Why do i need vitamin b5

Vitamin B5 deficiency is rare, but may include symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, depression, irritability, vomiting, stomach pains, burning feet, and upper respiratory infections. Several small, double-blind studies suggest that pantethine may help reduce triglycerides, or fats, in the blood in people who have high cholesterol. In some open studies, pantethine seems to lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in people with diabetes.

But not all studies agree. Larger studies are needed to see whether pantethine has any real benefit. Preliminary research suggests that vitamin B5 has moisturizing effects on the skin, however, researchers aren't clear why it works.

Other studies, mostly in test tubes and animals but a few on people, suggest that vitamin B5 supplements may speed wound healing, especially following surgery. This may be particularly true if vitamin B5 is combined with vitamin C.

Preliminary evidence suggests that pantothenic acid might improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis RA , but the evidence is weak. One study found that people with RA may have lower levels of B5 in their blood than healthy people, and the lowest levels were associated with the most severe symptoms.

Other studies show that calcium pantothenate improves symptoms of RA, including morning stiffness and pain. More studies are needed to confirm these findings. Pantothenic acid gets its name from the Greek root pantos, meaning "everywhere," because it is available in a wide variety of foods. However, the vitamin B5 in foods is lost during processing. Fresh meats, vegetables, and whole unprocessed grains have more vitamin B5 than refined, canned, and frozen food.

The best sources are brewer's yeast, corn, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, avocado, legumes, lentils, egg yolks, beef especially organ meats such as liver and kidney , turkey, duck, chicken, milk, split peas, peanuts, soybeans, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, whole-grain breads and cereals, lobster, wheat germ, and salmon. Vitamin B5 can be found in multivitamins and B complex vitamins, or sold separately under the names pantothenic acid and calcium pantothenate.

It is available in a variety of forms including tablets, softgels, and capsules. Unlike other vitamins, vitamin B5 has no Recommended Dietary Allowance. Experts recommend the following daily intakes of dietary vitamin B Higher doses may be recommended by a health care provider for the treatment of specific conditions.

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Doctors consider vitamin B5 safe at doses equal to the daily intake, and at moderately higher doses. Very high doses may cause diarrhea and may increase the risk of bleeding.

At the end of the trial, the participants reported significantly fewer zits. Many skin creams and hair products contain dexpanthenol, a chemical made from vitamin B5.

A single older study way back in did find that applying panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, to your scalp could prevent hair thinning. The adequate daily intake AI for vitamin B5 is:.

Basically, if you eat a generally healthy diet, you should be getting enough — and not too much — of your daily B5. People take B5 supplements for many, many reasons. Some claim it helps arthritis. Others pop B5 pills for healthier skin and nails. But if you suspect that you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, definitely talk with your doc. This includes:.

Only one known condition puts you at a high risk for B5 deficiency: Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration 2 mutation formerly known as Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome. Again, this is really rare, but the most common side effects of a vitamin B5 deficiency include:. Vitamin B5 is one of eight B vitamins that help your body make red blood cells, convert food into energy, and more. Vitamin B complex is vital for a variety of bodily functions.

All eight B vitamins offer unique health benefits. Most peeps get enough vitamin B12 from animal-based food products. If you're vegetarian or vegan, getting enough B12 can require some research and…. Vitamin D is an essential, fat-soluble vitamin that most people, including vegans, don't get enough of.

Your body needs vitamin D to help you absorb…. The Nutrition Source Menu. Search for:. A double-blinded randomized trial following men and women with moderate dyslipidemia were given supplements of mg CoA or mg pantethine daily for 8 weeks pantethine is another form of pantothenic acid that has been studied to control dyslipidemia.

Total cholesterol also decreased, and HDL cholesterol increased from baseline. The pantethine group showed smaller reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides. No negative side effects from the supplements were observed.

Food Sources Pantothenic acid is found in almost all plant and animal foods to some degree, because the vitamin is found in all living cells. Symptoms of deficiency may include: Headache Fatigue Irritability, restlessness Disturbed sleep Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps Numbness or burning sensation in hands or feet Muscle cramps Toxicity A toxic level of pantothenic acid has not been observed from food sources. Did You Know? Food and Nutrition Board. Department of Health and Human Services.

Efficacy and tolerability of coenzyme A vs pantethine for the treatment of patients with hyperlipidemia: A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study. Journal of clinical lipidology.