Vitamin B5 (Pantothetic Acid) Health Benefits

Also known as Pantothetic acid, Vitamin B5 is known to be one of the best nutritional elements in the body. This water-soluble vitamin is placed under the ‘essential vitamins’ section because of the fact that the body is not able to synthesize the uses of the product on its own. Some of the more prominent roles that the vitamin is responsible for include the secretion of hormones such as cortisone, which is an essential requirement for the proper functioning of the adrenal gland. The proper functioning of the adrenal gland is required for the maintenance of healthy skin, nerves and muscles. Because of the fact that there are a number of vitamin B5 benefits for skin, hair, acne and other health benefits, it helps to know that the vitamin is present in a number of the foods that we consume on a regular basis.

Meats are one of the most highly regarded sources of vitamin B5, although studies show that animal meats contain only about half the vitamin B5 content that human muscles do. Vitamin B5 can be found in a number of vegetables as well. Some of the better-known vegetable sources of broccoli include avocados and broccoli. Vitamin B5’s health benefits are also very important to understand because of the fact that the symptoms that are likely to develop in the case of a deficiency can play a significant role in the quality of life that you lead. Some of the more common symptoms that one is likely to encounter include – fatigue, nausea, depression, tingling in the hands and even personality changes. Some patients are also known to experience a number of other very serious medical complications in the form of abdominal pains, sleep disturbances and neurological disorders. The body is also likely to undergo a number of biochemical changes in that there is an increased level of insulin sensitivity and lowered blood cholesterol. Some in depth studies have even shown that a number of the patients have complained of a burning sensation on the feet – something that is also experienced by malnourished prisoners of war.

Vitamin B5 for Hair, Skin, Arthritis

The vitamin B5 benefits for hair are rather well documented, which is not surprising considering the fact that an individual’s aesthetic appearance plays a rather prominent role in his or her lifestyle. Studies on vitamin B5 benefits for hair have shown that not only can an adequate intake of vitamin B5 help with stemming hair loss, but it can also help avoid the graying of the hair.

Vitamin B5 benefits for acne are also touted as being another very important reason that one should incorporate vitamin b5 into his or her diet. Given that acne is a very common condition suffered by millions all over the world, it is easy to understand why this would be an important part of the consumption. Some experts also suggest the increased intake of vitamin b5 for arthritis – citing some more recent medical tests that show an improvement in the condition when an individuals diet contains more vitamin B5 quantities, although the evidence is still rather weak. Other medical studies also show that vitamin B5 is very good at increasing the speed of healing within the body as steps in the healing process – such as clotting and the growth of scar tissue – happen at much faster speeds. Moreover, vitamin B5 is also known to help stem the pain as well as swelling that an individual experiences when suffering from any condition or wound. Another very interesting fact is that the required amount of intake of vitamin B5 content will also help lower blood lipids while speeding up the detoxification process.

Vitamin B5 Nutrition

As mentioned previously, vitamin B5 nutrition is not hard to achieve because of the fact that it is present in a number of our regularly consumed foods. However, understanding the recommended dosage that should be attained will help you understand and cater to your body’s need better, thereby making it more rugged and able to accomplish the tasks you require it to perform. However, while having said that vitamin B5 nutrients are found in a number of the foods that we consume on a regular basis, one should also keep in mind the fact that junk foods and fast foods distinctly lack any vitamin B5 concentration. Packed processed, canned and frozen foods all lack any vitamin B5 content and thereby make any meal with them that much less nutritional. Any healthy diet is focused on aiding the metabolism of the body as well as improving performance and durability of the skeleton and muscles. The recommended dosage on vitamin B5 intake is dependent on the age of the individual. For instance, a child should have an intake of between 1.7 to 3 milligrams of vitamin B5 at various stages of his or her growth while an adult should get about 5 milligrams a day. Pregnant women should get an intake of about 6 milligrams a day for it to be enough for her and the baby, while lactating mothers are required to have as much as 7 milligrams a day. The upper limit of vitamin B5 intake has never been established, as no serious side effects seem developed in individuals that over shoot the recommended intake amount by any significant margin. Given the fact that it is a water-soluble vitamin, any excessive intake is discarded by the body via the urine.

Vitamin B5 Sources

Unlike with most other nutrients or vitamins, surprisingly, fruits are not one of the better vitamin B5 sources. Some of the more well-known vitamin b5 sources in food happen to be eggs, yeast, sunflower seeds, mushrooms and wheat germ. Alternately, one can also get their vitamin B5 intake from laboratorial supplements that are specifically engineered to optimize the body’s intake of the vitamin. As no side effect have been reported, it is highly recommended that you consume as much as you can in your dietary intake to reap the benefits of the many advantages that the vitamin has.

Submitted on January 16, 2014