Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B5, has a very important role in the body
as a precursor to coenzyme A. Coenzyme A (Co A) is essential for the metabolism
of carbohydrates, the synthesis and degradation of fats, the synthesis
of sterols, which produce steroid hormones including melatonin. It is
also important for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
and heme, a component of hemoglobin. Detoxification of many drugs and
toxins require CoA in the liver.
Naturally occurring pantothenic acid deficiency in humans is very rare
and has been observed only in cases of severe malnutrition. The symptoms
include numbness and painful burning and tingling in their feet, which
was relieved specifically by pantothenic acid. When induced experimentally
in humans, pantothenic acid deficiency causes headache, fatigue, insomnia,
intestinal disturbances, and numbness and tingling of their hands and
feet.
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, in animal experiments, pantothenic
acid deficient rats developed damage to the adrenal glands, while monkeys
developed anemia due to decreased synthesis of heme. Dogs with induced
pantothenic acid deficiency developed low blood sugar, rapid breathing,
rapid heart rates, and convulsions. Chickens developed spinal nerve damage
associated with the degeneration of the myelin sheath, skin irritation,
and feather abnormalities. Mice showed decreased exercise tolerance and
diminished storage of glucose (in the form of glycogen) in muscle and
liver when deprived of pantothenic acid. Mice also developed skin irritation
and graying of the fur, which was reversed by giving pantothenic acid.
Dosage: The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute
of Medicine feels there is insufficient evidence to establish RDAs for
pantothenic acid, and set “adequate intake levels” ranging
from 1.7 of 4 to 7 mg. per day.
(Source: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/pa/)
Research Overview
Vitamin B5 research shows the following:
1. Reduces lipid peroxidation
2. Lowers cholesterol
3. Protects cells against UV radiation
4. Is important to epithelial functioning
5. Accelerates wound healing
6. Regenerates skin cells after burn injury
7. Improves skin roughness and flaking
8. Regenerates cells following surgery
9. Improves symptoms of sunburn
10. Increases energy in athletes
Vitamin
B5 Abstracts (12)
Vitamin
B5 Citations (12)
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