| Known as the "anti-stress vitamin," B5 (Pantothenic | | | | induce eosinopenia, and decreased serum potassium. |
| acid) forms part of the B-complex group of vitamins. | | | | 3. Sources of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) |
| It is a water-soluble vitamin that can be easily | | | | Vitamin B5 can be found in eggs, brewer's yeast, |
| absorbed by the body and can be manufactured by | | | | fresh vegetables, saltwater fish, beef, liver, kidney, |
| the intestinal flora. | | | | pork, royal jelly, mushrooms, torula yeast, nuts, |
| 1. Uses of B5 (pantothenic acid) | | | | whole wheat, and whole rye flour. It can be lost in |
| B5 (pantothenic acid) supports the adrenal gland and | | | | cooking, especially with milling or roasting. Canning also |
| is needed in the secretion of hormones which have | | | | destroys vitamin B5 to a large degree. It can also be |
| an important role in metabolism, in the maintenance | | | | lost when mixed with acids or alkali such as vinegar |
| of healthy muscles, nerves, and skin, and in helping to | | | | and baking soda. |
| fight allergies. B5 (pantothenic acid) is also used in the | | | | 3. Recommended dosage |
| metabolism of carbohydrates, fat, and protein, as | | | | About 10 to 100 mg of vitamin B5 is indicated but no |
| well as in the release of energy. It is also used in the | | | | recommended dosage is provided by the |
| creation of hemoglobin, lipids, neurotransmitters, and | | | | Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Vitamin B5 |
| steroid hormones. | | | | does not appear to be toxic when taken in large |
| Pantothenic acid is also thought to help in anti-aging, | | | | dosages, but diarrhea, water retention, and digestive |
| particularly in fighting wrinkles and the graying of the | | | | disturbances is reported with dosages exceeding 10g |
| hair. | | | | a day. Taking 1,500 mg of vitamin B5 a day may |
| 2. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) deficiency | | | | cause sensitivity to the teeth over an extended |
| A short supply of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) may | | | | period. |
| cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, depression, tingling | | | | IMPORTANT: The manufacture, sale, and distribution |
| of the hands, personality changes, and cardiac | | | | of vitamin supplements, including vitamin B5, are not |
| instability. Other symptoms may include frequent | | | | regulated by the Food and Drug Administration Board. |
| infection, abdominal pains, numbness, sleep | | | | Manufacturers should strictly adhere to Good |
| disturbances, paresthesia, cramps, muscle weakness, | | | | Manufacturing Practices, as standardized by the FDA. |
| and neurological disorders. | | | | Compliance assures customers that the product does |
| Shortage in vitamin B5 may also result to biochemical | | | | not contain contaminants and that it has the right |
| changes such as lowered blood cholesterol, increased | | | | amount of ingredients. |
| insulin sensitivity, failure of adrenocorticotropin to | | | | |