of the human body. This vitamin is also commonly called the anti-stress nutrient because it plays a role in the production of stress hormones by the adrenal glands. Deficiency of B-5 contributes to the inability to cope with stress. Additionally, pantothenic acid plays vital roles in energy production from foodstuffs. Pantothenate is a component of coenzyme A, which is necessary for energy production from carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and other compounds, as well as synthesis of fats, cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin and phospholipids.

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

Fatigue
Elevated cholesterol
Burning and pain in the arms and legs
Burning feet
Nausea
Indigestion
Irritability
Fainting
Hair loss
Elevated heart rate
Susceptibility to infection
Premature graying of the hair
Hair loss
Gluten sensitivity intolerance or celiac disease

Vitamin B5 has been shown to be beneficial for the following conditions:

Achlorhydria
Depression
Dermatitis
Adrenal disease (adrenal burn out or failure)
Headaches
Insomnia
High Cholesterol
Chronic Fatigue syndrome
Fibromyalgia

Drugs or Medications that may interfere with or deplete vitamin B5:

caffeine
high blood pressure medications
acid reflux medications

The following foods are the richest dietary source of pantothenate:

The term pantos is Greek and means “everywhere”, therefore; B5 is found in most foods. Meat, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are rich sources.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Peter Osborne, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Osborne and his community. Dr. Osborne encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.