Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a B-complex vitamin that is involved in several essential physical processes. Along with other B-complex vitamins, vitamin B5 helps support your central nervous system, and maintains the health of your organs, skin, hair and eyes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This vitamin may also help you manage stress.
Sources
Vitamin B5 is most commonly found in multivitamin supplements and B-complex supplements, which also typically contain vitamins such as cobalamin, folic acid, riboflavin and niacin. Some supermarkets and health food stores also carry vitamin B5 as a standalone supplement. This vitamin is also found in food sources, including avocados, lentils, tomatoes, beef liver, eggs, whole-grain breads, peanuts, salmon, soybeans and poultry, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Stress Hormone Production
Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitter chemicals that may help reduce physical and mental responses to stressful stimuli. These chemicals may help calm your central nervous system, helping to decrease anxiety associated with stress. Vitamin B5 may stimulate the production of these neurotransmitter chemicals. This may help you remain calm during stressful events, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Other Stress Benefits
Vitamin B5 aids in the conversion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates into glucose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your body uses glucose to rebuild healthy brain and nerve cells, which may help reduce stress. This vitamin may also help reduce low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels in your bloodstream, which can cause fatty deposits in your arteries and restrict blood flow, according to Balch. Improved blood flow may enhance delivery of vitamins, minerals and the essential fatty acids your brain needs for proper functioning and production of anti-stress hormones.
Considerations
Normal dietary requirements of vitamin B5 are relatively low, and can typically be achieved through diet -- non-pregnant adults require about 5 mg of this vitamin per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, your body may need as much as 900 mg of vitamin B5 per day to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. This dosage may increase your risk of bleeding, cause diarrhea, and contribute to imbalances of other B-complex vitamins.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
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