Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for several essential functions in the human body. The vitamin is abundant in a variety of foods, including eggs, nuts, beef, pork, whole wheat breads, vegetables and saltwater fish, which makes deficiency very rare. Symptoms of deficiency include insomnia, fatigue, irritability, depression, upper respiratory tract infections, vomiting, stomach pain and burning feet. The recommended daily intake of vitamin B5 for most healthy adults is 5 mg.
Metabolism of Fats, Carbohydrates and Fatty Acids
A primary function of Vitamin B5 is the conversion of fats and carbohydrates into usable energy. Most of this activity takes place inside the mitochondria of cells, according to the George Mateljan Foundation's World's Healthiest Foods website. Vitamin B5 also aids in the production of fats and fatty acids inside the body. Oregon State University explains that fatty acids are components of some lipids, which are fat molecules necessary for normal physiological growth and function.
Production of Hormones and Neurotransmitters
Vitamin B5 is sometimes referred to as the "anti-stress" vitamin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, because of its adrenal effects and its ability to improve the body's response to stress. In its metabolically active form, vitamin B5 is a component of Coenzyme A, an acyl group carrier necessary for hormone production and the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, according to Oregon State University. Coenzyme A is also essential to the synthesis of melatonin, a hormone involved in regulating the body's circadian rhythm.
Effects on Cholesterol
The synthesis of cholesterol is highly dependent on vitamin B5, and a synthetic form of the vitamin is currently being studied to determine its effects on high cholesterol, reports the UMMC. This synthetic derivative, called pantethine, may reduce high cholesterol in some patients in a method similar to naturally occurring vitamin B5. Adequate intake of vitamin B5 may also help reduce triglyceride levels in the blood, and lower LDL, the bad cholesterol, while raising levels of HDL, the good cholesterol.
Other Functions of B5
B5 is essential for the body to manufacture red blood cells and for the synthesis of heme, which is a component of hemoglobin. The UMMC explains the vitamin may also benefit the digestive tract by helping the body use vitamin B2. Vitamin B5 may also improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and speed wound healing, especially when combined with vitamin C. Oregon State University states that both oral and topical vitamin B5 may accelerate skin closure and increase the strength of scar tissue.
Member Comments