Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid, commonly known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin and is a part of the vitamin B-complex. It is one of the 8 vitamins that helps convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is needed by every cell in the body. Vitamin B5 is critical for maintenance of healthy nervous system, skin, liver, hair, and eyes.

Benefits of Pantothenic Acid

An extensive body of high quality research shows the benefits of vitamin B5. This includes:

Helps Fight Stress

Prolonged stress whether a result of physical, emotional or mental factors, can lead to elevation in the stress hormone cortisol, a decline in immune function, and disruption in the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut. According to research, it appears that vitamin B5 allow individuals to sustain an adaptive response and reduce some of the harmful effects of stress.^[1] 

Lowers Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

In one study, daily supplementation of 600 mg Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B5, in patients with low to moderate cardiovascular disease risk for 16 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol).^[2] The results of the study are noteworthy as prior studies have shown that, for each 1 mg/dL (0.026 mmol/L) reduction in low density lipoprotein, there is a concomitant 1% reduction in overall future cardiovascular disease risk.^[3]

Maintains Healthy Liver Function

The liver has high concentrations of Acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) which helps the body to get rid of toxic substances, thus aiding in proper liver function.^[4] Interestingly, adequate amounts of vitamin B5 are necessary to produce  CoA.^[5]

Helps Prevent Hair Loss

In a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study, vitamin B5 supplementation in patients with retarded hair loss resulted in improvements in hair quality.^[6] In another study panthenol, an alcohol analog of vitamin B5, significantly increased the diameter of scalp hair fibers and hair suppleness, and decreased the prevalence of hair fall.^[7]

Treats Respiratory Problems

In a clinical case study of a 40-year old male with cold, nasal congestion and rhinorrhea (build-up of mucus fluid in the nasal cavity), oral infusion of 1 ml vitamin B5 was able to cure all of the symptoms by the end of the 10-minute treatment.^[8]

Maintains Healthy Nerve Function

Vitamin B5 helps produce acetylcholine, the primary chemical that allows your nervous system to transmit signals back and forth to your organs.^[9] Without enough vitamin B5, nerve damage and problems with movement can develop.

Helps Control the Body’s Stress Response

Vitamin B5 plays a role in regulating the function of the adrenal glands and producing the stress hormone cortisol.^[10] Studies have shown that pantothenic acid supplementation enhances the ability of the adrenal cells to produce cortisol.^[11]  

Accelerates Wound Healing

Recent studies suggest that pantothenic acid induces an accelerating effect of the normal healing process by improving cellular multiplication after injury.^[12]

Helps Fight Acne

In a recent study, vitamin B5 supplementation in patients with acne resulted in significant reduction in acne outbreaks.^[13]

References:

1. Kelly GS. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4(4):249-65.
2. Rumberger JA, Napolitano J, Azumano I, Kamiya T, Evans M. Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B(5) used as a nutritional supplement, favorably alters low-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in low- to moderate-cardiovascular risk North American subjects: a triple-blinded placebo and diet-controlled investigation. Nutr Res. 2011;31(8):608-15.
3. Cardiovascular Diseases: New Insights for the Healthcare Professional: 2012 Edition. ScholarlyEditions. 10 December 2012. pp. 184–. ISBN 978-1-4649-7076-4.
4. Zhang YM, Chohnan S, Virga KG, et al. Chemical knockout of pantothenate kinase reveals the metabolic and genetic program responsible for hepatic coenzyme A homeostasis. Chem Biol. 2007;14(3):291-302.
5. Cristina Sabliov; Hongda Chen; Rickey Yada (7 July 2015). Nanotechnology and Functional Foods: Effective Delivery of Bioactive Ingredients. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 19–. ISBN 978-1-118-46220-1.
6. Petri H, Pierchalla P, Tronnier H. [The efficacy of drug therapy in structural lesions of the hair and in diffuse effluvium–comparative double blind study]. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 1990;79(47):1457-62.
7. Davis MG, Thomas JH, Van de velde S, et al. A novel cosmetic approach to treat thinning hair. Br J Dermatol. 2011;165 Suppl 3:24-30.
8. Gaby AR. Intravenous nutrient therapy: the “Myers’ cocktail”. Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(5):389-403.
9. Rivera-Calimlim L, Hartley D, Osterhout D. Effects of ethanol and pantothenic acid on brain acetylcholine synthesis. British Journal of Pharmacology. 1988;95(1):77-82.
10. George F. M. Ball (15 April 2008). Vitamins: Their Role in the Human Body. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 329–. ISBN 978-1-4051-4810-8.
11. Jaroenporn S, Yamamoto T, Itabashi A, et al. Effects of pantothenic acid supplementation on adrenal steroid secretion from male rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2008;31(6):1205-8.
12. Aprahamian M, Dentinger A, Stock-damgé C, Kouassi JC, Grenier JF. Effects of supplemental pantothenic acid on wound healing: experimental study in rabbit. Am J Clin Nutr. 1985;41(3):578-89.
13. Yang M, Moclair B, Hatcher V, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a novel pantothenic Acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2014;4(1):93-101.