Vitamin B5

Pantothenic Acid is so ubiquitous, and the chance of deficiency so remote, that recommended intake levels for the vitamin have not been established. No deficiency in the vitamin has been reported in humans. Otherwise known as Vitamin B-5, this water-soluble nutrient is found in a wide variety of food sources and exerts influence in a number of body functions. Vitamin B-5 is converted into coenzyme A, its only known biological form. Coenzyme A is involved in the acetylation of substances such as choline, the oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids and other substances, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also is necessary for optimum adrenal function and has anti-stress properties.


VITAMIN B-5: SOURCES

Available as:

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.


VITAMIN B-5: PROVEN BENEFITS

What this vitamin does:

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

 

VITAMIN B-5: UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.


VITAMIN B-5: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.


VITAMIN B-5: DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

None proved for pantothenic acid alone. However, lack of one B vitamin usually means lack of other B nutrients. Pantothenic acid is usually given with other B vitamins if there are symptoms of ANY Vitamin-B deficiency, including excessive fatigue, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, nausea.1

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

 

VITAMIN B-5: UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

 

VITAMIN B-5: LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

Methods are limited and expensive. Tests are used only for research at present. Methods are available to measure blood levels and levels in 24-hour urine collections.

Lymphocytic growth response1

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.


VITAMIN B-5: OPTIMAL LEVELS

10-1,000 mg

VITAMIN B-5: MINIMUM DOSAGE

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):

No RDA has been established. Estimated safe intake given below.

Age Estimated Safe Intake

0-6 months 2mg/day

6 months-3 years 3mg/day

4-6 years 3-4mg/day

7-9 years 4-5mg/day

10+ years 4-7mg/day

Pregnancy and lactation may increase the need by one-third.


VITAMIN B-5: WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:

Over age 55:

Pregnancy:

Breast-feeding:

Effect on lab tests:

Storage:

Others:

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

 

VITAMIN B-5: OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Signs and symptoms:

Diarrhea and water retention with ingestion of megadosesÑover 10 to 20 grams/day (10,000 mg-20,000 mg). This dose is not life-threatening.

What to do:

For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue vitamin, and consult doctor. 1

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

 

VITAMIN B-5: ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

Reaction or effect What to do

None expected with normal intake Call doctor if you suspect new symptoms are caused by taking pantothenic acid.1

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

 

VITAMIN B-5: INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

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