Conditions improved by a supplement

Many scholars suggest that taking into account the fact that every cell of the body needs vitamin B5 and in case of its deficiency the functioning of almost any part of the organism can be impaired, pantothenic acid may be of help in the struggle against certain health disorders or, at least, it can be the means to prevent the development of some diseases.

First of all, it ensures the proper work of the adrenal glands, being involved in the production of several hormones, and strengthens the immune and nervous systems, thus helping to manage stress and increase vitality.

Being an important element for the process of red blood cells formation and the proper absorption of several vitamins and minerals, pantothenic acid may play a role for the prevention and treatment of anemia.  

The vast majority of recent studies report of the vitamin B5 positive action on the levels of blood lipids. It is stated that it may lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides rates, increasing at the same time the level of good cholesterol in the bloodstream. It is suggested that this aim is reached because pantothenic acid may inhibit cholesterol synthesis or production and promote the use of fats for energy. This news may be especially valuable for cardiovascular and diabetes patients.

Vitamin B5 may also play some role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as many sufferers of this disease were diagnosed with the lowered rates of this vitamin in the body. It was also reported that their state improved with the pantothenic acid supplementation. 

The use of vitamin B5 has not yet been scientifically proved effective in the treatment of acne, burns and wounds, as well as in the prevention of hair loss or graying of the hair.

Consuming usual meal one may get from 4 to 10 mg of vitamin B5 a day. Thus, it was officially stated that 5 mg of this element is the most reasonable amount to take for the male and female adults. Infants under 6 months of age require 1.7 mg and those 7 months to 1 year need 1.8 mg of this vitamin a day.

Children age-related dosages are defined as follows: 1-3 years – 2 mg; 3-8 years – 3 mg; 8-14 years – 4 mg of pantothenic acid daily. The largest amount of B5 is necessary for pregnant (6 mg a day) and breastfeeding women (7 mg per day). It should be noted that vitamin B5 is crucial for the healthy fetal development of a baby. 

Treatment of the specific health conditions will require much higher doses of vitamin B5: for example, arthritis patients may be recommended to take 2,000 mg daily; lowering cholesterol levels may need the consumption of 300 mg 3 times a day; and adrenal support may require 250 mg of vitamin twice a day.   

Precautions and interactions

In spite of the importance of pantothenic acid, it should always be used with caution and doctor’s supervision in children and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The level of vitamin B5 in the body may be reduced by sleeping pills, estrogen and progestin, alcohol and sulfa drugs. People under stress, those consuming many refined foods and suffering from allergies may also need larger amounts of B5.

One should not use pantothenic acid with the antibiotic tetracycline, because it reduces its effectiveness. In addition, Alzheimer’s drugs combined with this vitamin may cause the increase in the side effects rate. Finally, biotin absorption is said to be impaired by vitamin B5, thus the common old rule about consultation a doctor and following to his instructions is the best way to improve health without any risks.