Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is an essential vitamin that aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is necessary in the production of hormones and cholesterol. Derived from the Greek word pantos, which means "everywhere," pantothenic acid is found in most meats and vegetables. A vitamin B5 deficiency is rare and occurs with severe life-threatening malnutrition. Vitamin B5 acne treatment has been theorized by Lit-Hung Leung, M.D., who posits that a deficit of vitamin B5 was the cause of acne and, conversely, administration of a high dose of the vitamin was the cure.
Accepted Health Benefits of Vitamin B5
The health benefits of vitamin B5, according to healthvitaminsguide.com, include the alleviation of asthma, hair loss, stress, anxiety and combating wrinkles and graying of the hair. However, no evidence was found to substantiate vitamin B5 treatment for acne.
Vitamin B5 Acne Treatment Theory
In a 1995 article published in Medical Hypothesis, Lit-Hung Leung, M.D., of Hong Kong Central Hospital, suggests that a deficiency of pantothetic acid is the cause of acne. In a later article, published in the November 1997 issue of the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Dr. Leung reports the results of his study on the therapeutic effect of pantothetic acid on acne vulgaris. The study included 100 individuals--45 males and 55 females--who ranged in age from 10 to 30 years old. The severity of the acne varied. The participants were given 10 grams of vitamin B5 daily in four divided doses. Additionally, the subjects applied a cream containing 20 percent pantothetic acid four to six times daily. The cream was applied only to acne affected areas.
Dr. Leung's Findings
Dr. Leung reported a noticeable decrease in the production of sebum, which is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous gland and a lubricant for the skin and hair. This occurred within two to three days following the initiation of therapy. After two weeks of therapy, existing acne began to heal, and there was a decrease in the occurrence of new eruptions of acne.
Refuting Dr. Leung's Theory
In the article "B5 Acne Treatment Exposed," an investigator for natural-acne-treatments.com tested Dr. Leung's theory. This investigator acknowledges that this was not a formal study. Several volunteers agreed to participate and were given 10 to 20 grams of vitamin B5 daily, divided in a minimum of four doses each day. No success in treating acne was noted. The participants did experience nausea, chronic low energy and fatigue, however.
Conclusion
No medical or scientific evidence was found to support vitamin B5 as a safe and positive treatment for acne.
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