Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is an essential nutrient which is necessary for the proper health and functioning of the human body. As one of the B vitamins, pantothenic acid plays a role in metabolism, proper function of the nervous system, and the synthesis of several biologically active compounds. A deficiency of vitamin B5 is rare in the developed world, and causes insomnia, depression, fatigue, vomiting and irritability, among other symptoms. Foods which contain high levels of vitamin B5 include broccoli, kidney, liver, yeast and egg yolks.
Aiding Metabolism
Vitamin B5 is a component of an enzyme called Coenzyme A, which is vital to the operation of the body's metabolic processes. The body obtains energy by breaking down macronutrients like carbohydrates, fatty acids and proteins into a molecule called glucose, which must be further metabolized before the body can utilize the energy it contains. According to Florida State University, coenzyme A is involved in the citric acid cycle, a fundamental metabolic process which occurs at the cellular level and produces energy from glucose. Vitamin B5 therefore has the effect of facilitating and enabling the metabolic processes necessary for life.
Lowering Cholesterol
Supplementation with vitamin B5 may be of benefit in people with high cholesterol. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, a derivative of vitamin B5 called pantethine, at doses of 900mg per day, has been shown in double-blind, placebo controlled studies to lower high cholesterol and blood triglycerides. Since pantethine is a derivative of vitamin B5, supplementing with pantothenic acid may also be beneficial for people with high cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, discuss supplementing vitamin B5 with your physician before beginning a dosing regimen.
Healing Wounds
Vitamin B5 may have the effect of accelerating wound healing, especially in skin tissue. According to the Linus Pauling Institute vitamin B5 supplementation increases the strength of scar tissue and quickens the closing of wounds to the skin. When used to accelerate wound healing, vitamin B5 can be supplemented orally or applied directly to the wound in an ointment. The wound healing effect of vitamin B5 may be enhanced when it is supplemented with vitamin C.
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