Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex group. It is known as pantothenic acid. Tissue extracts from a variety of biological materials provided a growth factor, for yeast. This growth factor was identified as pantothenic acid, derived from the Greek word pantos, meaning ‘everywhere’. It was first recognised as essential for rats, dogs, pigs, pigeons, and chicks.
Pantothenic acid is a pale yellow, oily liquid which is not crystallised, but its calcium salt crystallises readily and this is the form in which it is generally available.
This vitamin is not destroyed in neutral solutions, but is liable to rapid destruction in acid and alkaline mediums.
Vitamin B5 for Arthritis
The use of pantothenic acid is considered valuable in arthritis. Arthritis is a vitamin-deficiency disease which could be prevented or relieved by a diet containing adequate amounts of pantothenic acid. The pantothenic acid content of the blood of persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis as lower than that in healthy individuals. In some cases, 1,000 mg administered daily was found effective in reducing the pain caused by arthritis.
Vitamin B5 for Stress
The use of pantothenic acid has been found valuable in meeting the demands of stress. In one study, the effect of large quantities of patothenic acid was tested on healthy men suffering from stress. These volunteers were immersed in cold water for eight minutes before being given this vitamin, and eight minutes. again after receiving 10,000 mg of calcium pantothenate daily for six weeks. Their stress lasted only for eight minutes, yet the pantothenic acid prevented destruction of protein, retention of salt, and a rise in blood sugar. It caused the blood cholesterol to fall. There were no toxic effects.
Vitamin B5 for Premature Graying
Pantothenic acid is one of the three anti-gray-hair vitamins, the other two being paraminobenzoic acid and inositol. Many people with grey hair have taken pantothenic acid and some have had their hair restored to their natural colour. However, for satisfactory results, all the three anti-grey-hair vitamins should be taken simultaneously, preferably in a form which provides all the B vitamins such as yeast, wheat germ, and liver.
Vitamin B5 for Skin Disorders And Infections
Administration of pantothenic acid either orally or by injection, or by external application in the form of ointment or solution, is helpful for sunburn and old-age dermatitis.
Pantothenic acid plays an important role in the body during infections by protecting the liver. While treating infections with antibiotics, the addition of pantothenic acid also minimizes the chances of drug resistant organisms, reduces the risk of untoward reactions to the antibiotics and increases antibodies in the body.
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Important health benefits of vitamin B5 pantothenic acid are lowering of elevated blood cholesterol levels and serum triglyceride levels. It is particularly essential for good adrenal function and is called the ‘de-stress’ vitamin.
Pantothenic acid for acne treatment is recommended by a host of experts. Rich sources are: whole grains, legumes, cauliflower and nuts.