Vitamin B-5, also commonly known as pantothenic acid, is a naturally occurring nutrient, although you may also purchase synthetic versions. Since processing -- including canning and freezing -- leeches out some of the vitamin B-5, you'll get the most nutritional value by eating fresh foods. Brewer's yeast, corn, kale, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and lentils offer high quantities of pantothenic acid as well as egg yolks, beef offal, duck, salmon and whole grains. This vitamin has a range of impacts on your body function and health. Consult your physician before taking vitamins.
Provides Energy
Eat foods high in vitamin B-5 to help your body get the energy it needs. All B vitamins play a critical role in converting carbohydrates, fat and protein from the foods you consume into glucose, a compound used to fuel your systems. Vitamin B-5 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning you do not have the ability to store it, so be sure to eat unprocessed foods high in vitamin B-5 each day to get the nutrients you need to assist you in getting the energy you need.
May Aid Adrenal Function
When your body undergoes stress, a diet high in vitamin B-5 may help. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that due to this nutrient's effect on your adrenal glands, some people call it the "anti-stress" vitamin. Chronic stress can put a strain on the adrenal gland's ability to function correctly because of overuse. Research published in the June 2008 issue of the "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin" notes that rats treated with vitamin B-5 were better able to secrete some adrenal hormones. Studies are needed to confirm if these findings correlate to humans and in what dosage and frequency.
Acne Prevention
Acne is often thought of as pimples that occur on your face, although these white heads, black heads and cysts can pop up on your chest and back as well. When traditional ointments and other treatments don't work, or you'd like to try a natural approach to prevention, vitamin B-5 may be an option. Evidence offered in the June 1995 edition of "Medical Hypotheses" theorizes that a vitamin B-5 deficiency may cause acne. In the study, a small cohort of patients consumed 1 to 5 g of pantothenic acid per day over an 18-month period, and they responded favorably to treatment. More research is needed to bear out these findings. MayoClinic.com suggests brewer's yeast, a food high in vitamin B-5, as an acne treatment.
Bruxism Treatment
A condition known as bruxism -- grinding or clenching your teeth as you sleep -- may be relieved through vitamin B-5 treatment. While managing your stress and wearing splints and mouth guards are more effective options for protecting your teeth from damage caused by this problem, some herbalists may suggest eating foods high in vitamin B-5 or taking a supplement in an effort to mitigate your stress. With this vitamin's reputation as a stress reliever, it may help alleviate symptoms that lead to nighttime grinding and clenching.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid); Steven D. Ehrlich; June 1, 2009
- FAO Corporate Document Repository: Get The Best From Your Food
- Women to Women; Adrenal Health in Women; Marcelle Pick; March 2011
- "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin"; Effects of Pantothenic Acid Supplementation on Adrenal Steroid Secretion from Male Rats; S. Jaroenporn, et al.; June 2008
- DermNet NZ; Acne Vulgaris; June 15, 2009
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Pantothenic Acid Deficiency as the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris; L.H. Leung; June 1995
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