Vitamin B5 (Pantothenate)

Function:

Pantothenic acid plays vital roles in energy production from foodstuffs.  Pantothenate is a component of coenzyme A, which is necessary for energy production from carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and other compounds, as well as synthesis of fats, cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin and phospholipids.

Defciency Symptoms:

Fatigue, cholesterol abnormalities, hypoglycemia, achlorhydria, depression, burning feet, dermatitis, burning or pain of arms and legs, anorexia, nausea, indigestion, irritability, mental depression, fainting, hair loss, increased heart rate, susceptibility to infection, pre-mature graying and hair loss, headaches, and insomnia.

Repletion Information:

If deficient, supplementation is recommended to replete this nutrient.

Pantethine: this form of vitamin B5 is the active coenzyme and is more effective from a clinical standpoint.

Calcium Pantothenate: this form is commonly used in over the counter supplement products.  It requires additional chemical reactions inside the body before it is activated.

The following foods are the richest dietary source of pantothenate:

Meat                                                        Nutritional yeasts

Whole grains                                          Legumes

Vegetables                                          Nuts

Seeds

Vitamin B5, otherwise known as pantothenic acid or pantothenate is a water soluble B-vitamin that is critical for normal function of the human body.  This vitamin is also commonly called the anti-stress nutrient because it plays a role in the production of stress hormones by the adrenal glands.  Deficiency of B-5 contributes to the inability to cope with stress.  Additionally, pantothenic acid plays vital roles in energy production from foodstuffs.  Pantothenate is a component of coenzyme A, which is necessary for energy production from carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and other compounds, as well as synthesis of fats, cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin and phospholipids.

Fatigue

Elevated cholesterol

Burning and pain in the arms and legs

Burning feet

Nausea

Indigestion

Irritability

Fainting

Hair loss

Elevated heart rate

Susceptibility to infection

Premature graying of the hair

Hair loss

Achlorhydria

Depression

Dermatitis

Adrenal disease (adrenal burn out or failure)

Insomnia

High Cholesterol

Chronic Fatigue syndrome

Fibromyalgia

The term pantos is Greek and means “everywhere”, therefore; B5 is found in most foods.  Meat, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and seeds  are rich sources.