Vitamin B5 - Higher Risk Symptoms Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is naturally present in foods, is added to foods, and is available as a dietary supplement. It is used to produce coenzyme A (CoA), a chemical compound that helps enzymes build and break down fatty acids and perform other metabolic functions, and the acyl carrier protein, which is also involved in building fats. Many different foods contain pantothenic acid. The bacteria in the gut can also produce some pantothenic acid, but not enough to meet the need.

Why B5 is important for our body?

Since pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 helps break down fats, its possible role in lowering cholesterol levels in people with dyslipidemia has been studied. This is a condition in which there is an abnormally high concentration of fat or lipids in the blood (e.g., "bad" LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and a low level of "good" HDL cholesterol. Low levels of CoA may prevent the breakdown and elimination of fats in the blood. It has also been suggested that pantothenic acid may have an antioxidant effect that reduces low-level inflammation that occurs in the early stages of heart disease. However, research in this area is still limited, and it is unclear whether pantothenic acid supplements can lower blood lipids independently of (or enhance the cholesterol-lowering effects of) a heart-healthy diet.

In a randomized, double-blind trial, 216 men and women with moderate dyslipidemia received 400 mg of CoA or 600 mg of pantethine (pantethine is another form of pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 that has been studied to control dyslipidemia) daily for 8 weeks. Additionally, participants received food advice to decrease cholesterol. After 8 weeks, triglycerides in the CoA group had decreased by 33% from baseline. Additionally, HDL cholesterol increased from the starting point while total cholesterol declined. In the pantethine group, reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides were smaller. No negative side effects of the supplements were observed.

Source of Food

Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 is found in almost all plant and animal foods to some extent, as the vitamin is found in all living cells.

1. Cereals fortified
2. Meats from organs (liver, kidney)
3. Beef
4. Breast of chicken
5. Mushrooms
6. Avocado, nuts, and seeds
7. Milk from cows
8. Yogurt
9. Potatoes
10. Eggs
11. Rice (brown)
12. Oats
13. Broccoli

Symptoms of Weakness and Toxic Effect

Because pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 is found in a wide variety of foods, deficiency is rare unless there is a deficiency of other nutrients, as is the case with severe malnutrition. Other rare cases are seen in individuals with genetic mutations in which pantothenic acid cannot be metabolized.

1. Headache
2. Fatigue
3. Anger and Restlessness
4. Sleep Disturbances
5. Stomach cramps, Vomiting, and Nausea
6. Tingling or Burning in the hands or feet
7. Muscle Pain

Toxic Effect:

Toxic levels of pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 from food have not been observed. At very high daily doses of 10 grams per day, stomach upset or mild diarrhea has been reported. However, this is rare and an upper acceptable intake level for pantothenic acid has not been established.

Important Information:

Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 is sold as a dietary supplement that claims to help with dozens of conditions, from allergies and dandruff to calf cramps and arthritis. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to support these claims.